CHAPTER NINE
AFTER TWO MORE days of grueling travel, an ungodly climb up a mountain and a spooky trip through a cave that everyone misleadingly called a “cut,” the end was near. Josie was finally coming into the light. Stefano, leading Glory so he wouldn’t spook in that suffocatingly dark cave—he’d been a little jumpy since losing his hat—pulled the horse to a halt. Without a word, he walked to the rear of the wagon where his own mount was tied.
“What’s happening?” Her question echoed in the cavern.
Stefano led the pretty mare up alongside. He smiled at her.
“Nothing. I am needed elsewhere. You can handle it from here.”
She could? Unwrapping the reins from where they were tied, she stretched her back. If she never had to ride in a wagon again, it would be too soon. The last three days had been grueling. “Thank you.”
He touched his hat. “De nada, señorita.”
“Do we have much farther to go?” she called as he mounted.
“Not so far now. Half a day at most, if we don’t run into trouble.”
“Could you elaborate on ‘trouble’?”
“You do not have to worry.”
“And yet I will, so you might as well tell me.”
“The wagons could break down—we could run into Indians or bandits. The horses could get snake bit. The path could fall away. The—”
He’d been too quick to whip that out. She held up her hand, stopping the litany. “I’m sorry I asked.”
He smiled a weary smile. “As you wish.”
If the trip had been rough on her, it’d been rougher on the vaqueros. They had to do double duty as guards at night. She didn’t know when they slept.
Rubbing the back of her hand against her forehead, she sighed. She didn’t need any more excitement. The tornado had filled that need for the foreseeable future. “Thank you, again.”
“It was my pleasure.” With a tip of his sombrero, he turned his horse. “Just follow the wagon ahead and you should be fine.”
A touch of his heels to the mare’s side and he was off. Her thank-you trailed in his wake.
She sighed. And then she was left alone with her thoughts. That was never a good thing. She had a habit of worrying a notion to death. Right now, topping the list was the kiss she’d shared with Luke. She’d tried blaming it on the storm, gratitude and too much spinsterhood, but no matter the excuse, the memory wouldn’t go away. It pestered her like a hungry mosquito. Always buzzing around her thoughts, irritating her, making her crazy with the thought of doing it again. No matter that she’d avoided Luke for the last two days. Out of sight was not putting him out of her mind.
No matter what she tried, she could not erase that memory nor diminish its impact on her senses. She went to sleep with the feel of Luke’s lips on hers. She slept with an echo of his weight upon her and awoke with the anticipation of feeling it again. He was like a drug in her blood. A daydream that wouldn’t quit. She didn’t know how to get rid of it. Worse, she really wasn’t sure she wanted to. The man had been willing to die for her. In short, Luke Bellen was a hero straight out of her dime novels.
The now familiar signal cut through the quiet. With a creak and a groan, Tia’s wagon jerked forward, its plain gray exterior monotonously lurching along. Josie had spent hours mentally framing pictures she wanted to take, then imagined hanging them on the back of that boring surface.
With a sigh, she clucked her tongue and urged Glory to follow. Before she got fully into the sunlight, she retrieved the ointment Tia had given her from her pocket. Pulling the cork, she dipped her fingers into the little pot and spread the cream on her nose and cheeks. Her bonnet just didn’t have what it took to prevent sunburn. Wrinkling her nose at the smell, she resigned herself to another long ride.
At least her motion sickness had diminished. Sealing the jar and putting it away, she sighed. Just a half a day more, she consoled herself. Then this excruciating journey in this horrible wagon would be over. She couldn’t wait. God help any Indians or bandits that might delay them, because if they did... Well, she might just go crazy and kill them herself.
She shook her head at the wild thought. Before she’d come out here, she’d never had so much as a violent inkling. All of her energy went into disappearing into the crowd. The West was certainly changing her. Whether it was for the better or not, that remained to be seen, but she was definitely changing.
