Courage Canyon Page 15

  Dirk moved his hand down, threading his fingers through hers.

  “We could barely see through the rain. The trail turned muddy, almost washing out in some places. The wagon master didn’t stop. As the rain increased, one wagon broke down, then another. People stopped to help each other, but Pa kept going, driving off the trail to avoid the other wagons. The storm continued, lightning strikes hitting all around us. I don’t know exactly what happened next. There was a loud bang, the wagon tipped, and when I woke up, I was on the ground, clutching my stomach.” Her voice broke, a quiet sob escaping before Dirk wrapped an arm around her.

  “Shhh. You don’t have to say any more, sweetheart.”

  Shaking her head, the disjointed words tumbled out. “I…lost…lost the baby.”

  Turning her to face him, Dirk tucked her head under his chin, stroking her back as she sobbed out her agony. Silently, he cursed Elias and her pa, wishing they were here so he could take out his anger on them.

  As the crying subsided, he pulled back, using his thumbs to wipe away the tears.

  “I’m so sorry, Dirk. I know what you must think of me. I disgraced myself by believing what Elias said.”

  Placing a finger over her lips, he kissed her forehead. “I think you’re a strong, courageous woman, Rosemary. You shouldered a burden no girl should have to bear at fifteen. Elias was the coward. He used you, then walked away, afraid to take any responsibility. He’s the one disgraced, not you.”

  Staring at him, wanting desperately to believe his words, she leaned up, kissing him on the mouth. “Thank you.”

  Tightening his arms around her, he squeezed, then pulled back. “Come on. I’ll walk you to the house. Tomorrow, we’ll go for a ride. Would you like that?”

  Covering her mouth to stifle a hiccup, she nodded, garnering a chuckle from Dirk.

  “I guess that’s a yes.”

  Walking to the house, she glanced up at him, her eyes red, the corners of her mouth tilting into a slight grin. The sight stilled his heart. Dirk looked away to clear his mind. She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever known, and without any doubt he wanted her. Now more than ever.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Bull walked into the barn, seeing Dirk saddling Banshee and a gentle mare Rosemary usually rode. “Where you off to?”

  Dirk didn’t look up. “The boys think we have a group of horses lost somewhere in Courage Canyon. I’m going to ride over and see.”

  “We have men for that. If they think the horses wandered that way, I’ll send Mal and Tat to bring them back. No reason for you to go.”

  Dirk snorted. “No reason except I need to get out of here for a while. I’m taking Rosemary with me.”

  Crossing his arms, Bull leaned against the stall. “Do you think that’s a good idea? We don’t know where Trask and his men are.”

  “I’ll be careful.”

  “I know you will, Dirk, but you’re just one man. It’d be better to take Mal and a couple others with you.”

  “Not this time.” Finishing with both horses, he grabbed the reins, leading them outside.

  “Hold on, Dirk.” Bull stepped in front of the horses, stopping him from leaving. “Is there a reason you don’t want to take men with you?”

  Glaring at Bull, he blew out a frustrated breath. He didn’t have a good reason for putting Rosemary in possible danger, other than he wanted more time alone with her. Riding out without considering her protection was foolish…and selfish.

  “You’re right. Let Mal and Tat know. We’ll be leaving in thirty minutes.”

  Bull nodded before leaving for the bunkhouse.

  Staring at the front porch, waiting for Rosemary to appear, Dirk chastised himself. He’d invited her on a ride with him, not thinking beyond his desire to continue the conversation they’d started the night before.

  When the men came in the evening before, they’d been angry about their count being off by a few horses. They’d searched everywhere, but hadn’t found them. Mal talked about losing horses and cattle in Courage Canyon the previous spring. The problem was, the canyon was miles from where the herd had been grazing.

  Dirk latched onto the idea. They expected Trask to come in from the north. The canyon was southwest, heading into the mountains. Lying on his bunk last night, Dirk had thought it a good place to ride with Rosemary. Now, he knew he’d been deluding himself.

  “Hey,” Rosemary said as she came down the steps, pulling his thoughts back to the present.

  “Morning.” He took in the sight of her. Unlike last night when he’d left her with red eyes and sullen expression, she glowed this morning, an infectious smile tugging at his heart.

