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  She tightened her grip on the boy’s hand and marched forward, allowing herself a few moments to look Caleb up and down.

  “We’ve traveled a great distance to find you.”

  Staring at her, he shrugged.

  “You were a Texas Ranger, correct?”

  He glanced at Mack, then back at the woman. “For a time.”

  “In Austin?”

  “Yes.”

  “You knew Sadie Moss?”

  His eyes clouded in confusion. “Sadie?”

  “She was a saloon girl in Austin. Do you remember her?”

  Pushing aside the dread at her question, Caleb glanced at May before taking a closer look at the boy. His stomach clenched at the blond hair and deep blue eyes gazing back at him. A miniature version of him.

  “Yes. I remember her.” His voice was low, cautious, and filled with alarm.

  Tugging the boy in front of her, the woman settled her hands on his shoulders. “Mr. Covington, this is your son, Isaac.”

  Caleb stood next to Gabe and Mack, watching Isaac play outside the church with several other children, the women clustered together a few feet away. Two hours later, the shock of the woman’s announcement hadn’t faded. Nor had the punch of her words.

  He had a son. Two and a half years old with the same hair and eyes as his father. The same tentative smile and wary gaze as his mother.

  Sadie.

  Caleb let out a slow breath, remembering the sweet saloon girl who’d helped him get through the rough time after his fiancée’s death. Guilt gripped him at the memory. He’d never said goodbye to the quiet, shy woman who’d been a friend of Regina’s. The mental image of her being alone and pregnant with little money caused his chest to squeeze, jaw to tighten. He’d been selfish, his desire for revenge controlling his decisions, leaving the woman carrying his son behind without a backward glance.

  After leaving the Texas Rangers, he turned to bounty hunting with one goal in mind. Find the marauders who’d murdered Regina and obtain justice for every innocent they’d killed during their journey of terror through Texas.

  He’d never been able to do it as a Ranger. As a bounty hunter, Caleb had found a measure of satisfaction locating two of the men responsible for her death, killing both without a moment’s hesitation. The oldest brother, who’d fired the bullet which killed Regina, had gotten away.

  After months of chasing the man north, he’d lost him near South Pass City, Wyoming. Low on money, he had no choice but to give up the chase. Caleb rode north to Splendor to work for the man he and fellow Union major, Mack Mackey, had served under during the war. Gabe Evans.

  Never in all that time had he even considered the possibility he’d left Sadie pregnant and alone in Austin. If he’d known…

  “What are you going to do?”

  Gabe’s question jerked Caleb from his thoughts of Sadie and the what ifs connected to the memory. Hands clenching and unclenching at his sides, Caleb forced himself to relax, consider a future far different from the one he’d anticipated a few short hours before.

  Rubbing his jaw, he chuckled at the sight of Isaac chasing a little girl around a tree. “Isaac will live with me.”

  He and Mack had shared a small, two bedroom house behind the jail. With his friend’s marriage to Sylvia, they’d made an agreement with Noah to move into one of his vacant houses, leaving Caleb to stay in the original house. The one he would now share with his son.

  “Any idea who’ll stay with him while you’re working?”

  Caleb winced at Mack’s question. He hadn’t considered anything other than Isaac having a safe place to live. “None. Guess I’ll need to figure something out.”

  “What about May?”

  “No.” Caleb didn’t question why the decisive response came so easily.

  Mack shifted, studying his friend. “I don’t know why not. You’re planning on courting her.”

  “Courting isn’t the same as asking her to marry me.” The stark reality of his words made Caleb cringe. In truth, he couldn’t think of a reason the lovely young woman would still want to be courted by a man who just learned he had a young son. The child from a union between himself and a saloon girl. “May has a job. I can’t expect her to give that up to watch my son.” The last two words came easier each time he spoke them. Realizing his future with May had ended before having a chance to call on her would be harder to accept.

  “You might ask Isabella Dixon.” Gabe mentioned his wife’s closest friend who’d married one of the Pelletier ranch hands. “They live in a house not far from you. With Travis working at Redemption’s Edge each day, I’m pretty certain she’d be glad to do it.”

  Caleb remembered hearing that Isabella had taken care of Gabe and Lena’s son, Jackson, when he was Isaac’s age. “Isabella would be perfect, assuming she’d be willing.”