At three o’clock, just as they were coming up on a steep-sided canyon opening, another sharp whistle came down the line. Ahead of her, Tia’s wagon pulled up. But this time, the vaqueros fell in around the wagons in a protective barrier. Fear stirred in the pit of Josie’s stomach. Glory tossed his head. The harness jangled.
Please don’t let it be Indians.
She wished she had a gun.
“Is there trouble?” she asked the vaquero on her left.
“We are at the Montoya ranch.”
This was the ranch? All she could see was a wall of mountains with a narrow pass between. “Then why are we stopping?”
“There are bandits in these hills. And Indians. We must wait to be allowed through.”
She didn’t want to wait. She was tired, queasy, thirsty and, quite frankly, dying to take pictures of this fascinating countryside. “I don’t suppose we could just ride through and get approved later? After all, this is your home.”
“El Montoya does not take chances with his family.”
The waiting chafed. “So we have to wait.”
“Yes.”
“For whom?”
“The sentries.” This man was older than Stefano and Zach. She didn’t see a family resemblance until he smiled. He pointed to the peaks on either side of the valley opening. “If you look hard, you may see the glint of a gun barrel.”
Shading her eyes with her hand, she peered off into the distance. She spotted what might have been the reflection of light or she could’ve just blinked. It was a long way up. “Can they hit anything from there?”
“The proof is under your feet.”
He couldn’t mean what she thought... Everything inside her cringed in horror. She glanced down. “You’re not saying...”
The man laughed. “I only tease. We bury the dead over the hill.”
She thought he might be teasing still. “Lovely.”
“He’s not joking on that,” Stefano called back.
Even lovelier.
The sun beat down. Time crept by like a tortoise on a lazy day. Glory dozed in his traces. Josie chomped at the bit. She wanted to get there already. She wanted a real bath. She wanted a good meal. She wanted to develop the tintypes she’d already taken. She wanted to break out her equipment and take more. She wanted to do anything but sit in this wagon in the hot sun. This grand adventure was turning out to be little more than a bruise on her behind.
When there was a flurry of activity at the front, she perked up. When the call came to move, she could have cheered. After arranging her skirts more decorously and putting on her gloves, she picked up the reins and released the brake. Finally!
Before the wheels could make a full revolution, the wagon dipped to the left. Startled, she turned just as Luke settled into the seat beside her, his recovered hat sitting low on his brow. A glitter she didn’t trust shone in his eyes. Beyond him, Chico kept pace with the wagon. Looping Chico’s reins around a post, Luke pushed his hat back and gave her that smile that sent her imagination skipping along paths she kept trying to avoid.
“I told you mounting a horse from a wagon was a useful skill.”
All she could think of was how she’d experienced that smile firsthand, felt it brush her skin, tasted it on her lips. She still had a mark on her neck from his kiss. Without thinking, she touched it.
“You neglected to mention it also works in reverse.”
“A man likes to have some secrets.”
She bet he did. “What are you doing here, Luke?”
He took the reins from her hand. “The path down to the Montoya ranch is steep.”
“Then I’ll get out and walk.”
Suiting action to word, she got as far as one step down before he spoke.
“Watch out for rattlers.”
She pulled her foot back in. “Are you saying that just to upset me?”
“No, I’m saying that because you need to watch out for them. This terrain is prime rattler territory.”
“I hate snakes.”
“I see. It’s the spiders that get to me. They’re so big you hate to stomp them because their guts squirt all over.”
That was just too disgusting. She checked the overhang above her head. It was, thankfully, spider free. With as much dignity as she could muster, she sat back down on the seat.
Luke cut her a glance. “Staying?”
She glared at him and flopped back against the backboard, then considered what might lurk there and sat up straight again. “You know darned well I am.”
His lips twitched. “I appreciate the company.”
Ed and Tia’s wagon started down the path. The vaqueros who’d been riding beside were nowhere close. With a flick of his reins, Luke woke Glory up. With a long slow breath, Glory expressed his displeasure. But on the next cluck of the tongue, the horse grudgingly put his weight into the harness. The wagon jerked into motion.
