Eleven

Marley and Roan lapsed into silence. She kept glancing at him, wondering what he was thinking. From time to time he frowned, but she didn’t break into his thoughts. She was trying to turn over a new leaf and not pry. All she knew was that the hawk-nosed man had ruined their momentary closeness.

At last, Roan halted in front of Granny Jack’s small house—little more than a lean-to—and set the brake. She thought his hand might’ve lingered on hers when he helped her down, but then again, maybe it was nothing more than wishful thinking. But she wasn’t imagining the way his shirt tightened across his broad shoulders as he reached for the basket of goodies she’d brought.

Granny Jack hobbled painfully from her shanty to greet them, wispy tendrils of silver hair flying from the knot wound on top of her head. A herd of meowing cats in every shape and color trailed behind her. “If it ain’t my favorite brain-picker. Who you brung with you, girl?”

“Meet Roan Penny, Granny.” Marley took the basket from Roan. “Papa hired him to work for us.”

Roan removed his hat and smiled. “Pleased to meet you, ma’am.”

“Didn’t expect gentleman callers.” The woman’s cheeks flushed, and her smile showed gaps in her teeth as she pumped his hand. “Marley Rose gen’rally comes alone.”

Marley stooped to kiss the leathery, wrinkled face that’d seen plenty of sunshine over the years. The heavy jowls that hung like wet drapes from a willow rod gave the heavy-set woman the look of a coonhound, but the little topknot of silver fluff spoke of her friend’s waning years.

“Come on in, young man,” Granny urged.

Roan shook his head and chuckled. “You ladies have lots of talking to do. If it’s all the same, I’ll wait out here.”

Marley shot him an anxious glance. The stranger on the road had had spooked him. Surely he didn’t think the fool would come back? At any rate, he seemed prepared to keep watch and protect her. A nice, warm feeling crept up from the tips of Marley’s toes.

“Got a nice cup of tea about ready.” Granny pushed up the old pair of spectacles that somehow always slipped to the tip of her nose. They never seemed to do her much good, but she never took them off. “Care for some, Mr. Penny?”

He shook his head. “Appreciate it, but I’ll pass.”

The woman cackled. “Didn’t really take you for a tea-drinker. Don’t have nary a drop of coffee or whiskey. Holler if you change your mind. I hope you got your sittin’ britches on, because we’re liable to take a while.”

“Now, Granny, I promised I wouldn’t stay long.” Marley exchanged glances with Roan before helping the old woman into the one-room cabin that had been built from scraps. The shelf that held a few dishes was made from part of a chicken coop and still had the wire across it. The herd of cats appeared to have multiplied since her last visit.

One glance at the clutter and the cats lying everywhere and Marley knew she’d be hard-pressed to control her obsession to clean and pick up. Last time she’d visited, Granny had laid down the law in no uncertain terms, and Marley didn’t want to upset the woman again.

“That’s a right handsome young man out there, but someone sure whooped the tar outta him.” Granny lifted the teapot from the wood stove. “I practically mistook him for another stray your mama’d wagged in, ’ceptin’ he’s a whole bunch taller and filled out.”

“I did the wagging this time. I found him in a bad way, lying near the road. I thought at first he was dead.” Marley picked up a yellow tabby from the chair and set it on the floor before taking a seat.

Granny Jack laughed. “Taking up your mama’s habit, huh?”

“I couldn’t do much else, could I? He was half-frozen and needed help.”

“You did a charitable deed, girl. I thought you might come today, it being so sunny and all, so I already made the tea.” Granny Jack filled two cups, setting them on chipped saucers before adding, “Stray or not, it looks like you’ve already taken a shine to that young man out there.”

Marley rolled her eyes, hoping to hide her feelings. She wasn’t ready to share them with anyone. “You know I have no plans for marriage. I’m going to be a children’s writer. I have all these stories in my head just bursting to come out.”

“Plans have got a way of changing, girl.”

Not likely. Marley lowered her eyes and took a sip of the hot tea, watching Granny saucer hers. She always thought the practice of pouring a small amount of tea into a saucer first before drinking it a bit odd. Granny had explained that this cooled the hot liquid and prevented scalding her mouth.

