“It’s absolutely stunning. I dashed over to Allie’s shop last night for a final fitting before Charles escorted me to the hotel. I couldn’t be more pleased.”
Rachel studied Clare, seeing dark circles and a weariness she hadn’t expected. “Please don’t take this wrong, but you look a little exhausted.”
“No offense taken, Rachel. It has been a long few days of recuperating and getting everything ready for the wedding.” Clare thought of the night before. “I didn’t get much sleep last night.”
“Too excited about the wedding?” Isabella asked.
“Yes, I am thrilled to be marrying Charles.” Her face clouded. “But it isn’t only that. The strangest thing happened last night. I woke in a panic and found it hard to draw a breath. It took quite a while before my heart stopped pounding.” She didn’t add how much the experience frightened her.
“Maybe it’s from the stress of all you’ve been through,” Caro offered.
Clare shook her head. “Whatever caused it, I was up the rest of the night.” She glanced around the table. “The oddest part was finding my door unlocked when I left this morning. I’m quite certain I locked it.”
Rachel’s brows drew together. She thought of the fire, how Clare almost died trying to get out of the church. Now this. “It does seem odd. I know you have your mind on the wedding, but I’d suggest you talk with Gabe about what happened last night.”
Waving her hand, Clare seemed to dismiss the idea. “The sheriff is such a busy man. I hate to waste his time on something as minor as being woken in the middle of the night.”
“What about the fire?” Lena asked. “I can understand one strange event, but two makes me wonder if someone is trying to harm you.”
Abby nodded. “Or possibly kill you. I agree with Rachel. Talk to Gabe, Clare. You really have no reason not to.”
“Or I can talk to him for you.”
Clare’s eyes widened on Lena. “I couldn’t ask you to do that.”
Caro set down her empty cup. “I could always mention it to my husband, Beau, and he’ll make certain Gabe knows.”
“Thank you, Caro, but I don’t want to impose on anyone.”
“Does that mean you’ll talk to him?” Lena asked.
Letting out a weary breath, Clare nodded. “First, I’ll speak with Charles, ask his thoughts. But not until tomorrow. I don’t want anything to spoil our wedding.”
A light snow swirled around Chad, causing his horse to dance and whinny, sometimes bucking when the dirt became too thick. He’d been riding since well before sunup, making a quick decision to leave Big Pine for Splendor.
Chad never knew when the slow ache in his gut would occur, but he wasn’t fool enough to ignore the unnerving waves of warning. Those instincts had saved his life more than once, and last night they’d come on stronger than usual. He’d played two more hands of cards, refused the offering of one of his favorite saloon girls to accompany her upstairs, and left.
Chad estimated he’d ridden over half the distance to Splendor when the pesky dust balls appeared. They were never pleasant, but these were particularly bothersome. He already knew his belongings in the saddlebags would be riddled with gritty bits of sand and dirt.
He enjoyed playing mental games when riding alone. They helped pass the time and helped him recover from the usual hangover from too much whiskey the night before.
If he remembered right, today was Wednesday. The weeks in Big Pine had been restful, if not at all productive. He’d won a little at cards, spending most of those winnings on whiskey and women. Not once had he thought of robbing any of the banks in the territorial capital.
Sheriff Parker Sterling had a good number of deputies, all proficient with guns and offering little tolerance for anyone causing trouble in their town. Besides, Chad didn’t have partners, no one to depend on to back him up during a robbery. He didn’t need the money, but he did miss the excitement of riding into town, taking what he wanted, and hightailing it out before anyone suspected what he’d done.
Right now, Chad had no plans to rob the lone bank in Splendor. As good as Sterling’s reputation, he’d heard Gabe Evans was better. He’d surrounded himself with ex-Union and Confederate officers, battle-hardened men who didn’t panic under pressure. If the rumors were true, more than one of the town’s illustrious citizens had been a sharpshooter during the war. Not good odds for a sole outlaw.