“Is the path really steep or did you just say that to scare me?”
“It’s steep.”
“Then thank you—”
He cut her off. “You’re welcome.”
She finished as if he hadn’t interrupted. “But I’m sure Stefano could have driven me.”
She had the satisfaction of seeing his jaw tighten.
“You and Stefano have spent a lot of time together lately.”
“He’s been a wealth of information on potential places to take pictures. Did you know there’s a waterfall on the Montoya ranch?”
“No, I didn’t.”
“I’ve never photographed water before. I don’t even know if it’s possible.”
“I’ll take you.”
“Stefano already volunteered, but thank you.”
His hands tightened on the reins.
“You’ve been a bit busy of late.”
The change of subject made her blink. She’d been entertaining the idea he might be jealous. Disappointment prompted the unvarnished truth. “I’ve been avoiding you.”
He nodded. “I know.”
He said that so casually. Didn’t he care? This time she did sit back. It was hard letting illusions go. “You’re better at this than I am.”
He raised his eyebrow at her, not pretending to misunderstand. “I’ve had more practice.”
“No doubt.”
“Or it could be my ammo is bigger.”
She blinked.
The corner of his mouth kicked up. “It’s hard to top spiders and snakes.”
“They are a hard act to follow.”
“Are you ready to talk yet about what happened?”
“Between us?”
“Well, I sure don’t want to talk about what happened between Ed and Tia last night.”
The blush started at her toes. Another discovery she’d made. There was just no privacy on the trail. By the time it got to her cheeks, they were on fire. “It’s good to know people can enjoy each other at any age.”
“I don’t know about you, but I could go another twenty years without revisiting that lesson.”
“Me, too.”
For a couple minutes, silence carried. Then Luke broke it with “You didn’t answer my question.”
“I know.”
“I’ve been patient.”
That had her turning in the seat. “Patient about what?”
“Ed and Tia said you needed some time.”
There was no hiding her gasp. “You discussed what happened with Ed and Tia?” If a hole opened up in the ground in front of them right then, she would’ve jumped in.
“Hardly.”
Now she felt foolish. “Then what exactly did you discuss?”
“The fact that you’re not in much of a hurry to chase down a husband.” With a calm she had to admire, he added, “I’m aiming to get around that.”
“Is that threat?”
“No, I just figure maybe you had reason in the past to be suspicious of men, but, my darlin’, I’m not them.”
“Stop calling me that.”
“Why?”
“People will get ideas.”
“What kind of ideas? Like that I’m interested in you? That you’re under my protection? That I’ll kill anyone who tries to hurt you? Darlin’, there isn’t a soul here that doesn’t already know that.”
She blinked. Except her, apparently. “Why are you telling me this?”
“Because we’re almost at Rancho Montoya.”
“And?”
“You’re going to be a very popular woman once we get there.”
The blush drained away in a rush. “I told you I’m not a whore.”
“And I told you that’s a filthy word.”
“I don’t understand.”
She had to wait for his explanation as the path dipped suddenly. With a competence she’d never have managed, he worked the brake down the incline.
His jaw bunched. “Men are going to come courting.”
He had such a warped view of how men saw her. “I don’t—”
He cut her off. “They’ll come. Most with good intentions.”
She couldn’t conceive of such a thing. “And?”
“And I’m writing my name at the top of your dance card.”
It was finally dawning on her what he was saying. She glanced around in a minor panic. None of the vaqueros were within earshot, which could only mean he’d orchestrated that, too. At least that was something of which she approved. “You want to court me.”
She couldn’t blame him for the incredulous breath. She had been a little dense. They hit another downward section. He worked the brake and the reins in a coordinated effort, his arm muscles bulging with the effort. He’d handled her with the same efficiency. Still was, she realized as she caught him assessing her reaction out of the corner of his eyes. Grabbing the edge of the seat, she held on for dear life. She hadn’t expected this. “Why?”
“Why do I want you?”
