Thirty-eight

Gentry jerked her up, growling. “They’re dead. I killed ’em both. Let’s go.”

Marley grunted, wishing she could talk. But what was left to say? He undid her feet, and she climbed numbly on the horse and rode beside her captor. They pulled up to the old watering hole, the boulders around it a jumble of sandstone. They gave the appearance of a child’s toys left behind after he’d tired of them.

“Try to escape and you’ll regret it.” He sliced through the ropes binding her hands and removed her gag. “I don’t think I have to convince you of all the ways I know of bringing pain.”

She spat out the bad taste on the ground. “I hope you rot in hell.”

“Plenty more will be there with me.” He shoved her toward the water. “Drink up. We’ve got a long way to go.”

“You’re vicious and vile. I am the daughter of Duel and Jessie McClain.”

Angry red streaks crawled up Gentry’s face. He gave her a shove and sent her sprawling. Marley got up and stumbled to the water’s edge, where she cupped her hands, bringing cool water to her lips. After swishing the blood from her mouth, she drank her fill. From the corner of her eye, she noticed her captor had perched on a rock, staring at her through eyes filled with hate.

He wasn’t human.

She could not have come from his loins. Surely it wasn’t possible.

But sadly, another part of her knew it was. A layer of ice coated her heart. He’d killed Roan and her papa. A sob rose, choking her.

Will Gentry had no remorse, no conscience, no soul.

She washed her face and drank a little more, then rose. He scrambled down from his perch and grabbed her arm.

“Mount up. Rest time is over.”

A covey of quail suddenly took flight from the brush, drawing her attention. A tall, lean figure swung out from behind a boulder.

Roan.

He wasn’t dead!

Capable, strong, and deadly, he aimed his Colt. Her heart leapt.

Gentry saw him at the same time and yanked Marley in front of him, holding his pistol against her temple. “Get back or she dies.”

“Shoot him, Roan. Go ahead and shoot him,” she screamed. She’d never seen his eyes so hard, so cold. But strong determination glittered there as well.

“Are you all right, Marley?”

“I’m unhurt.”

Then Duel rose from the tangle of brush, a gun in his hand. Blood stained his shirt and hands. “I should’ve taken care of you from the start. I always knew you’d turn up one day.”

“Your problem is that you’re too soft. I took your herd, took your security, and I took your precious Marley Rose,” Gentry gloated. “I took everything you had, and you couldn’t stop me. It was as easy as eatin’ pie.”

“You always were a greedy bastard. Let Marley Rose go. This is just between you and me.” Duel gave a hard cough, and blood droplets flew from his mouth.

Marley sucked in a breath. Her papa was in bad shape. They had to get him to a doctor.

Gentry put his mouth to Marley’s ear. “Tell him you hate his guts.”

“No.”

“Say it or I’ll blow his head clean off.”

From the corner of her eye, she saw Roan move slowly toward them. Marley raised her foot and brought it down hard on Gentry’s instep, grinding the heel into his flesh. Then she rammed her elbow into his ribs and ducked as he dropped his gun.

Roan and Duel fired simultaneously. One bullet struck Gentry in the heart, the other in his forehead.

Marley ran to Roan and wound her arms around his waist. “You’re all right! I didn’t know how injured he’d left you. Then when Gentry boasted that he killed you and Papa, I didn’t hold out much hope that you were alive.”

“He did manage to shoot Duel. I fell and pretended to be shot so I could follow him to you. I was afraid I’d be too late.” Beneath the shadow of his hat, Roan studied her for a moment before covering her lips in a kiss that told her there was a forever.

She clung to him with all her might, afraid he was a mirage that would vanish. Finally, she pulled away to rush to her father where he had collapsed against a boulder.

“How bad?” she asked.

“I’ll live. It takes more than what Gentry had to kill me.” He touched her face. “Did he hurt you, Marley?”

That he’d left off the customary Rose part of her name didn’t escape her notice. It was a sign he’d finally accepted her as grown.

