Chapter Nine
Big Pine, Montana
“Telegram came for you, Sheriff.” The clerk from the Western Union office dropped the message on Parker Sterling’s desk.
Opening it, Sterling read through the telegram twice, mumbling a curse before looking back at the clerk. “You go back and send a reply to the sheriff in Bloody Basin. Tell him I want any information he has, including descriptions. And tell him I think this is the Penderville gang.” He stood, resting both hands on the desk, considering what he needed to do to protect the town. Looking up, he saw the man hadn’t moved. “That’s it. Get back to me right away with his reply.”
“Yes, sir.”
Strapping on his gun belt and grabbing his hat, Sterling dashed outside, running toward the restaurant his deputies favored for lunch. When they saw the look on his face, all three pushed their plates aside and stood.
“We have trouble, Sheriff?” Tall and lanky with skin leathered from years in the sun, the oldest deputy had known Parker for years and could read him as well as anyone.
Parker stepped closer, lowering his voice. “Appears the Penderville gang robbed the bank in Bloody Basin. Thankfully, the sheriff got wind of it beforehand and was prepared. Killed a couple of the outlaws, but the rest got away. Tracks indicate they’re riding west.”
“Toward Big Pine?”
“Seems likely. Finish your meals, then meet me at the jail. I need to round up the others.” Sterling stormed outside, heading toward the end of town where his other deputies would be bunked down after their overnight shift. Pounding on the door of the house provided by the town, he didn’t wait for an answer, barging inside. Shaking awake a deputy collapsed on the sofa, he moved to one of the closed doors and threw it open, his jaw going slack as he took in the sight of a naked female straddling his youngest deputy.
“Gall darn, Felix. I told you not to bring your women here.” He almost laughed at the panicked scream and terrified expression on the young woman’s face as she fell to the floor, scrambling to pick up her clothes. “Sorry, ma’am, but I need Felix at the jail.” He didn’t recognize her. By her bright red face and tears streaming down her cheeks, he guessed she must be the daughter of one of the ranchers who seldom brought their families to town.
“Yes, sir, Sheriff.” Nineteen, good-looking, and cocky, Felix flew off the bed as if it were on fire, fought with his pants until he finally got his legs through the openings, then jammed his arms into his shirt. “Sorry, Sheriff. This won’t happen again.”
Sterling held up his hand, shaking his head. “I don’t want to hear it, boy. One more time and you’re out. The town isn’t paying for this house so you or the others can bring your women here. You pay for your own place if that’s what you want. Do you understand me?”
“Yes, sir. I reckon I do.”
“You roust the others. I need you all at the jail in ten minutes.” Sterling moved toward the door, then turned around. “No more than ten or don’t bother coming, Felix.” Slamming the front door behind him, Sterling grumbled to himself about taking on the mayor’s youngest son. He should’ve told the man no, but he’d given Felix a chance. Damn if the boy wasn’t messing up this opportunity, just as he had the others his daddy had provided.
“Sheriff!”
Sterling glanced across the street to see the telegraph clerk running toward him.
“I got that reply you expected.” He shoved it at the sheriff. “If you don’t need me, I should get back to the office.”
Sterling nodded, reading the message from the sheriff in Bloody Basin. By the descriptions, he had no doubt the Penderville gang were the robbers and were now riding hard toward Big Pine.
Splendor, Montana
“Alison! What a wonderful surprise.” Rachel dashed outside and down the porch steps as Cash helped Alison down from the wagon.
“She almost didn’t come, but I assured her you and the others wouldn’t mind.” Cash let his hands linger on Alison’s waist a moment longer than necessary before she stepped away.
The ride to the Pelletier ranch had been uneventful. Cash had been a complete gentleman, even if he did keep his mouth clamped shut most of the trip. She’d been careful to stay clear of any mention of the bank robbery or his part in stopping the outlaws. Instead, she’d focused on the scenery, the weather, and questions about the Pelletiers.
“You’re always welcome on Sundays, Alison. Luke and Ginny ride over from their place, and several of the ranch hands usually join us. It’s our ritual after church.”
Alison’s face heated a little at the mention of Sunday services. She couldn’t recall the last time she’d set foot in a church. It had to be close to a year.
“Thank you, Rachel. Cash said the same, but I still didn’t want to intrude.”
“Hey, Cash. Glad you could join us.” Dax Pelletier strolled out of the barn, then clasped his friend’s hand and slapped him on the back. “Where’s Beau?”
A wry grin twisted his lips. “He is taking his meal with Caroline Iverson.”
