Sunrise Ridge (Redemption Mountain Historical Western Romance Book 3) Page 10

  “I’ll be heading over there myself after I’ve spoken with Noah.”

  “I’ll let her know.” Abby crossed the street and entered the boardinghouse. She slipped off her coat, hanging it over her arm as she looked toward the dining room, her eyes widening in recognition. She walked toward two men, a smile splitting her face.

  “Mr. Coulter, Mr. Davis. It’s good to see both of you again.”

  Both men stood at her greeting.

  “Miss Tolbert, it’s a pleasure to see you again.” Beau made a slight bow.

  “You two know each other?” Cash asked, his brows knitting together in confusion.

  “We met in St. Louis a few weeks ago.” Beau turned his attention back to Abby. “Will you join us for supper?”

  She couldn’t think of a reason to decline. Besides, she wanted to find out what the two men were doing in Splendor. “That would be lovely. Thank you.”

  “Tell me. Did you find work?” Beau asked after they’d taken their seats.

  “Yes, I did. At the bank. Mr. Clausen hired me right away. Of course, it helped that his previous teller left the week before.” The lines around her eyes crinkled in delight.

  “That is wonderful news. And you’re staying…?”

  “Here at the boardinghouse. Have you spoken with Mrs. Briar, the woman who owns it?” She glanced toward the kitchen, expecting Suzanne to come out any moment to take their orders.

  “Not yet. We’ve been told she might have space for us to stay while we’re in town, although Cash may stay with the Pelletiers.” Beau looked past Abby to see an older woman emerge from the back and head for their table.

  “I wondered where you were,” Suzanne said, spotting Abby with the two men. “Ah, Mr. Coulter. Welcome back to Splendor.”

  “It’s nice to see you again, Mrs. Briar.” Cash watched as Gabe and Noah entered the dining room. “There will be five of us for supper.”

  “Good evening, gentlemen.” Suzanne’s warm smile greeted Gabe and Noah. They pulled up chairs, joining the others. “Did you just get back into town, Gabe?”

  “I rode in with these two.” He nodded toward Cash and Beau. “You’ve probably heard about the rustling going on. They’ve been tracking a gang from Colorado and believe it’s the same group who’ve been rustling over in Big Pine.”

  “And you think they’re the same ones stealing cattle around Splendor?” Suzanne asked Cash.

  “We do.”

  She nodded, then took their orders, noting the rigid way Abby sat in her chair. Noah had taken a place next to her, no doubt the cause of her slight discomfort. Sadness washed over her. How they felt about each other seemed plain to everyone—except the two of them.

  Abby shifted in her chair, trying to get a few more inches between her and Noah. When she saw Cash and Beau, she should’ve known Gabe might join them. She hadn’t thought of Noah, though. He hadn’t hesitated to select the chair next to her, letting his knee and thigh touch hers as he settled into it. Although she kept trying to gain space, his large form would fill the space, letting his leg rest, once again, along hers.

  Without thinking, she touched the back of a hand to her forehead, feeling the dampness even in the cool room. She concentrated on her breathing in an attempt to quiet her heart rate, which had risen considerably since Noah entered the room. Twice she tried to talk. Each time her throat closed up and she found herself forcing down a lump that threatened to choke her. She didn’t recall feeling anything similar when she visited him earlier at the livery, suspecting the heat she felt came from the way his thigh rubbed back and forth on hers. The sensations threatened to overwhelm her, clawing their way around her, stopping any normal response.

  “Abby, did you hear Cash?”

  Noah’s voice broke through, bringing her thoughts back to the present.

  “I’m sorry. What did you say?” Abby glanced at Noah, then Cash.

  “I asked what your father thinks of you working.”

  She sighed. All except Beau knew her father well enough to guess what his thoughts would be about her taking a job.

  “As you’d expect, he’s not pleased. He didn’t try to forbid me outright from working, but I’m certain the discussion is long from over. I’m to have supper with him on Sunday. Noah’s been gracious enough to let me use one of his horses so I won’t be trapped as I would be if one of his men delivers me from town.”

  “You won’t be riding alone, correct?” Gabe asked.