“You and Mama are two of a kind. I only did what anyone else would’ve done. Anyway, Roan only has one thing on his mind and it doesn’t appear to be me.”

The woman chided, “You know you can’t lie to your old Granny Jack, now.”

“I have to be honest. He’s just killing time until he heals. Then he’s going to go after the men who killed his friend.” Marley quickly related the events, the killing of Mose Mozeke and the two men who’d ridden upon them on his return. “A sniper took down one of the riders just as he was about to tell them something, and that rotten sheriff in San Saba almost blamed the death on Roan. I really think the sheriff would’ve thrown him in jail if my papa hadn’t been there.”

Granny Jack peered over the wire-rimmed spectacles and stroked the fur of the two cats now in her lap. “It’s a good thing Duel went with him. Folks tend to back up when he’s around. I never met a man who cast such a big shadow, and getting riled up probably did his blood good. Veins get rusty without some good ol’ righteous anger to clean ’em out from time to time.”

“Don’t forget about Roan too,” Marley said. “He’s cut from the same wool. I wish he’d forget about those bad people in San Saba.”

“Honey, every tub has got to sit on its own bottom. We all have things to do and ways of doing them that sometimes don’t make a lick of sense to anyone but us. I seem to recall you burning for some justice of your own when the papa of those triplets of your’n up and left them. You wanted to hunt him down and shoot him.”

The old widow was right. She always was. Marley glanced out the thick window at the man who had occupied her thoughts of late. “That was different. Those were babies unable to care for themselves. Roan’s obsession with finding the killers could put him in a grave, and they almost ended his life twice already. I’m terrified for him.”

True that they hadn’t known each other long, but she couldn’t bear the thought of him getting killed. She could still recall his gentle touch on her cheek, when their faces had been so close the time she’d shaved him. The temptation so strong to kiss him.

“I don’t know too much, child, and that’s the truth. Lord knows I ain’t got much book learning, but I can see that man out there has more guts than twenty men. The way he studies people, taking their measure, and the strong set of his jaw reminds me of my Mooney. Them kind don’t know the meaning of quitting. He gets something stuck in his craw, and he’s gonna work like the devil to pry it out. Even knowing they might end his life, he has got to fight for his friend. You’d do the same, and don’t deny it.”

“I know, but I don’t like it. He doesn’t have any family. I reckon we’re all he’s got, assuming he’ll have us.”

“A good bargain if you ask me.” Granny saucered some more tea, and a black cat leaped onto the middle of the table, almost knocking over the cream. “What else is frettin’ you, child?”

“Nothing. We’re just discussing things.” Marley idly began rearranging the dishes, wiping away crumbs and straightening the spoons.

“Stop that.” Granny lightly slapped her hand. “Now, missy, you didn’t drive all this way with the excuse of bringing me three jars of apple butter and a cake that I’d be better off without.” A calico jumped into Granny’s lap, nudging her hand for a gentle touch. “I read you like a book, so don’t go claiming nothing’s fretting you.”

“Well, there’s the rustling that’s keeping everyone’s nerves jumping. Even though Papa tries not to show it, I can see the worry deep in his eyes. A storm is coming—I feel it—and I don’t know from where. And then on the way over here today, a strange-looking man passed us on the road, and he stared so intently it brought chills. When Roan asked him if he needed something, he just gave us this odd smile, didn’t say a word, just tipped his hat and rode on.”

“Dear heavens! Do you think he’s involved with the rustling?”

“I don’t know. He stared a hole right through me, paying Roan no attention—only me. The man had such deep hatred written on his face and in his deep-set eyes. I haven’t been this shaken in a long time.” How could she have angered him when she’d never met him?

Granny pushed up her glasses and covered Marley’s hand. “We can’t hide from trouble. It’ll find us no matter what we do. Stand tall, girl, and don’t let it knock you down. If it does, get right back up and fight.”

“I plan to. I just hope I can weather this.”