  “Where are we going?”

  “South. Mal thinks we may have some lost horses holed up in a canyon down that way. He and Tat will be going with us.”

  If the thought of having the ranch hands ride with them bothered her, she didn’t show it.

  “We could be gone most of the day.”

  She glanced toward the bunkhouse, seeing Johnny, his recovering leg resting on a stool. She waved at him, then at Mal and Tat as they stepped outside. “Then I’ll get food for us to take along.”

  “Morning, Boss.” Tat stopped next to Dirk, his appreciative gaze following Rosemary as she walked up the steps and into the house. When he turned to face Dirk, the smile slid from his face. “Uh…Bull said you want us to go with you to search Courage Canyon, see if we can find the missing horses?”

  “That’s right. Rosemary’s coming with us. Do you think you can keep your eyes to yourself?”

  Mal’s lips twitched before he looked at the ground.

  Glaring at his friend, Tat nodded. “Sure, Boss. I can do that.”

  “Good. She’s packing food for us to take. Go get your horses ready. We’ll leave as soon as Rosemary comes back.” Leaving the men to get ready, he led the horses to the front of the house, then leaned against a rail as he waited.

  He’d slept little after Rosemary revealed her past. His gut twisted when he thought of what she’d gone through. She’d already told most everyone at the ranch about arriving in Splendor on a wagon train with her mother and brother. By then, their father had abandoned them, taking off with some woman he’d met along the way. When their mother became ill, they’d left the train, finding sanctuary in an abandoned shack not far from town.

  There was no money for a doctor, so Rosemary did what she could to help their mother. It hadn’t been enough to reverse the illness. She died with Rosemary on one side of her and Ben on the other. Dirk wondered if that was when she decided to become a nurse, vowing to ask her at some point.

  She had a hard life, making up for it with determination, hard work, and courage. Rosemary had taken what life threw at her and turned it around, doing her best to not only feed and clothe Ben, but two other orphans, Teddy and Jimmy Odell. He admired her more than she knew.

  “I have everything.” She bounded down the steps, her radiant smile punching a hole in his gut.

  Clearing his throat, he looked away, glad to see Mal and Tat walking up.

  “Looks like we’re ready.” He helped her onto her horse, knowing she didn’t need his assistance, but needing to touch her. When she’d settled in the saddle, he finally dropped his hands away, instantly missing the contact.

  Tat glanced at Dirk, then touched the brim of his hat, nodding at Rosemary.

  Mal stifled a chuckle. Tat didn’t get intimidated often, but seems Dirk made it happen. “Good morning, Miss Rosemary.”

  “Good morning.” She nodded at Tat and Mal.

  Dirk swung up on Banshee. “Mal, you and Tat lead the way.”

  Kicking their horses, they moved out ahead of Rosemary and Dirk, heading south toward the mountains.

  Splendor

  “It sure has been quiet the last couple weeks.” Deputy Mack Mackey leaned back in his chair in the sheriff’s office, looking at his cards.

  Caleb Covington nodded, checking his own cards. “I can’t recall
the last time we played cards in the jail.”

  “That’s because you haven’t been a deputy long enough to remember,” Cash joked, shaking his head.

  “Don’t get used to it, gentlemen.” Gabe picked up his coffee, taking a slow sip as he studied his hand. “The quiet never lasts long.”

  Beau Davis strolled in, taking off his hat. “Hey. What am I missing? If I would have known you planned to play cards this morning, I’d have been here sooner.” Heading to the stove, he grabbed a cup, filling it with coffee as the door opened.

  Gabe set down his cards when he saw who entered. “Ah. The man I’ve been waiting for.”

  Dutch nodded at the others. “Looks like you have a full house this morning.”

  “There’s always room for one more player, McFarlin. Do you want in?” Mack asked.

  Dutch shook his head. “My mind isn’t ready to match wits with you degenerates this early in the morning.”

  “Neither are ours, but that hasn’t stopped us.” Caleb took another sip of his coffee as Gabe tossed down his cards.

  “I asked Dutch to come in early for a reason.”

  Each man stilled, setting down their own cards to look at Gabe.