Tears filled her eyes. “Not yet. I owe you and Roan my life. I knew you’d come for me.” Her hand slipped into Roan’s. “Let’s get Papa to a doctor. Then we can rest and plan our wedding.”

* * *

The sun shone bright the day of the wedding, the rays setting the stained glass of the old church ablaze as though it were made of glittering jewels. Roan had never seen anything so perfect. Every pew was full. The McClains—including Duel’s brother Luke, and his wife, Glory, who’d arrived the previous night—took up an entire section of the church. Granny Jack sat on the first row, her brand-new glasses fitting just fine, her eyes so large behind them that she resembled an owl, taking in everything. Silas Wheeler and his wife, Elizabeth, had come in from San Saba. And it seemed the town of Tranquility had turned out also.

That so many people wished them well boggled Roan’s mind. It was something he had to get used to.

The question of a last name came up a few days ago. Roan had asked her if she truly wanted to take the name that had marked him as worthless.

He smiled, recalling her words. “Of course, I do, sweetheart. You made it worth something. Your rotten father did you a favor getting rid of Culpepper. You are Roan Penny, a man worthy of all the stars in the sky.”

At the first strains of the organ, Roan turned, and his breath lodged in his chest. He’d never seen anyone more beautiful than his bride. Her elegant dress was the color of ripe plums and had probably cost more than a year’s wages. She’d swept her hair up on her crown and secured it with some thingamajig, letting dark strands hang loose. But it was the happiness in her eyes that he treasured most. Gone was the terror, the worry, the pain.

They were free of Gentry’s vicious threats.

Free to love each other.

Free to marry.

Escorted by Duel, Marley stepped to Roan’s side, slipped her hand in his, and faced the preacher. From the corner of Roan’s eye, he caught Matt’s movement. The boy stole quietly to Marley and clutched her dress. Roan winked at him.

Of all he’d dreamed over the years, the last thing he expected was to marry a strong, captivating woman like Marley. The scared little boy in him had never let himself dream that big. His hopes had been to find a friendly face, a dry place to sleep, and have food in his belly. He hadn’t dared let himself think much further beyond that.

“I can’t wait to get you home,” Roan whispered in Marley’s ear. “I’m going to strip that dress off you and kiss every inch of your naked body.”

A blush stained her cheeks. “You’re scandalous, Mr. Penny.”

The reverend gave them a stern look. “Can I proceed?”

“Of course. Sorry.” Roan gave Marley’s hand a squeeze.

The man of the cloth cleared his throat, and with a wide smile replacing his stern demeanor, began the ceremony. They gave the appropriate responses, then came the moment Roan had been waiting for. He slipped a ring on her finger that told all the world she belonged at his side. Then he slid an arm behind her and dipped her low, his mouth pressed to hers.

The hungry kiss probably made the reverend blush, for it certainly wasn’t the chaste kind for a church. But this was his wedding, and he’d waited a long time.

The velvet warmth of Marley’s lips seared a burning path right through him and brought a mist to his eyes. God, he loved this woman and her big, open heart. His heartbeat hammered in his ears. He didn’t know how he’d make it until they got home.

Someone whooped, and Roan realized the kiss had gone on far too long and was definitely too greedy. The minute he raised her up and released her, a crowd swarmed them.

He suddenly heard a sob, and he noticed Matt was crying. Roan picked him up. “What’s wrong, little man? Why the tears?”

“Mama Rose won’t like me anymore. She has you.”

Roan hugged him close. “Your Mama Rose will always love you. It’s a different kind of love than she has for me, but it’s just as deep and lasting. You’re still her boy and will always be no matter how old you get. And you know what else?”

Matt shook his head.

“You’re my boy too. We’re a family, and we’re always going to be together.”

“For a long, long, long time? I’ll never have to leave?”

“Nope, never. Do you know what forever means?” Roan asked.

“’Til I die?” Matt sniffled, brightening.

“That’s right. But I’ll tell you a secret. One of these days when you get big, you’re going to want to leave and make your own life, but that’ll be okay.”

“Nope. I’m never, ever, leaving my Mama Rose and Papa Roan.”