  “She won’t be,” Noah answered, surprising the others at the table. “I’ll ride with her, then wait while she’s with her father. We’ll ride back to town together.”

  “Noah, you can’t do that.” Abby was unprepared for his surprise announcement.

  His eyes crinkled in amusement. “Of course I can. I have no other plans for Sunday, so you can visit with your father as long as you want. I’ll be waiting when you’re ready to return to town.”

  She couldn’t think of a single answer that would stop him from doing whatever he wanted. Even Gabe, his closest friend, didn’t try to stop him when Noah made up his mind.

  “If Noah finds he’s unable to escort you, I’d be able to take his place.” Beau’s eyes sparkled at the prospect of spending more time with Abby.

  “Nothing will interfere.” Noah’s eyes narrowed at Beau as his voice held a quiet emphasis not lost on the others.

  Abby’s head swung to Beau, then to Noah before she let out a sigh. “Thank you, Noah. I appreciate your offer, even though I doubt it’s necessary.”

  Noah felt great satisfaction at Abby allowing him to accompany her. Even if she hadn’t, he would have followed, making certain she returned safely to town. He also believed Tolbert wasn’t above forcing Abby to stay at the ranch, at least long enough to assure Clausen would need to replace her at the bank. The man would do whatever he could to continue to assert his control over his only child.

  “I suggest we ride to the Pelletier ranch tomorrow, talk with Dax and Luke about the rustlers.” Gabe pushed his empty plate aside.

  “Do you have any idea who is doing the rustling?” Abby asked, trying to conceal the way her gaze continued to shift toward Noah.

  “We believe they’re lead by Parnell Drake—” Gabe began.

  “Drake? The man who worked for my father?” Abby interrupted, surprise in her voice.

  “The same. Cash and Beau tracked him from Colorado to Big Pine. It appears they may have moved here.”

  “My God…” She glanced at Noah, then covered her mouth with a hand before closing her eyes tight.

  “Drake is in Splendor. He made a deposit at the bank earlier this week,” Noah said, looking at Abby. He hadn’t thought of following them from town. If he’d had any idea they might be involved in the rustling, he would’ve tracked them to wherever they camped.

  “Are they staying in town?” Cash leaned forward, resting his arms on the table.

  “No. They rode south. I should’ve followed them.”

  “You had no reason to, Noah. We didn’t put it together until a few days ago.” Cash sat back and crossed his arms. “We’re still not certain it’s the same men who are rustling around Big Pine.”

  “Except nothing else makes sense.” The fact Abby knew the man they suspected of leading the rustlers bothered Beau. “Is Miss Tolbert in any danger?”

  “It’s doubtful, although her father might be.” Gabe knew Tolbert didn’t like it when someone got the better of him. Drake had not only been his foreman, but had been behind numerous attacks against the Pelletiers, contrary to Tolbert’s orders.

  “I need to warn him.” Abby began to stand before Noah wrapped a hand around her arm to stop her.

  “I’ll ride out in the morning,” Gabe said, looking around the table. “He needs to know Drake is back in the area. Did you recognize anyone with him?”

  “No. I thought perhaps one of the other two men who worked for my father might be with him, but they weren’t.” Abby gripped her hands in her lap, wishing
she’d taken a better look at the men with Drake. She did recall one man had a scar which ran down the side of his face, but nothing more. “If they don’t know we suspect them, they might return to the bank.”

  The others seemed to ponder her statement before Cash spoke up.

  “It’s possible they’ll return. In the meantime, who knows how many more head of cattle will turn up missing.”

  “It may be they were scouting the bank before robbing it.” Beau sat back as Suzanne walked in with a pot of coffee and cups, setting one in front of each of them.

  “Are you able to join us, Suzanne?” In a silent plea, Abby reached up to touch Suzanne’s arm.

  “Let me lock up. I’d love to sit for a spell.”

  The table remained silent as Suzanne closed the door behind the last diners and joined them. Gabe explained what they’d been discussing, including Beau’s thought about a possible bank robbery.

  “It wouldn’t surprise me. When they worked for Abby’s father, Drake and his men came in here several times. I knew they were different from the rest of us.” Suzanne’s brows knitted together as she sipped her coffee. “I heard them joke about the wagon train of pioneers who’d been attacked by Indians—the group Ginny Pelletier was a part of before settling here. They laughed about the couple who died and the stupidity of the settlers.”