She shook her head. Below them, the ranch came into view. Rancho Montoya was a huge enterprise with multiple barns and corrals spread out over a large portion of verdant valley. A river threaded through the picturesque setting, guaranteeing the occupants ample water. Whoever had started the ranch had planned on leaving a mark, and whoever was maintaining it was building on that. She could feel Luke watching her, waiting for an explanation. Why did no one understand that her dreams were just as big?
“Why what, then?” he prompted in that low drawl that made her goose bumps compete with her shivers. The man could probably talk a woman into his bed without ever laying a finger on her.
Looking at the ranch, she sighed. “Why is the choice always lover or husband? Why is it never friend?”
* * *
THE SMALL CARAVAN pulled into the yard. From the corral a colt nickered a greeting just as Bella waddled from the house. Her long dark hair was pulled back in a chignon. Luke could see the lines of strain hovering around her big brown eyes, but her smile was as beautiful as ever. Behind her hurried her mother, Bettina. She was an older, more reserved version of Bella.
“You know the doctor told you you’re not supposed to be out of bed, Bella,” she fussed.
With her hands on the small of her back, Bella dismissed the concern. “I have been waiting forever for Tia to get here. A few minutes will not harm.”
From the look on her mother’s face, she didn’t agree.
Tia’s expression mirrored Bettina’s. Very carefully she hugged Bella, before putting her hand on her belly.
From where he was unhitching the team, Ed waved. Bella waved back, her face alight with joy. “I am so glad you are here but, Ed, what has happened to you?”
“I lost the argument.”
“He will be fine, Bella,” Tia soothed.
Luke pulled Glory to a halt. He set the brake and wrapped the reins around the holder. “Hola, Bella.”
“Luke!”
In typical Bella fashion, she started to rush over. He stopped her with an upraised hand. “Stay there. I’ll come to you.”
She laughed. “I am not so delicate that I cannot greet family.”
“Humor me.” He hopped down. “Sam would kill me if you dropped his son here in the courtyard.”
“Sons,” she corrected, beaming with pride.
“Whoa!” That put a hitch in his step. No wonder Sam was worried. “Twins?”
“Yes. Can you believe it? We wondered when I was so big, but then we could feel each move.” She rubbed her belly. “After so much time and worry we might not be able to have babies, now we will have two.”
Luke hugged her even more carefully than Tia had. Against his stomach, he felt a kick. “What the heck?”
“Do not be silly, they, too, say hello.”
He really didn’t know how he felt about that. Before he recovered, she was looking over his shoulder. “And who is this you brought with you?”
“This is Josie Kinder,” Tia explained. “She is a wonderful photographer. She has agreed to take pictures of our babies.”
Bella clapped her hands. “I have heard of such things. I cannot wait to see how it is done.”
Following his lead, Josie held up her hand. “Just wait—I’ll come to you.”
Bella had to wait a little longer for Josie to come, her skirts getting stuck on the brake handle. Then it was Luke’s turn to say, “Hold on.” She freed her skirts just as he reached the wagon. She looked beautiful standing there with the sun shining on her hair, an embarrassed flush on her cheeks and a sparkle in her eyes. She was so cute when she was flustered.
“Come here.”
Catching her by the waist, he lifted her down. She immediately started fussing with her clothing. Catching her chin on the side of his finger he lifted her gaze to his. The softness of her lips begged his touch. The anxiety in her gaze demanded his comfort.
Why is it never friend?
He didn’t have an answer. Touching his thumb to her lips, he told her, “You’ve got nothing to worry about.”
Her breath was moist against the pad of his thumb. He wanted that heat against his lips, his neck, his chest, his cock. Why was it never friends? Because he wanted so much more than that.
“Are you sure?” she asked, her fingers fussing with her skirt. “I’m not usually welcomed by people like this.”
“Like this?”
“You know.” She glanced at the house.
She was intimidated by the Montoya wealth.
Because he couldn’t do anything else, because he had to do something, he pressed the pad of his thumb against her lower lip in a subtle kiss, reminding her of what had gone before, of what he’d said before. “I promise.”