“We’ll see. Now, go give your mama a kiss. I know she needs one.” Roan set him down and watched him fall into Marley’s outstretched arms.

Duel stepped up beside him. “That boy sure does love her.”

“That he does. I’m glad we can raise him. I’m looking forward to teaching him things about the world.”

“Jessie and I are happy for that. She’s decided to cut back on her obsession. The strangest thing happened. A childless couple approached us about the triplets, and they’re taking them as soon as they get a new room built.” Duel’s gaze found his wife, and their eyes met across the crowded room. Neither space nor time or a roomful of people separated him from the woman who held his heart.

Roan had found that kind of love at last with Marley. Neither of them would have settled for less. “That’s good. I’m sure you’re both relieved.”

“Absolutely.” Duel brought his attention back to Roan. “She’s realizing that she’s been tired a long time, and she’s no spring chicken. Jessie spread herself too thin without even knowing it.” Duel paused. “I want to talk to you after we get back to the ranch. It’s important.”

“Sure thing.” Roan watched his father-in-law stride across the room to join his wife. What did he want? Maybe to lay down some rules? Must be what fathers normally did.

No need for those. Marley was already his queen, and he cherished her more than all the gold on earth. His love for her was the eternal kind. She was his star in the heavens, burning brightly and lighting the way.

Mrs. Harper had once told him that without stars the world would be a very dark place.

That bore much truth. He knew he’d plunge into darkness if he ever lost his Texas Star. Marley was the love he’d been waiting for his whole life.

And she was now his wife forever and ever.

Until the end of time.

* * *

The Aces ’n’ Eights’ compound had filled with wagons and buggies of all descriptions. Roan handed Marley down from the buckboard, then reached for Matt. Following the ceremony, they’d taken a drive to look at two different parcels of property. Now that they were a family, they’d be needing land of their own. He’d thought of asking Duel if he’d be willing to sell part of the ranch, but backed out. He knew his father-in-law was looking to enlarge, not shrink, his acreage. Only the land they’d looked at was too rich for Roan’s blood.

Marley stretched up to kiss his cheek. “Don’t worry. We’ll keep looking.”

“Yes, we will.” He watched Matt scamper off to play with a group of kids.

“You met Papa’s brother Luke and his wife at the wedding, but come and let me introduce you properly. Aunt Glory used to be completely blind, but Mama said she’d gotten an operation and can now see shapes and people’s faces. I’m so happy for her.”

Roan cast a longing glance at their small house, and sighed. He just wanted to be alone with Marley, but now they had all these people here. Maybe they could sneak away in a bit.

As they strolled toward the main house, Luke McClain came toward them with a very beautiful woman. Luke was the spitting image of Duel, except for a little difference in height and the longer way he wore his hair. Sunlight bounced off his wife’s golden hair, and she wore a wide smile. Roan never would’ve known that she couldn’t see.

Marley made the introductions, then said, “Aunt Glory, we need to celebrate your victory. I’m tickled to death that you can see, even if it’s only partially. How was it after the bandages came off?”

Glory McClain’s laughter bubbled. “I can’t begin to describe how amazing and wonderful that was. After eighteen years, I had forgotten what a handsome man my husband is.”

Luke kissed her cheek. “I think she imagined I had grown warts or had taken to pulling my pants up to my neck and wearing suspenders. Thank goodness I’d shaved and put on clean clothes for once.”

“Oh you!” Marley hugged him. “It’s great to see you both and to have arrived with such exciting news. I was so pleased to see you at the church.”

“Roan, do you think you’ll be able to handle this feisty woman?” Luke asked.

“I don’t know. She might get the best of me if I’m not on my toes.” Roan watched the gathering but he really only had eyes for Marley, admiring her happy flush. It thrilled him to know that he had put the color there. After her ordeal the previous week, he wouldn’t have taken bets that she would recover so fast.

“We both wanted to be here. You’re a special young lady,” Glory said. “And what a handsome husband you’ve gotten, my dear. You make a lovely couple.”

Marley slipped her arm through Roan’s and gazed up into his eyes, love written on her face. “I’m extremely lucky to have found him.”

