Chapter Twenty-Four
Corbin lifted the whiskey bottle to his lips, draining the last drop. “I’m glad we came to Denver.”
“Walt can come and go here since no one knows him. It’s safer here for all of us than at Whispering Pines,” Frank said, opening another bottle and passing it to Corbin.
“It’s better than staying around Whispering Pines,” Corbin slurred. As he took a drink from the new bottle, he thought about the screams he’d heard in the pines. He was hoping the more he drank the quicker he would forget about those sounds. He didn’t want to think about it, but he couldn’t help himself from saying, “I wonder what happened to Mason.”
Frank wanted to forget what happened in the pines. “It’s best we all forget about Mason. What’s done is done.”
Walt didn’t comment, but if Frank thought he was going to go back to that ranch so Frank could exact whatever revenge he wanted on LeMasters, he was in for a surprise. After they robbed the bank, Walt had plans of his own, and they didn’t include riding with Frank.
“Frank, it’s hard to forget those screams,” Corbin mumbled.
“Drink up. Whiskey will do the job,” Frank said.
Frank and Walt were waiting for Corbin to pass out. They were visiting Reuben later, and Corbin was in the dark about the robbery they were planning. Frank was beginning to think it would have been faster to crack Corbin in the head with the butt of his pistol than to wait for him to succumb to the liquor. Corbin finally passed out before he finished half of the second bottle.
“Who would think he could drink that much?” Walt asked.
“Yeah, I imagine his head will be throbbing in the morning when I send him back to the Conner place.”
“What reason are you going to give him to go back to Whispering Pines?” Walt asked.
“I don’t have to give him a reason. And I ain’t about to take him with us to rob the bank. We don’t need him. I just didn’t want him staying at the Conner place in case Stevie came back. He’d tell him we were in Denver, and little brother doesn’t need to know everything we are doing.” Frank walked to the door. “Let’s get out of here.”
Walt led the way to Reuben’s home. It was three o’clock in the morning, and the streets were empty, but taking no chances, they tied their horses in the trees near the back of Reuben’s home, and slipped in his back door.
It was dark and Frank stopped in the doorway until his eyes adjusted to his surroundings. He made his way deftly across the room to the bed in the corner of the room. He stopped cold in his tracks when he heard someone cock the hammer of a revolver.
“What are you doing in my home?” Reuben asked.
“We want to talk,” Frank responded.
Reuben swung his legs over the side of the bed and lit his lamp. “What do you need to talk about at this hour?”
If Reuben hadn’t had a derringer Frank might have laughed at his nightclothes. He was wearing a nightshirt that stopped just below his knees, and Frank thought he’d never seen such white, bony legs. “We decided we’re gonna rob that bank Sunday during church instead of waiting until next week. So we are going to be spending today with you.”
Reuben looked from Frank to Walt. “Where’s Stevie?”
“He’ll be along,” Frank lied smoothly.
“I always attend the church service,” Reuben said. “I’m sure people will notice when I’m not there.”
“All the better to make people think you were forced at gunpoint, and had no hand in the robbery,” Frank countered.
Reuben had already thought about that angle. He just didn’t want to be found dead inside the bank after Frank got the money. Reuben had no choice but to agree to the new plan. After they discussed the details of the robbery, Reuben told them the best place to leave their horses for a quick getaway.
Walt had already found the perfect place for the horses, but it was good to know Reuben agreed on the spot. “We will leave Stevie with the horses.”
Reuben didn’t believe for a minute that Stevie would even be in Denver. “I will meet you in a week for my share. I can’t keep money with me in case the sheriff gets suspicious and searches my home.”
“That sounds like a good idea.” Frank couldn’t believe any man could be as gullible as Reuben, not even Corbin.
“This is going to be a lot of money. Where are you and your men headed from here?” Reuben asked.
“We haven’t decided yet,” Frank said. “What about you?”
“I’m undecided as well,” Reuben said, being as cautious as Frank about his future plans.