“You can. Child, you let your imagination run away with itself and live in a fantasy world three-fourths of the time. I don’t know who that stranger was on the road, and nor do you. His intentions might’ve been completely innocent.”

“I know. But this is different.” Something in her gut said so, yet it was hopeless to try to convince Granny. Marley refilled her cup and leaned to kiss Granny’s cheek. “Thank you for listening. I needed some of your wisdom.”

“I’ve been around a long time, child, and learned a lot as I went. I’ve seen my share of joys and bitter disappointments too. You’ll do the same. It’s called living.” Granny’s watery gaze met Marley’s. “You’ve got something else on your mind. You can’t hide anything from me.”

“I’ve given up trying. I must be an open book the way you always see through me. But how I feel doesn’t make any difference—Roan insists he’s only here temporary. Says he’s a drifter and permanence isn’t in the cards for him.”

“I once met a man who had a bad case of wanderlust, and I shackled him good ’n’ tight with the bonds of wedded bliss.” She cackled. “Mooney Jack was as good a husband as you’ll find. Sure is lonesome since the fool died and left me a poor, old widow woman.”

“I’m sure it is. You were married for such a long time.”

“Fifty-five years.”

The wire-rimmed glasses fell from Granny’s face and clattered to the floor. Marley crawled under the table to get them. “Why on earth don’t you get a pair of spectacles that fit?”

“Don’t have no need for any.” Granny took them from Marley and put them back on. “These belonged to Mooney, bless his poor soul. After he passed on and I took to losing my eyesight a bit, I got ’em out of the drawer. Shoot! Weren’t no need of getting my own when these were sitting there wasting.”

“Not everyone’s vision is alike. I doubt you can see much better with them.”

“Can too. We took the same dadgum pills Doc gave us. What was good enough for Mooney was extra fine for me.”

“You’re hopeless,” Marley said with a laugh.

“Not gonna argue with that, girl.” The woman jolted to her feet, sending the calico running for higher ground. “Let’s cut that apple cake. It’ll go real good with this tea, and you take some out to that young man.” Granny rose and found a knife and two small, mismatched plates.

“Yes, he might like some.” Marley took a small plate of the cake and a fork out to Roan.

He glanced up in surprise, a grin curving his mouth. “You didn’t have to do this.”

“I know, but we wanted to share. It wasn’t right not to.” She noticed how his large hand brushed hers, sending tingles through her when he took the plate.

“Thanks.” Seemingly on impulse, he leaned in and kissed her cheek.

His lips against her skin made her pulse race and warmth flood her face. She tried her best to erase her silly smile but found it impossible. “We won’t be much longer.”

“No rush. Enjoy your visit. Granny Jack is my kind of people.”

“Mine too.” Her heart all fluttery, she hurried inside.

With pieces of cake in front of them, Marley’s old friend leaned over. “Now tell me more about your Roan Penny out there.”

“He’s not my anything.” But if things worked out…who knew what the future held? She put her fingers to her cheek and was hard-pressed to keep from smiling.

Granny took a big bite and murmured approval. “This apple cake is one of your best, child. Glad I don’t have to share the rest with that brood over at your place. I’d have nary a crumb left. Let’s get back to your handsome young drifter. Deny all you want, but I can see you’re just about bursting to talk.”

Marley told her about the night the sky exploded with shooting stars. “I’d never seen so many.” She lowered her voice. “Roan leaned close, and for a moment I could barely breathe, the yearning was so powerful.” She closed her eyes, remembering the way his breath had fluttered the hair at her temples like soft butterfly wings. She inhaled the fragrance of the night swirling around them and recalled the way his hand had anchored her. The closeness of his body and the power that seemed to come from him lingered in her memory like the taste of something rare.

“Shooting stars, huh?” Granny’s eyes twinkled. “I predict the kissing won’t be far off.”

Delicious tingles ran up Marley’s spine. The thought of him actually kissing her lips filled her with longing. She let out a loud sigh. “But he may die before he gets the chance.”