  “You’re all aware Dutch has been thinking of making a change. Splendor’s growing faster than we can keep up with, especially with all the mischief going on.”

  Cash looked at the cards spread out on Gabe’s desk. “Today notwithstanding.”

  “True.” Gabe nodded. “Back to the reason Dutch is here. We need to expand the hours we patrol the town and have two men on watch each night. Until now, we haven’t had enough men to do it. Now we do.” Gabe nodded at Dutch. “I’ve offered him a job as deputy and he’s accepted.” Pulling out a badge, he handed it to him.

  “Well, hell, that is good news.” Mack stood, extending his hand to Dutch. “Glad you’re here.”

  Each of the others did the same, mocking him about his choice in bosses, before the room quieted and all but Dutch and Beau sat back down.

  Beau clasped Dutch on the back. “Guess you’re going to have to come up with some more chairs, Gabe.”

  “I think I can manage that.”

  Mack stood. “Gabe, if you don’t mind, I think I’ll head over to the boardinghouse and grab some breakfast.”

  Gabe gestured toward the door. “Go ahead. We have nothing else going on here.”

  Caleb stood. “I think I’ll join you.”

  “Do you two mind a third?” Dutch asked.

  “Not at all.” Mack looked at Beau and Cash. “You two interested?”

  “Nope.” Cash patted his stomach. “Allie made a big meal for me this morning.”

  “I’m good.” Beau thought of his fiancée, Caro, who’d been asleep when he left the house. She deserved the rest. For the last few months, they’d been getting their separate ranches merged together while planning their wedding. In a couple weeks, she’d be his. “I’m going to start my rounds, Gabe.”

  “I’d best get on with mine, too.” Cash set his empty cup on the stove and followed the others outside. “You men enjoy your meal.” He nodded at Mack, Caleb, and Dutch as they made their way across the street, avoiding wagons and men on horseback.

  Beau walked up to his longtime friend as the men walked into the boardinghouse. “You know why they’re headed over there, right?”

  Cash shook his head. “Other than being hungry?”

  Beau grinned. “The young women the ladies brought to town are staying there.”

  Cash threw his head back and laughed. “The mail order brides?”

  Beau cocked his head. “Is that a fact?”

  “Allie’s not providing details, but she’s pretty tight with Lena, Suzanne, and Isabella. The word is they brought the young women to town because the number of single men is far outpacing the available women. I’m surprised Caro hasn’t said something to you.”

  Beau crossed his arms, his mouth twisting in a wry grin. “Not a word, but she’s been busy getting ready for our wedding.”

  Cash’s face sobered. “Did you ever think when we rode into Splendor that we’d find wives and settle down?”

  Beau chuckled, shaking his head. “Not once. I thought I’d be saddled with sharing a cabin with you for the rest of my life.”

  Cash clasped him on the shoulder. “Me, too, my friend.”

  “Take seats anywhere you want, gentlemen.” Suzanne smiled at the three men as they walked in, noticing the badge on Dutch’s shirt. “Am I looking at the newest deputy?”

  Taking off his hat, he nodded. “You are, ma’am.”

  “Well, that is good news. And, please, call me Suzanne. Your breakfast is on the house this morning, Dutch. I’ll get three coffees.”

  As the men took seats, the sounds of laughter drew their attention to the stairs. An instant later, the four young women appeared, their curious gazes scanning the dining room.

  “Good morning, ladies.” Suzanne emerged from the kitchen holding three cups of coffee. She looked for an empty table, nodding to them. “Follow me.”

  The men watched as Suzanne set their cups in front of them, then indicated the ladies should take the table next to them.

  “I don’t believe you gentlemen have met the ladies who arrived on the stage.”

  The three stood, Caleb the first to speak. “No, ma’am. We haven’t had the pleasure.”

  “Ladies, these are three of Splendor’s deputies. Mr. Mack Mackey, Mr. Caleb Covington, and Mr. Dutch McFarlin. Gentlemen, meet Miss Tabitha Beekman, Miss Sylvia Lucero, Miss May Bacon, and Miss Deborah Chestro. They’re going to be making Splendor their home. Well, I’d better see to the other customers.”