Frank figured they’d spend the rest of the night with Reuben, and he would leave early in the morning to tell Corbin to go back to the Conner place. He wasn’t going to need him until he got back to Whispering Pines.
* * *
Early Saturday morning, Stevie rode back to the Conner cabin and found it empty. He saw nothing to indicate Frank had been there since yesterday. He didn’t know how he was supposed to tell Frankie that Rose’s wedding was at noon if he had no idea how to find him. He thought Frankie was probably in Denver. Frank should have told him where he was going and when he would return. Stevie paced the floor. Something told him he was the only one who didn’t know what was going on. He had a feeling Frankie was going to double-cross him and rob that bank without him. Problem was, he didn’t know what to do about it.
* * *
Clay Hunt arrived at Morgan’s ranch an hour before the wedding. When Morgan opened the door, Clay said, “I hear there’s a wedding today.”
“You heard right. Come in and have a cup of coffee while we wait for my bride.” Morgan ushered Clay into the kitchen and poured him some coffee. “How are you enjoying Whispering Pines?” He pointed to the table and added, “Have a seat.”
“It’s a fine little town, and all of the folks have been more than generous to me. I swear I don’t ever have to cook my own meals. The ladies see to it I eat hearty.”
Morgan refilled his own cup and sat down. “I bet the single ladies are trying to outshine each other.” He’d been on the receiving end of all that attention, and he knew how the women openly competed with each other, showing off their culinary skills.
Clay laughed. “Sounds like a man speaking from experience.”
“Yessir, I’ve been there.”
“And not one tempted you before now?”
Morgan shook his head. Even though he wanted a family, it wasn’t until he saw Rose that he felt the urgency to marry. “No, I didn’t give it a lot of thought before Rose stepped off that stagecoach.”
“I’m glad we have a moment to talk alone. I’ve heard a few interesting stories about your ranch, and to be honest, I’m not quite sure what to make of them. Several of the parishioners mentioned they wouldn’t attend this wedding if they were me. For some reason they seem quite frightened of riding on your land. Can you tell me if they are just having sport with me?”
Morgan explained the history of the pine-tree range as explained to him years ago by Joseph. “You will meet Joseph Longbow soon.”
“Did a man really get lost in there and was never found?” Clay asked.
“That’s the story. I’m sure you are referring to the man who was rustling cattle with Frank and his gang. They told folks he never came out of the pines. Joseph tells me the same thing has happened to many men over the years. As you will see, those pines cover a large territory, and it’s easy to lose your sense of direction. A man could get lost in there and never find his way out if he’s not careful. A soldier was lost in there a few years back, and never seen again.”
“Tell me, do you really hear screams in there?”
Morgan smiled at him. “You will see for yourself today.”
“I have to admit, I’m nervous and curious at the same time.”
“Just so you know, people hear different things in the pines.”
Clay gave him a skeptical look. “I’m beginning to think this is a joke you locals play on the newcomers.”
Morgan chuckled at his comment. “As I said, you will see for yourself today.”
There was a knock on the back door, and Jack stuck his head inside before Morgan reached the door. “Am I in time for the wedding?”
“I was hoping you would make it,” Morgan said, shaking Jack’s hand.
“Clay,” Jack said, acknowledging the pastor.
“Good to see you, Sheriff,” Clay said.
The last time Morgan saw Jack he’d discussed his suspicions about Stevie. He thought he’d ask Jack about it before Granny and Rose came downstairs. “Did you hear any more about that stagecoach robbery?”
“Yeah. From all accounts that clerk fellow is a good employee, and no one thinks he would be involved in anything like that.”
“Maybe so,” Morgan said.
“But one of the guards winged the man who did the robbing,” Jack added.
Morgan arched his brow at him. “Is that so?”
“Yeah. Now enough business. Where’s the beautiful bride?” Jack asked.
“We’re waiting for her,” Morgan said.
“I was just about to say, Morgan seems very calm for a man who is about to change his life,” Clay said.