Reining to a stop, Chad reached behind him for his canteen. Taking a deep draw, he leaned forward, stroking a hand down his horse’s neck.
“Won’t be long and we’ll be out of the wind and dust, old fella.” At least Chad hoped so. Taking another swallow, he slipped the canteen away, picking up the reins.
He’d heard they’d built a real fine hotel in Splendor, maybe better than any of the ones in Big Pine. Chad didn’t believe it. He couldn’t imagine any sane man choosing to build a fancy hotel in a small, inconsequential town instead of the booming territorial capital.
It didn’t matter. All he asked for was a bath, clean bed, decent food, and nothing identifying him as a man with an outlaw past.
Allie stepped back, checking the sleeves and hem one more time before a satisfied grin spread across her face. “I can’t find anything else to change, Clare.”
“It is stunning, Allie.” Turning in a circle, she eyed herself in the long mirror. “I hope Charles likes it.”
“I don’t believe there’s any doubt about that, Clare. Uncle Charles will love it.” Rachel stood several feet away, as did the other women who’d been at the boardinghouse. “The green is a perfect color for your dark red hair.”
Allie set aside her needle and thread. “It’s almost time, Clare.”
She turned toward the others. “I still can’t quite believe this is happening. After all these years. I never dared dream…” Clare’s words trailed off on a muffled sob.
Isabella pulled an embroidered, lace handkerchief from her reticule, holding it out. “None of that. You don’t want Charles to see you this way. Why, he’ll think you’re unsure about marrying him.”
Clare laughed through one last, ragged sob, dabbing her eyes with the handkerchief.
“That’s better.” Isabella shook her head when Clare offered it back to her. “You keep it, just in case you want to pull it out during the ceremony.”
Lena walked to the front, opening the door. “Well, ladies. I do believe it’s time to go to the Dixie.”
“We need to surround Clare so no one sees her before the wedding.” Isabella glanced at her. “It’s bad luck, and we can’t have any of that today.”
“Are we ready?” Rachel glanced around them and stepped outside, leading the tight circle of friends across the street and down the boardwalk to the saloon.
Lena moved around Rachel as they approached the entrance, slowing her pace at the number of people crowded outside. She’d expected a good number of townsfolk would hear about the wedding and want to attend, but there had to be close to two hundred people, inside and out.
“What in the world?”
No one answered Clare’s question, focusing their efforts on getting her through the crowd without causing damage to her dress.
“Do you see Uncle Charles?” Rachel glanced around the saloon, seeing her husband, Dax, and Ginny’s husband, Luke.
“He’s supposed to be with Nick and Gabe in the office. The rest of you stay with Clare until I find him.” Lena excused herself, moving through the throng of people vying for space in the saloon.
The tables had been stacked in corners, extra chairs brought over from the Wild Rose, the other saloon Nick, Lena, and Gabe owned. From what Lena could see, every chair was occupied, each spot at the bar taken, and all available standing space filled. She’d expected a crowd, but nothing close to this.
Opening the office door, Lena slipped inside. “Oh, good. You’re all here.”
Charles whirled around, his features tense, mouth drawn into a thin line. “Is Clare with you?”
He let out a breath, the tension draining from his face. “Good. I was afraid she might change her mind.”
Her mouth tipping into a grin, Lena shook her head. “Never. Although I do believe the number of people in the saloon shocked her.”
Gabe moved next to his wife, putting an arm around her waist. “Is the place full?”
“Full?” Lena chuckled. “People are crowding around the doors because there’s no space left inside.”
Seeing the look of surprise on Charles’s face, Nick clasped him on the back. “You’ve got a lot of friends, Doc. Appears they all want to celebrate with you and Clare.” He looked at Lena. “Is Reverend Paige here yet?”
Before she could answer, the door opened and the minister joined them. “Do you know how many people are out there, Charles?”
He grimaced, tugging on the collar of his shirt. “I’m getting a good idea there are quite a few.”