  “Did they come into the restaurant this week?” Noah asked.

  “No, although I thought I saw Drake ride out of town with some other men a few days ago. Monday or Tuesday, I think. I didn’t get a good enough look at the time, but now I know it must have been them. What can I do to help?”

  “Nothing right now, except stay away from them if they come to town.” Gabe didn’t want Suzanne, Abby, or any of the townspeople coming to harm because of Drake. He glanced at the men sitting around the table. They needed to find him before he harmed anyone in Splendor.

  “Are you certain you can’t close the restaurant for one afternoon and ride to the Pelletier ranch with me and Doc Worthington?” Abby asked once more in hopes Suzanne would give her a different answer.

  “I can’t today. The place is full with boarders who’ll expect supper. Perhaps another time when there are fewer people.”

  Abby noticed Suzanne didn’t look too disappointed. The last year had been rough for her after the new restaurant opened at the other end of town. Now people had a choice. She imagined Suzanne appreciated the additional income the boarders provided.

  “I’d better leave before Doc leaves without me. I’ll see you tonight.” Abby stepped outside, enjoying the feel of the midday sun on her face. The ride would be short if the weather held. She looked across the street to see the livery closed tight. She suspected Noah had gone to his cabin and felt a twinge of guilt he’d be riding back early to escort her to her father’s ranch for supper. At least Sunday meals were early. She’d be finished in enough time to meet Noah and make it back to Splendor before dark.

  “Well…hello, Miss Tolbert. I understand you’ll be going with me to visit Rachel.” Doc Worthington had pulled the wagon to the front and finished tossing a couple bags into the back as Abby stopped beside him.

  “Thank you for taking me.” She grabbed his outstretched hand and climbed onto the wagon seat.

  “Believe me, it’s my pleasure. I enjoy having company.” He settled beside her, grabbing the reins, glancing behind him at the sound of approaching horses. “It appears we’ll have others riding along with us.”

  Abby turned to see Gabe, Cash, Beau, and Noah rein up alongside the wagon.

  “I hear you and Miss Tolbert are heading to the same place we are.” Gabe nodded toward Abby.

  “If you’re going to the Pelletier ranch, that would be correct. You men ready?” Doc asked, then slapped the reins. “Seems Rachel invited half the town to supper.” His voice sounded a little rough, even as a smile appeared. “She does like having a houseful.”

  Once they started out, Abby continued to cast quick looks behind her, watching Noah keep pace with the wagon. He’d smile at her each time he caught her looking his way, sending a wave of heat through her.

  As if he’d found a way into her thoughts, he pulled alongside the wagon. “Good afternoon, Abby.” He touched his finger to the brim of his hat.

  “Hello, Noah. It seems you won’t be making it to your cabin this weekend.”

  “No, ma’am. I’ll have lots of time to spend up there.”

  “Is it far? Your cabin, I mean.”

  Noah grasped the saddle horn with one hand, keeping the reins in the other, and leaned back. “Depends on the weather. An hour’s the longest, but even then, the ride is beautiful. Some nights in the middle of summer, I have light all the way. It’s worth the trip to wake early in the morning to witness the stunning sunrise. Yellows, oranges, reds, and pinks—it’s a sight.”

  She listened to him go on and on about the beauty of his home and wished he’d invite her to share it with him. And not just the sunrises. She wanted to see what he’d accomplished with the land the Pelletiers had given him for helping free Rachel, the doctor, and the Frey brothers from outlaws bent on killing them. She shuddered at how close they’d come to losing the four about a year ago. At first, Noah had turned down the gift of the land, but neither Dax nor Luke would give up. It was either the land or they’d deposit money into Noah’s account at the bank. He finally took the land, building a cabin with a small amount of help from Gabe. She yearned to see it.

  “Perhaps you’ll take me there some day.” Her low, wistful voice tore away at Noah’s commitment to never let her see his home.