“I look forward to the change. I’ve been alone a long time.” Truthfully, Morgan hadn’t expected he would be as excited as he was to marry. He hadn’t been able to sleep last night for thinking about today. He planned to do his best to make many happy memories with Rose. Of course, they would have some hardships, that was life, but with a woman like Rose at his side, he could deal with anything. He’d be working for a family now, and that made him more determined than ever to leave something behind for his children. He hadn’t asked Rose, but he hoped she wanted to start a family right away.
“You are getting a beautiful woman,” Clay said.
“Yes, I am.” Morgan raised an eyebrow at him. “Did you know she has two sisters who will be home soon?”
“I think I heard something about more sisters,” Clay replied.
Morgan was telling him about Rose’s sisters when Granny walked in. “I was just telling Clay that Adelaide will be home soon.”
“Yes, she will, but don’t get your hopes up, Pastor. Adelaide is perfect for the sheriff,” Granny said.
Jack rolled his eyes. “Granny already has me married off.”
“How do you know Adelaide is the one for Jack?” Morgan asked.
“The same way I knew Rose was perfect for you. I think it will be Emma who will interest the pastor.”
Morgan and Clay exchanged a look. They weren’t about to argue with Granny’s intuition.
“Emma’s the opera singer,” Morgan said.
“She will be coming to Denver with her troupe by the end of the year, and Morgan has promised to take us to hear her. You should join us.”
Granny looked at Jack and said, “Of course, you and Adelaide will be going with us.”
Morgan grinned at Jack and slapped him on the back. “Granny has everything planned out.”
“As I told her, if Adelaide is as pretty as Rose, she can marry me off any day,” Jack said.
“Granny, that is sure a pretty pink dress you are wearing,” Morgan said.
“Thank you. I told Rose I hadn’t worn a pink dress since I was a young girl.”
“You’re still young and beautiful,” Clay said.
Granny leaned over his shoulder and poured him another cup of coffee. She gave him an affectionate tap on the top of his head. “And you, Pastor, are a sweet-talker just like the sheriff. You should do very well with my Emma.”
Rose walked into the room and all conversation stopped. Morgan stood, but he didn’t move from his spot. He simply stared. She reminded him of an angel standing there in her white dress. A fancy fanlike comb that resembled a crown held her hair on top of her head. An angelic princess, Morgan thought.
“I knew she would take your breath away, Morgan, but I didn’t know you would be speechless,” Granny teased.
Rose couldn’t take her eyes off of him. He looked so handsome in his black suit, and his white shirt emphasized his darkly tanned skin. In a few short minutes this wonderful man was going to be her husband. God had truly blessed her with a remarkable man.
“You’re beautiful,” Morgan finally said as he walked to her. He didn’t think his words adequately described what he was thinking.
“Thank you. You look very handsome in your suit.”
Morgan took her hand. “Are you ready to get married?”
“I am.” Rose put her arm through his, and they turned to the others in the room.
“You are such a lovely couple,” Granny said with tears in her eyes.
“Granny, just think of the great-grandbabies they will give you,” Clay said.
Morgan brought Rose’s hand to his lips. “Let’s go.”
They walked out the door to see the ranch hands were waiting for them. Morgan introduced the men to Clay. “Where’s Joseph?”
“He’s waiting for us there,” Murph said. “You know Joseph. He wanted some time to talk to the Great Spirit.”
“It’s a perfect day for a wedding,” Granny said, looking up at the vivid blue sky.
It took them fifteen minutes to walk to Rose’s special spot in the pines. It was the most beautiful area on Morgan’s land, where Rose and her sisters spent a lot of time when they were young. It was a small clearing with a raised grassy plateau, and in the background the trees had grown to form an archway. The backdrop always reminded Rose of an altar, and she’d pretended to have a marriage ceremony. She’d never told her sisters, but when she was older, she’d often envisioned herself as the bride and Morgan LeMasters as the groom. Adelaide pretended she was standing on the platform in front of her classroom instructing children. Emma used the area as her stage, entertaining her audience of two: Rose and Adelaide.