She visibly relaxed. When he stepped back, he could feel Bella’s curiosity. He could only hope she didn’t blurt out something damaging. Things with Josie were tenuous right now. He thought that time after the tornado had been a beginning, opened a door to more, but in many ways, it’d closed the only one he cared about. He needed to come up with a new plan.
“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Montoya,” Josie said, crossing the dusty yard with her head held high.
Bella smiled. “It’s MacGregor, actually, but I understand your confusion. The men call me La Montoya.” With a grimace she confessed, “I am sort of named after the ranch. It would be embarrassing if it did not make me feel so grand.” She caught Josie’s hand in hers. “You, however, must call me Bella.” Turning, she indicated Bettina. “And this is my mother, Bettina Montoya.”
“It is my pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Montoya.”
Bettina was much more reserved. “The pleasure is mine.” She turned to her daughter. “And now that the pleasantries are over, you, mi hija, need to be back in bed.”
Bella rolled her eyes. “I am sick of this bed.”
“Your boredom is of no matter.”
Bella nodded. “I know, I must do for my children if I would give my Sam strong sons.”
“And you will,” Tia interrupted, “but to do that you must rest.”
Standing where he was, Luke intercepted the look Tia shared with Ed. She was worried.
“Not too much,” Bella countered. “I have had a feast prepared. If you do not mind the informality, we can have a picnic in my room and you can join me. We will eat and talk of your journey and I will discover how this picture taking is done.”
The look Josie cast him was equally as concerned as Tia’s but for entirely different reasons. Luke shrugged and motioned her in.
The women escorted Bella into the house, hovering around her in a protective cloud. When the door closed behind them, Luke headed back to unharness Glory. Ed shook his head from where he was taking care of his own team. “Sam must be out of his mind with worry. Twins are a dangerous prospect.”
“Yeah. I don’t know what Sam would do without his Bella.”
All of Hell’s Eight had been worried about Sam that year before he’d met Bella. He’d always been the wild card in any fight, always willing to take a risk, but that last year the risks had gotten too frequent and too big. It was as if something had been eating him from the inside out. Bella seemed to not only understand that wildness, but she stabilized it and reshaped it into purpose. Watching them together was like watching a perfectly choreographed dance. They were deeply in love. And it showed.
“Let’s hope we never have to find out.”
Unhitching Glory from the wagon, Luke walked him to the water trough. Both the trough and the water were clean. He wasn’t surprised. Sam was meticulous about everything he cared about. Ed brought over the gray. The two horses drank companionably.
Luke leaned against the corral fence and rubbed at the stitches Tia had put in his gash. They’d reached the itching stage. Ed leaned opposite where he stood.
“You’re not coming back to Hell’s Eight after this, are you?”
Ed was always direct. Luke admired that quality. “Things have changed.”
“Evasion is as good as a no.”
He supposed it was. “It doesn’t feel like there’s anything there for me anymore.”
“There’s your family.”
“They’re settled.”
“And you want more.”
“I don’t know if more is the right word.”
Ed pulled his pipe out of his pocket. “What would be the right one then?”
“I don’t know.”
Packing his tobacco into the pipe, he struck a sulfur on his boot. Putting it to the bowl, he took a few puffs. “Is that an evasion?”
“No.”
For a few minutes silence reigned. Ed was the first to break it.
“It makes sense, you know.”
“It does?” It sure as hell didn’t make sense to him.
“You’ve been giving Hell’s Eight everything you’ve had since you were a child. They’ve been your world, but now everyone is settling down, splintering off into families of their own.”
Smoke drifted between them, filling the space with the sweet earth scent. Luke cocked an eyebrow at Ed. “Are you telling me I need to grow up?”
Ed took another puff before pointing the stem at him.
“I’m telling you you’ve delayed finding your place long enough, so when this is over—” his hand swept the horizon “—go out there and find it.”
“Are you kicking me out?”
“Without a lick of guilt.”
Well, damn.