  As proud as he was of it, Noah never intended it to be a place to bring a bride and raise a family. Until recently, he’d never believed he had any real chance with Abby. Even if he could change her mind and allow him to court her, the cabin wasn’t fit for a lady. At least he’d been telling himself that for almost a year. Her leaving the ranch, living in the boardinghouse, and working at the bank opened his mind to the possibility they could have a life together.

  “It’s not a place for a lady, Abby.”

  It was all he could get out, yet Abby saw it as an opening. “How do you know if you’ve never had a lady visit?”

  A low chuckle rumbled from Doc Worthington’s chest. He’d stayed silent during the exchange, guiding the wagon toward the entrance to the Pelletier ranch.

  “She’s got you there, Noah.” He cast an amused glance at Noah, believing the man daft for continuing to put off such a prize as Abigail Tolbert.

  Gabe, riding on the driver’s side of the wagon, watched Noah shift in the saddle. The situation with Abby seemed to be coming to a head and he sure hoped he’d to be around to see it.

  “She has a point, Noah. No reason not to take her up the mountain, get her opinion of the cabin. Didn’t you say you wanted some ideas on curtains or some such thing?” Gabe braced his face at the lie he spoke.

  Noah glared at him, knowing full well he’d never mentioned a word about curtains, or tablecloths, or any of the niceties a woman would expect in a home. “Don’t believe I recall such a discussion, Gabe,” he ground out, wishing Gabe had kept his thoughts to himself.

  Abby turned to Noah, her eyes wide in anticipation. “It would be an honor to give you suggestions on the cabin. Running a home was part of my course work at finishing school.” Abby cringed at what she’d said, feeling heat creep up her cheeks. As soon as the words were out, she wished they could be dragged back. “I mean…well…” Her voice trailed off. Anything more and she’d find herself in a deeper hole.

  “I’m sure Noah would appreciate any help he could get with fixing up the place. Right, Noah?” Gabe grinned, enjoying watching his friend squirm.

  Noah’s jawed worked as he tried to control the fire in his gut at Gabe’s suggestion. Even though he’d known Gabe since they were kids in New York, he never remembered a time he wanted to land a fist to his friend’s face more than right now. It was good the wagon, Doc Worthington, and Abby sto
od between the two of them.

  “It’s all right. I’m sure Noah will reconsider inviting me when he’s ready.”

  “Hope we’re not all six feet under by then,” Gabe mumbled under his breath, nudging Blackheart into a gallop as the ranch house came into sight.

  Chapter Twelve

  “We gonna hole up here forever?” Lem Pruett, one of Drake’s cronies from their war years, sat on his horse, eyeing the cattle milling around the open space they’d found within the walls of the nearby mountain range.

  “The cattle are doing fine. There’s plenty of grass and water, and we’re far enough out that no one should find us.” Drake knew there’d be plenty of grass available during the drive south, but he wanted to fatten them up as much as possible before they started out.

  “Drake’s right. Those cattle need to feed on the grass several more days or we’ll lose too many on the drive.” Archie Swaggert, another of Drake’s cronies, swung back up on his horse and looked up at the towering valley walls.

  “This is a good spot, south of the Murton ranch. There are no other ranches for miles. Wish it weren’t so far from the Pelletier and Tolbert ranches, though. Once we raid them, we’ll have enough to leave.”

  “‘Course, we don’t have to go after more cattle, Drake. We got plenty to move and make a nice profit.” Lem had been pushing to move the herd ever since he’d spotted the men who’d been tracking them ride into Splendor with Sheriff Evans. He’d been headed for the saloon, but hid in an alley before they spotted him, then rode toward camp with the news. If the sheriff, Coulter, and Davis joined forces with the local ranchers, it would be difficult to hide the herd much longer. If they did what Drake wanted and rustled from Tolbert and the Pelletiers, it would double the risk.

  “No more discussion on this. We’re going after their cattle.” Drake reined his horse around and headed toward their camp.

  For Drake, this wasn’t about stealing cattle as much as revenge against the ranchers whose actions forced him, Lem, and Archie to disappear a year ago, before their plans had been completed. The three had expected so much more than mere wages as ranch hands for Tolbert. They’d hoped to turn local sentiment against the rancher, setting him up as the lawbreaker for the crimes the three committed. As their boss, they believed it would be a simple matter to focus the blame on Tolbert.