When they entered the pines, Clay heard the soft whistling sounds of the wind in the trees. As they approached the plateau, they saw Joseph standing with his arms raised to heaven, speaking in his native tongue. Joseph turned when he heard them and said, “We are ready.”
Rose whispered something to the pastor and he nodded. Morgan pulled him aside and spoke to him quietly before everyone took their positions at the altar.
Clay started to speak about the sanctity of the marriage vows, but stopped in midsentence when he thought he heard people laughing. It almost sounded as if the sounds were coming from heaven. He looked at the wedding party and guests, but they didn’t appear to think anything was amiss, so he continued on.
Clay reached the point where Rose was going to place a ring on Morgan’s finger, and Morgan was surprised when she took his hand in hers and slid a ring in place. It had been her grandfather’s ring, and Rose worried that it might be too small for Morgan’s large fingers. To her surprise, it fit perfectly. She looked into Morgan’s dark blue eyes, trying to convey the love she felt for him.
Morgan took her hand in his, and from his pocket pulled out the diamond ring he’d purchased in Denver. Rose gasped when she saw the glittering ring he’d placed on her finger. Seconds later, Clay pronounced them man and wife, and Morgan took Rose in his arms and kissed her. When the kiss ended, the men applauded before they stood in line to kiss the bride and shake the groom’s hand.
Joseph approached Morgan and Rose and took their hands in his. He looked up to heaven and said, “Great Spirit, direct the four winds to guide them as one on this earth, together in harmony.”
It seemed to everyone at the gathering that the winds picked up after Joseph spoke.
Clay shook Morgan’s hand. “You were right about this place. Did you hear laughter?”
Granny heard Clay’s question, and she hooked her arm through his. “I’ll explain on the way to the house. We are going to have wedding cake.”
Morgan had his arm around Rose as they walked back to the house. “Was this Preacher’s ring?”
“Yes. Granny gave it to me. We were worried it might not be large enough for your finger.”
“I’m honored to wear it, and it’s a perfect fit,” Morgan assured her.
Rose held her hand up and looked at her diamond ring. “I’m afraid it’s much simpler than this one. It’s such a beautiful ring, I never expected anything so lovely.” Actually, Rose hadn’t expected Morgan would think to give her a ring. “It’s not nearly as beautiful as you.” Each time he looked at her, he could hardly believe his good fortune. “That was the reason for my trip to Denver.”
“You certainly surprised me,” Rose said, feeling guilty at the memory of her questioning his trip to Denver. “Did I ruin your surprise because I thought you were seeing another woman?”
Morgan squeezed her to his side. “Honey, you could never ruin anything for me.”
Everyone walked into the house for cake, but Morgan noticed Joseph walking toward the bunkhouse. Instead of following the others through the door, Morgan held back. He pulled Rose into his arms and kissed her again. Their kiss ended and he whispered, “Are you happy, Mrs. LeMasters?”
“Very. Are you happy?”
“Yes, and I’ll be even happier tonight when I have you all to myself.”
Rose didn’t think Morgan was the type of man who would ever say he loved her, but she knew he cared for her. She loved him, but she didn’t want him to feel obligated to say words he didn’t feel. She’d wait, and pray one day his feelings for her would evolve into love. “Am I going to see you without your shirt?”
Her teasing surprised him, and he arched a brow at her. “Can you wait until tonight?”
Rose started to blush. “Behave yourself.”
Morgan kissed her again. This time he held her tightly to him without worrying about doing something improper. Hearing someone walk up behind him, he turned around to see it was Joseph.
“Ready for some cake?” Morgan asked.
“Yes. Here is wedding blanket,” Joseph said, holding out a folded blanket.
“Oh, Joseph, you didn’t need to give us a gift,” Rose said.
“It is for you,” he said.
Rose took the beautifully woven blanket from him. “Thank you.”
Joseph looked at Morgan and gave him a little smile. “This will give you many children.”
Morgan raised his brow at the little man. “I’ll put it to use first thing.”
Rose kissed Joseph on the cheek. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.”
“My bride and I would like you to take two head of cattle in celebration of our marriage,” Morgan told him.