“Caro?” Rachel broke in, her eyes widening.
“Yes, ma’am. He’s grown pretty fond of her.” Cash stepped closer to Alison, refraining from slipping an arm over her shoulders.
“Well, I’ll be. She hasn’t said a word to me. Maybe Ginny knows.” Rachel turned at the sound of the front door closing.
“Maybe I know what?” Ginny’s expression brightened at the sight of Cash and Alison. “Hello, you two. Where’s Beau?” She glanced behind them, not seeing Beau’s horse.
“He’s having Sunday supper with Caro.” Rachel crossed her arms, arching a brow at Ginny.
“Well, well…” Ginny’s voice trailed off as she thought of Beau and Caro together.
“Now, ladies. Don’t go jumping to any conclusions.” Dax circled an arm around Rachel’s waist, drawing her close. “They’ve become friends since she moved to Splendor. Everyone knows she plans to move on to San Francisco in a few months. Right, Cash?”
“I haven’t heard otherwise.”
“All right, everyone. Supper’s on the table.” Luke stood on the front porch, holding the door open. “Lydia says to come quick or the ranch hands will gobble it all up.”
“Is Bull already inside?” Cash asked, feigning concern.
“Sure is. As you know, that boy can eat an entire cow.” Luke laughed, slipping his hand into Ginny’s when she stepped beside him.
“Bull, how is it going as the new foreman of Redemption’s Edge?” Cash forked another piece of roast beef, his gaze focusing on the man across the table. Having muscled arms, molasses-colored hair, kind eyes, and an almost boyish face, Bull already worked at the ranch when Dax and Luke inherited it from a friend they’d served with as Texas Rangers. He’d proven himself over and over, earning the foreman position over men who were older with more experience.
“Good, Cash.” Bull cast a furtive glance at Lydia sitting next to him. It was no secret to those at the table that the two were attracted to each other—had been since Lydia and the other orphans were brought to the Pelletier ranch and made part of the extended family. Unfortunately, Bull had yet to state his feelings and make his intentions known.
“Any plans for changes?” Cash noticed his questions were drawing the attention of others at the table. Most notably, Dax and Luke.
“I’ve got some ideas. Need to sort them out before I talk to the bosses.”
“Any ideas you have are welcome, Bull. Just let Dax and me know when you’re ready to talk.” Luke studied his friend, a man he’d grown close to since taking over the ranch. He knew whatever suggestions Bull offered would be worth serious consideration. “Lydia, I hear you’re planning to move in with Noah and Abby for a while to help with baby Gabriel.”
“Um, yes. I’ll be leaving tomorrow.” Lydia could feel Bull tense next to her. Glancing at him, her breath hitched, noticing his gaze riveted on her face. She’d spoken to Rachel and Dax about helping out, but had yet to mention it to Bull. Once she’d come to trust him, they’d talked about everything and become friends. She could almost feel the sense of betrayal as he looked at her.
“How long?” Bull asked, his voice low and strained.
She cleared her throat, the anxiety she felt clear to everyone. “Rachel said it could be a few months.” Pushing her chair back, she stood, picking up her plate. “I’ll get dessert ready.”
“I’ll help.” Standing, Bull grabbed his own plate, following her through the kitchen doorway.
Alison watched the interaction, hearing the anxiety in Bull’s voice, and wondered what had just happened.
“Damn fool. He’d better make a move soon or one of the single men in Splendor will snap Lydia up.” Luke tossed down his napkin, ready to head into the kitchen until Ginny’s hand on his arm stopped him.
“Let them be, Luke. They’ll work it out. Lydia isn’t going to agree to let anyone court her except Bull, and we all know it.” Ginny glanced at Rachel, who nodded.
“So they care about each other, but neither has said anything?” Alison looked around the table, seeing most everyone nod. “Well, that’s just plain sad.”
“Bull’s got his reasons, and I suspect Lydia knows and understands them.” Luke crossed his arms, leaning back in his chair.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to insert myself into their business.” Alison bit her bottom lip, wishing she’d kept quiet.
“It’s fine, Alison.” Cash put an arm around the back of her chair, shifting toward her. “This has been going on a while.” He glanced at the others. “I agree with Luke. Bull has some good reasons for waiting to state his intentions. I’m thinking becoming a foreman is going to push him a bit.”
“I sure hope so.” Rachel set down her napkin, glancing at the closed kitchen door. “They’ve had enough time alone. I’m going to go make fresh coffee.”