“I’d say close to everyone who lives within a few miles is here, my friend.”
“What?” Lena’s eyes grew wide, voice coming out louder than intended. “Are you sure?” She thought of the food being prepared, wondering if there’d be close to enough to feed so many. Lena doubted it.
Gabe drew her closer, whispering in her ear. “Don’t worry about it, sweetheart. Whatever food we have ready will have to be enough.”
She lifted her face to his. “How did you know?”
He kissed the tip of her nose. “Because I understand you.”
Reverend Paige cleared his throat. “I suppose we should get started. Are you ready, Charles?”
He hadn’t realized how nervous he’d be. Even knowing it was Clare didn’t seem to calm the tightness in his chest or thickness in his throat. Charles hoped he could get through the ceremony without his voice wavering. Steeling his resolve, he looked at the reverend.
“I’m ready.”
“Then it’s time.” Reverend Paige opened the door and walked out, waiting for Charles to join him. “You’ve nothing to worry about.”
Charles didn’t respond when his gaze landed on Clare. Releasing a slow breath, he couldn’t look away as she started toward him, nor could he form a coherent thought.
A bright, unwavering smile lit Clare’s face. Eyes locked on his, the crowd parted, allowing her to walk straight to him. He didn’t notice her lower lip trembling until she stopped within inches of him. Reaching out, he took hold of her hands, threading their fingers together.
Turning to face Reverend Paige, Charles nodded. “We’re ready.”
May dried her hands on a towel, tossing it aside to grab her coat and reticule. If she hurried, she still might be able to watch at least part of the ceremony. Reaching the door, May stopped at Gary’s gruff voice.
“Where do you think you’re going?”
“The tables are set, the food is ready, and dishes are washed. I’m going to Doc Worthington’s wedding. I’ll come right back when it’s over.”
“Mrs. Evans isn’t going to like it,” he growled.
She gave him a gracious smile. “Mrs. Evans is who mentioned it to me. She said we’re both invited. Why don’t we go together?” May bit back a smile at the shocked look on his face.
Clearing his throat, he shook his head. “You go. Tell Mrs. Evans I appreciate the invitation.”
“I will. I won’t stay away long.”
May bounded down the back steps, running to the street, coming to an abrupt halt at the sight of dozens of people outside the Dixie. She’d never seen so many people in town at one time. Disappointment slumped her shoulders. Not only would she be unable to watch Charles and Clare take their vows, she’d never find Caleb and Isaac. She felt a wave of guilt realizing the last was what she’d regret the most.
Moving forward, she got close enough to glance around the crowd and through the front window. All she saw were the backs of those standing. Frustrated, she turned away, staring down at the boardwalk as she started back to the restaurant.
“May?”
Lifting her head, she allowed a tentative smile to form at the sight of Caleb holding Isaac’s hand. He looked so good with his chiseled features, indigo eyes, and charming, almost boyish smile. She waited as he approached.
“Hello, Caleb.”
“We didn’t get here early enough to find a place inside.” He scanned the people flowing into the street. “I haven’t seen this many people in one place in a long time.”
“I was thinking the exact same. Doc Worthington is loved by so many. It seems every one of them wanted to be a part of his wedding.”
They fell silent, moving aside as the crowd moved away from the door. A moment later, Charles emerged with Clare on his arm, the happiness on their faces causing a sharp pang of longing. May wondered if she’d ever experience such a deep, devoted love.
“I’ve never seen Doc so happy.” May lifted her hand, waving at the couple as they walked past, getting a smile from Clare in return. “I need to get back to the restaurant to help with the food.”
“I’ll walk with you.” Caleb swung Isaac into his arms. They moved at the pace of the rest of the townsfolk who followed Charles and Clare to the entrance of the St. James.