  “It’s a pleasure meeting you, ladies,” Dutch said, his slight southern drawl smooth as molasses. “May I ask where you all are from?”

  As usual, Deborah spoke first. “Philadelphia, Mr. McFarlin. And you? You have the voice of a southerner.”

  “Guilty, I’m afraid. I was born in Charleston, as was my father and his father before him. He and my mother still live in the house I grew up in.”

  “I suppose you fought for the Confederacy then.”

  His features stilled, the charm falling away. “The war is behind us now, Miss Chestro. At least it is for me. If you’ll excuse me.” Turning, he raised a brow at Mack and Caleb before sitting back down.

  “Enjoy your breakfast, ladies.” Mack bowed slightly, then sat next to Dutch.

  “It was a pleasure meeting you.” Caleb turned to take his seat, but not before taking one more glance at Tabitha. Something about her golden caramel eyes, soft brown hair, and unaffected smile drew him in a way he hadn’t experienced in a long time. Picking up his coffee, he took a long swallow.

  “Well, that seemed to go well, Dutch.” Mack’s somber expression told of his true thoughts.

  “Unfortunately, there are many people who feel the same. Even though it’s been four years, they can’t put the war behind them. It seems Miss Chestro may be one of them.”

  Mack nodded. “I wonder how the other ladies feel.”

  Tabitha bit her lower lip, trying to stop the sharp rebuke she wanted to give Deborah. Within minutes of meeting the outspoken woman, she’d learned of her hatred for anyone from the South. It was a sentiment Tabitha didn’t share. To her knowledge, neither did May nor Sylvia, at least not to Deborah’s unfathomable degree.

  “You were quite rude to Mr. McFarlin, Deborah.” Sylvia shot her a cool look.

  Tabitha nodded. “I agree. He was trying to be pleasant, and as usual, you couldn’t keep your thoughts to yourself.”

  Deborah’s lips drew into a thin line. “I don’t care a wit if I was rude. Anyone from the South deserves the scorn directed at them, and that includes Deputy McFarlin.”

  May cleared her throat. The youngest and the most shy, she seldom gave her thoughts. “Perhaps you might consider saying nothing when you’re unable to be gracious, Deborah. Remember, we’re here to find husbands, not alienate everyone.”
>
  Deborah blinked several times, surprised at May’s candor. Although soft-spoken, her words caused Deborah’s chest to squeeze. “You may be right, but it isn’t easy for me.”

  The others nodded, already knowing her history and how she’d lost her father and brothers at Gettysburg. Still, they’d all lost family and their homes. It was why they were in Splendor. They had nowhere else to go.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Southern Montana Border

  Trask knelt, staring at the trail, trying to decide if the tracks he’d been following belonged to Herb and Rufus. Cursing his lack of tracking skills, he stood and looked around. With the meager amount of food he’d been able to forage, he had to make a decision. If he turned north now, he might be able to make it to Big Pine.

  He knew the territorial capital well. There were a few people who might still consider him a friend. People he’d done favors for and might be willing to help him. Trask also knew where several storekeepers hid their cash boxes at night, and which ones lived in houses away from their businesses instead of apartments above.

  Mounting his horse, Trask took one more look south. He had a choice to make. Follow Herb and Rufus, repaying them for their betrayal, or continue to Splendor, taking out his revenge on Rosemary.

  He couldn’t be certain which direction his ex-partners rode, although he was fairly certain they’d head toward the Arizona Territory and the Mexican border. Trask had heard stories of the Apache, and none of them were good. His skills as a gunslinger were marginal, his ability to survive in the rough desert conditions insignificant.

  His chances of getting to Splendor were much better. Trask knew Rosemary would be at one of two places—the clinic or the Pelletier ranch. This time, he’d be more cautious, go after her when she was alone. If they’d gotten word of his escape, they’d know Herb and Rufus escaped with him. They’d be looking for three men, not one. He could take her by surprise, maybe a couple of the other brats, too. When he was done, he’d leave the territory and never return.

  As he reined his horse north, another thought crossed his mind, causing his lips to twist into a sneer. Herb and Rufus were both ignorant enough to enter Apache territory, ignoring the danger in their panic to get away from him. With any luck at all, the Apache would take care of Trask’s vengeance for him.