Duel emerged from the house. “Roan, want to ride with me? You too, Marley.”

“Sure.” After excusing themselves, Roan and Marley fell into step with Duel. Maybe now he’d find out what his father-in-law wanted.

They saddled up, and the three of them soon galloped across the pastureland, Shadow loving the unexpected exercise. In no time, they had passed the boundary line, ridden onto the next parcel and into a little valley that had a sparkling stream running through it. They reined up at the water’s edge and dismounted.

“Papa, what are we doing trespassing on someone else’s land?” Marley asked.

Duel pushed back his hat. “I bought it, changed over the deed yesterday.” He waved his arm across it. “This now belongs to you. It’s a wedding gift from your mother and me.”

Marley hugged him, crying, but Roan could only stare in disbelief. This was his and Marley’s? Their own land? How was it possible?

“I don’t know what to say,” Roan managed past the lump that blocked his throat. He blinked hard. “Thank you. You don’t know what this means.” He clasped Duel’s hand and pulled Marley against him.

“It’s only a hundred and fifty acres, but it’s a good start for you both.” Duel stared toward a windmill, turning lazily in the breeze. “It’s good land with fresh water and plenty of vegetation.” He motioned to the windmill. “We can start on building a house right over there—unless you have other plans.”

A mist filled Roan’s eyes. He squatted down to pick up a handful of rich soil, letting it fall through his fingers. His voice was husky. “I’m home. I’m finally home, Marley.”

She knelt and put her arms around him. “And I’ll be right here beside you every step.”

What had been the odds of something like this ever happening to him? Everything they’d gone through to find this pot of gold at the end of the rainbow had been worth it.

The scent of roses swirled around his head as he finished the kiss he’d started in church. The loud roar in his ears blocked the sound of Duel riding off.

Finding themselves alone, Roan laid Marley down on a soft cushion of winter grass and slowly stripped her wedding gown from her body. He caressed the length of her shapely legs, brushed his hand over the satiny skin of her raised hip, across her flat stomach. Bending, he pressed his lips to the inside of her thighs.

Only then did he allow his touch to slide up her luscious body to her breasts, kneading the soft mounds and taking them into his mouth.

She trembled, reaching for him. “Take off your clothes. I want to see you, touch you.”

He unbuckled his gun belt and removed his boots, his eyes never leaving hers.

“More,” she said when he tried to lie down next to her.

Captivated by the sight of her naked curves, he had trouble getting his shirt off and finally pulled the blasted thing over his head.

“Keep going.” The afternoon light danced in Marley’s eyes.

The hunger on her face told him to hurry. One button released, and his trousers slid down to his ankles. He kicked them off.

Marley clapped. “You’re such a tease, Roan Penny. That sinful smile makes me wonder if all the female population in Texas is either blind or crazy to have let you get away. I’m a very lucky woman.”

Flustered and a little embarrassed, he quickly shed the rest of his clothing and dropped beside her. Marley massaged his chest with her palm and licked his brown nipples. Heat rose fast and sure, engorging his throbbing length.

“I want you, Marley Rose Penny. My wife. My love.” The words came out raspy and rough with need.

He rolled on top of her, his weight flattening her breasts, the hard pebbles of her nipples pressing against the wall of his chest.

Her doe eyes stared up at him as she slid her hand between them and closed her palm around his swollen length. “I never expected to find you. This hunger I have for you is raging inside, Roan. Fill me with your love and never stop.”

Emotion choking him, unable to speak, Roan kissed her softly parted lips. Filled with love and hunger, he slid into her and began the climb to heaven. Soon they reached the top and shattered back to earth in a fiery blaze of passion.

Afterward, when they caught their breath, Roan sat up and pulled her into his lap, his arms folded across her chest. Doves flew down from the trees by twos and filled the air with cooing.

Roan buried his face in her fragrant hair. They would build something lasting here on their own land. They’d lay down strong roots, so deep that nothing could yank them out. Each day with her would be an adventure. “Tell me a story, my Texas Star.”