Stopping where May would turn to enter through the kitchen’s back door, Caleb’s attention landed on a lone rider. He’d entered town from the east, the direction of Big Pine. Reining his horse to a stop near the unfinished church, the man watched the large number of people huddling outside the hotel entrance, a thin smile quirking up one side of his mouth.
Charles and Clare had stopped at the top of the steps, turning to face the crowd. Clearing his throat, Charles wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close.
“I can’t tell you how much it means to Mrs. Worthington and me that you took the time to join us for the ceremony.”
The combination of the stranger’s hat tugged low on his forehead and the collar of his coat drawn up prevented Caleb from getting a good look at his face. Still, something about the man seemed familiar. A wave of deep unease settled over him, a nagging instinct Caleb knew shouldn’t be ignored.
“Are you all right?”
Shifting Isaac to his other arm, Caleb looked down at May. “Fine.”
She studied his face, sure she’d seen a flash of apprehension. “You don’t sound fine. Are you sure nothing’s bothering you?”
Taking another glance at the rider, he nodded. “I’m fine, May.”
She didn’t believe him but wouldn’t push. “I need to get into the kitchen. There’s a feast waiting inside for you, and a large table full of my pastries.” Hesitating a moment longer, getting no response, she turned to leave.
He wanted to reach out, grab her arm, and force her to stay beside him a few minutes longer. Instead, he walked behind her, stopping at the base of the steps.
“When will you be finished?” The question came out before he could think it through.
“I should have all my duties finished by five.”
“Is it all right if I come by to walk you to the boardinghouse?”
Faltering, she looked over her shoulder. “Why?”
Other than missing her, he didn’t have a good answer, at least not one he thought she’d accept. “I don’t like the idea of you walking home in the dark.”
“But I leave here in the dark all the time, Caleb. There’s no need for you to escort me.” She gripped the doorknob.
“Let me to do it anyway.” Shoving aside his pride, Caleb’s anxious gaze met hers. “I miss you, May. I know you have doubts about me, but I need time with you. As much as you’ll allow.”
She’d missed him, too, hoping he’d seek her out as a friend if nothing more. “Well, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt. I’ll wait for your knock on the kitchen door.”
Expelling a slow breath, he gave her a lopsided grin. “Isaac will be with me.”
She returned his smi
le. “I didn’t expect otherwise.”
His features relaxed. “Good. We’ll be here at five.”
Walking back to the street, he took another quick glance at the rider. Another, more violent wave of unease clawed at him. He didn’t recognize the man, had no idea where he came from or why he’d ridden into Splendor. The man could be looking for work or something else. Something more sinister.
What Caleb did understand was the overpowering tug of foreboding he felt as he watched the man kick his horse and continue down the street. He’d ignored the same sensation years before, and Regina’s death was the tragic result.
Glancing behind him at the closed door to the kitchen, he thought of the woman inside, the only person he’d cared about since Regina. Never again would he ignore the unmistakable warnings of impending trouble.
Chapter Eighteen
Dax leaned back in his chair, laughing at some joke Luke made and Bull embellished. As much as he wanted to enjoy the wedding festivities, he couldn’t get his mind off the strange killings of cattle at the ranch. It had been going on for several weeks, yet they weren’t any closer to finding the animals, or people, responsible. He couldn’t quite believe they had a pack of rabid wolves roaming the region, but so far, no other explanation made sense.
“For one day, can’t you forget about the ranch and enjoy yourself? I don’t want Uncle Charles to think you’re not happy for him and Clare.”
He startled at Rachel’s question, not wanting their troubles to intrude on such an auspicious event. “I’m sorry, sweetheart.” Leaning over, he kissed her cheek. “We should go rescue Charles and Clare from Dilly and Pauline.” Standing, he pulled out her chair.
Rachel lifted her mouth to Dax’s ear. “Uncle Charles did say how much he likes Dilly.”
“And what did he say about Pauline?” He stifled a laugh when she crinkled her nose. “That’s why we have to rescue them. Their good mood won’t last long listening to her.”
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