Joseph nodded. “As soon as I try wedding cake.”
Morgan picked Rose up in his arms and carried her over the threshold. “Welcome home, Mrs. LeMasters.”
The day was filled with laughter, no one mentioning Frank or Stevie. Later that night when Morgan and Rose retired to their bedroom, Morgan pulled off his jacket and hung it over the back of a chair. He pointed to the corner of the room and said, “I put the dressing screen in here if you aren’t comfortable undressing in front of me.” He hoped she wouldn’t use the screen, but she was young and inexperienced, so he would be patient and give her time.
Rose hesitated. She was shy about undressing in front of him, but she knew she would overcome her shyness eventually. She decided to talk to him for a few moments to see if that would put her at ease. “Why did you give Joseph two cattle?”
“Not all of his people are on the reservation, and they don’t have enough to eat. I imagine the women worked many hours to make that blanket. The cattle will show our appreciation for their special gift.”
“But aren’t they all supposed to go on the reservations?”
“I’ve been free to roam this country my whole life, just as they have. I wouldn’t want to be on a reservation, so why should we ask that of them? This was their land before we were here, and they are allowing me to use it. A couple head of cattle a few times a year is hardly payment enough.”
She was learning her new husband had unusual views on the subject. As Granny had told her, there was more to Morgan than met the eye. “Thank you for including me in the gift.” She sat on the bed and started to remove her shoes.
Morgan kneeled on one knee, took her foot in his hand, and removed her shoe. “You are part of my life now, and that includes anything that happens on this ranch. What is mine, is yours.” He removed her other shoe before reaching under her skirt. He found her garters above her knees, and removed them one by one. Then he slowly rolled down her stockings.
The way he deftly handled her stockings, Rose figured he’d removed ladies’ garments before. She refused to allow jealousy to creep in her mind. He was her husband now, and she trusted him. By the time he finished, she was shivering from his touch.
Morgan was tempted to do much more, but he forced himself to take it slow. He stood, unbuttoned his shirt, stripped it off, and tossed it on the nearest chair.
Rose stood in front of him. She didn’t know if a man should be called beautiful, but he was so perfectly formed it was the only way she could describe him.
Morgan saw how she was staring at his chest. He took her hand in his and kissed her palm. “Touch me, Rose.”
Rose slowly ran her hands over his massive chest, much like she’d wanted to do the first time she saw him without his shirt. She caressed his shoulders, then moved her hands over his torso again before gliding down past his stomach to his waist. When Morgan couldn’t take much more, he reached for her hands and brought them to his lips. His dark eyes bore into hers, and he whispered, “My sweet Rose.”
“I could go ask Granny to unbutton my dress . . .” She turned her back to him. “But if you wouldn’t mind.”
Morgan glanced at the long row of buttons down her back. Why did women have all those tiny buttons on their clothing? He remembered the day of the stagecoach accident when the buttons were down the front of her dress and it had taken him forever to get the darn thing off.
He thought his heart might give out before he got this dress off of her. He took a deep breath, and started with the first button at the back of her neck. He was sweating by the time he finished. He pushed the dress from her shoulders and it dropped in a puddle around her ankles, but she was still wearing a corset, chemise, and bloomers. He unlaced the ties on her corset and tossed it on top of his shirt. He didn’t see buttons on the chemise, so he figured it buttoned in the front. To his delight and surprise, he knew when she lowered her head she was unbuttoning her chemise. When she finished, with her back still to him, he gently slid the straps down her arms and let it drop to the floor.
Standing there in nothing but her bloomers, Rose was trying to muster the courage to turn around and face him. Before she did, Morgan slid his arms around her waist and held her. He ran his lips over her shoulder, progressing leisurely to her neck. Rose gripped his arms and leaned her head to one side and closed her eyes, forgetting all about her inhibitions. His chest felt so warm and solid against her back, and his tender kisses made her mind race with images of what was to follow tonight.
“You are so beautiful,” Morgan whispered.
She turned around in his arms.