“Men like Roan Penny and Duel McClain burn with a powerful need to see justice done, no matter the risk to themselves.” Granny Jack stilled as she seemed to drift back in time. “My Mooney Jack was such a man. About forty years back, a gang roamed through here, killing and burning and torturing. I remember how terrified I was. I can still see Mooney standing alone, legs braced apart, in the middle of that moonlit road with a torch that must’ve had a three-foot flame. My, he was such a sight to behold! Mooney cussed a blue streak and yelled fit to beat all. He promised he’d hunt down every last one of them even if it took the rest of his life and led him all the way to the gates of hell.”

“What happened?” The story had Marley captivated. She could picture the scene vividly in her mind and made a mental note to put it into a story. Already she was painting the scene on canvas.

“The gang laid real low for a while, but Mooney started goin’ out after dark and not coming home ’til morning. I laid awake, fearful he was lying dead somewhere. Several times he was gone a week or more. One by one, he found those murderin’, thievin’ varmints and took them to jail.” Granny’s jowls shook. “Several took a wrong turn and landed in a grave instead.”

“Oh, Granny, I wish I’d have known Mooney Jack. Roan is just like him. So is my papa.”

“Mooney was some kind of man, and I loved him to his last breath on earth.” Granny took another bite of cake. “That’s the kind of man you want. I’m thinking that out there in the yard sits one. Grab hold of that cowboy an’ don’t let him get away.”

“One thing I didn’t tell you is he rides a gray mare. Poor thing is pitiful looking, but Roan loves it.”

Granny slapped her thigh. “You don’t say. That cinches it. He’s a keeper.”

They finished off their cake and made a new pot of tea. They’d been talking for quite a while, and Marley hoped Roan wasn’t getting tired of waiting, but she had one more question for Granny Jack that had been preying on her mind for a while.

She took their empty plates to the dish tub to wash before she left. “I didn’t realize you were here so far back. You’ve probably known our family since Mama and Papa married.”

“Yep, sure have.”

“Were you there when I was born?”

Alarm rippled across the old woman’s face and left two bright spots on her cheeks. Granny whipped off her glasses and polished them on her apron until the round lenses sparkled. “Now, about Roan Penny standing guard out there…he’s like an old dog with a bone. Right now, he’s planning and setting a trap. I’ll bet you anything, ’cause that’s what I’d do.”

Marley narrowed her eyes. “Why did you change the subject?”

Granny grabbed for her spectacles as they slipped off her nose. She caught them before they hit the floor. “Dadburned glasses!”

Desperate for an answer, Marley pressed harder. “Were you there the night I was born? It’s a simple question.”

“Well, not exactly. I sort of—” Granny held up a cat and rubbed the soft fur across her deeply lined cheek. “Don’t you hafta be running along, child? I don’t wanna make you late.”

It was plain that the widow had no intention of talking about Marley’s birth, though for the life of her, Marley couldn’t figure why. She finally gave up and washed the dishes. And when she walked outside again, Roan stepped from the shadow of the cabin and handed her his empty plate.

“That cake sure hit the spot, Granny Jack. Thank you.” Roan kissed the old dear’s cheek and she blushed, appearing pleased at the attention.

“Marley tells me you ride a gray mare. I once owned one. Never had a better horse.” Granny cackled like an old hen looking for grain. “Course now I cain’t ride anything wilder than a rocking chair. Come back again when you can stay longer.” She hugged Marley and whispered loudly, “I like your man. If’n I was younger, I’d steal him from under your nose.”

Heat rose to Marley’s face. She glanced toward Roan. Twinkling in his eyes suggested he’d heard every word. She wanted to groan and find a hole to crawl into. Heaven forbid that any of the rest of their conversation had drifted beyond the cabin walls. Especially the part about kissing.

Granny took the dessert plate from Marley. “I haven’t spent a finer afternoon. Come again whenever you take a notion.”

“I will.” Marley accepted Roan’s warm hand and climbed into the wagon. The second she sat down, all her worries evaporated, and the cowboy beside her was the only thing to fill her mind. Maybe they could take the long way back. Some long, winding road where trouble couldn’t find them.