Lydia and Bull walked back in with Rachel a few minutes later, each carrying a pie, which Ginny quickly sliced and passed out. The mood had sobered since Lydia’s announcement, neither she nor Bull showing any indication they’d talked about her decision.
Finishing his pie, Cash pushed his plate away and stood. “Do you all mind if I take Alison for a walk?” He moved behind her chair, resting his hands on the back.
“Not at all,” Rachel answered. “You know you’re welcome to stay here tonight.”
“Thank you, but I need to get into the shop early. I’m finishing some hats for a couple local women.” Alison grinned at Rachel and Ginny, causing them both to laugh.
“And I can’t wait to see them.” Ginny picked up plates, casting a curious look at Rachel as Cash escorted Alison outside. “What do you think is going on with those two?”
Rachel shrugged. “I don’t know, but it’s good to see him spending an evening with someone other than Beau.” They laughed, carrying the empty plates to the sink.
“Dax told me they have a new foal. I thought you might like to see him.” Drawing her arm through his as they walked toward the barn, Cash gave in to the desire to pull her close to his side.
“I’d love to see it. We had two horses at our farm. One old, the other ancient.” She grinned at his robust chuckle, enjoying the warmth of his body close to hers.
“Am I correct in guessing you didn’t ride much?”
She nodded. “Someday, I’d like to have a horse meant for riding.”
“If you’re interested, I’ll take you riding as soon as my horse heals. You can ride Joker, the horse Noah’s letting me borrow, and I’ll ride Hunter. There are some beautiful places to ride near Splendor.”
“I’d love to ride with you, although I don’t know if I’ll be able to keep up.”
Cash’s face softened as he looked at her, knowing he wouldn’t leave her side. Opening the barn door, he rested a hand on the small of her back, guiding her inside toward a nearby stall.
“There he is.”
“Oh my. He is new, isn’t he?”
“Born just before we arrived today. By tomorrow afternoon, they’ll be let out into the field behind the barn.” He watched Alison’s eyes widen.
“Isn’t that a little soon?”
“Not for horses.”
Alison climbed onto the last rung of the stall, letting her head rest on her arms as she watched mother and foal. “They’re so beautiful.”
“Yes. Very,” he whispered, never taking his gaze off her face.
She watched a few more minutes before stepping down and wrapping a hand around his arm, staring up at him. “Thank you. I’ve never seen such a wonderful sight.”
Neither looked away, their gazes locking with each other.
Alison’s heart strummed, the tempo increasing the longer he stared into her eyes. She couldn’t move, didn’t want to break the spell. Sucking in a ragged breath, she tilted her head to the side as she caught her bottom lip between her teeth. Lifting her hand, she traced his lower lip with her fingers, having no idea the effect her touch had on him.
“Be careful, Alison.” His hoarse voice stopped the movement of her hand, her eyes indicating her lack of understanding. He grasped her wrist with his hand, lowering it to his chest, holding it over his heart. “My control isn’t as strong as it should be.”
She gasped as his meaning became clear, but she didn’t step away.
He lifted her chin with a finger, lowering his head to within an inch of hers. “I want to kiss you.”
She couldn’t find the words to deny him. “Yes,” she breathed out, unable to stop the heat coursing through her body.
Dipping his head, Cash took her mouth with his, moving his arms around her waist to draw her close. He groaned, deepening the kiss when her arms wound around his neck, pulling him to her.
Splaying his hands across her back, he held tight, feeling the heat from her body. He couldn’t think, could hardly breathe as her taste and the feel of her played with his senses, his emotions reeling with need. He wanted her with an intensity he didn’t understand and didn’t want to control.
“Cash, are you out here?”
Luke’s question had them stepping back, their breathing labored. Cash scrubbed a hand down his face, turning to shield Alison behind his back. The timing of Luke’s intrusion was both a blessing and a curse. It would’ve taken little encouragement for the rampant desire between them to ignite into unwise actions and possible regret.
“We’re by the foal.”
When Cash turned, he saw Alison standing on the lowest rung of the stall, the same as before, her attention riveted on the foal and its mother.
“What do you think?” Luke asked as he stepped beside Alison, unaware of what he’d interrupted.
She took another slow breath, getting her heart rate under control. “They’re beautiful.”
Luke nodded, then turned toward Cash. “Dax said you wanted to talk to us about some outlaws who might be headed our way.”
“Yeah.” He placed a hand on Alison’s shoulder, drawing her attention. “Let’s go inside. I need to talk to Dax and Luke before we leave for town.”
They shared a look as she stepped to the ground.
Neither of them spoke as they walked to the house, Cash wondering how he was going to keep his distance during the long ride home.