  “She’s with Lena and the rest of the ladies. Let’s go ask her.”

  Before Caleb had a chance to consider it further, Gabe and Mack started walking, forcing him to follow. Approaching the group of women, his gaze landed on May.

  A stab of guilt sliced through him. Learning they had a child, most men would speed up a courtship, doing all they could to secure a wife, relieving the burden of being a single father. Caleb had no intention of being the kind of man who expected a young woman as lovely as May to take on the burden of a child who wasn’t hers.

  At this moment, he couldn’t think of a reason she’d still want him to call on her. He’d say nothing to May today, though. Getting to know his son, protecting him, was Caleb’s only priority and he’d put all he had into it. There’d be time to consider a future with or without May once he and Isaac became comfortable with each other.

  “Caleb just needs some time to adjust to being a father, May. I’m certain he’ll call on you once he and Isaac have a chance to settle in.” Sylvia’s heart twisted at the misery on May’s face.

  “I don’t know, Syl. It’s been a week without a word from him. When I saw him in the telegraph office on Wednesday, he nodded, then walked out.” May clasped her hands together, expression grim. “It’s obvious he no longer plans to court me. Learning about Isaac changed everything. You know Isabella Dixon is taking care of Isaac when Caleb works.”

  “Yes, I heard. She’s a wonderful woman and loves children.”

  May nodded, letting out a disappointed sigh. “I know.”

  “And she doesn’t have a job as you do. It wouldn’t have been right for Caleb to ask you to quit in order to watch Isaac.” Sylvia took a sip of tea, having no idea what else to say to comfort May. Her friend deserved better than a man who lost interest so easily.

  Pushing her chair away from the table, she offered Sylvia a weak smile. “Well, I suppose it’s time for me to leave for the Eagle’s Nest. Gary Werth, the chef, hates it if anyone is even a minute late.” Standing, May picked up her reticule. “Will you be at church on Sunday?”

  “Of course. I hope you’ll sit with us.”

  A grateful smile lifted the corners of May’s mouth. “I’d love to. I’ll see you in the morning, Syl.”

  Leaving the boardinghouse, May stepped into the crisp early winter afternoon. A slight dusting of snow from the night before had turned the streets soggy, horses and wagons both faring poorly as they moved through the thick muck. Hearing the sound of a child’s laughter, she glanced across the street.

  Caleb stood facing her, holding a squirming Isaac. She allowed herself a moment to stare before lifting a hand in greeting. When he gave a slight nod and nothing more, she looked away, not wanting him to see her disappointment.

  Straightening her back, hurt pulsing through her, May continued to the St. James Hotel. Walking up the steps, she placed a hand on the doorknob, chancing a glance over her shoulder. Her stomach clenched at the sight of Caleb still watching her, a grim expression on his face. This time, she didn’t offer any type of greeting. Watching until he turned away, she slipped inside the hotel, shrugging out of her heavy coat as she
walked through the dining room to the kitchen.

  She’d been considering moving out of the low-level, mundane job of organizing ingredients, preparing potatoes, chopping vegetables, and scrubbing bowls, utensils, and pots.

  Back east, before the allegations against her father, she’d worked in an upscale bakery preparing scones, breads, and pastries. Over time, the owner had allowed her to experiment, making recipes customers brought into the store. Most times, May would follow the instructions without adding her own twist. Once in a while, the owner encouraged her to change the ingredients, usually ending up with an incredibly delicious concoction. She had a knack for baking, a talent Gary, the chef at the restaurant, had no interest in discussing.

  She wouldn’t allow herself to be shoved aside today. May needed no more than ten minutes to present her suggestions for widening their menu, and she was determined the older man would listen.

  If he didn’t, May would ask for a meeting with Lena Evans, one of the owners. She’d already given her regrets for the supper invitation Lena extended at the reception for Mack and Sylvia. Telling her Caleb no longer wished to court her would be difficult. Lena and Sylvia were the only two people who knew of her attraction to the deputy and how excited she’d been at his request.

  Over the last year, she’d learned how fickle men could be and the low odds of finding the perfect match. Sylvia had gone through difficult times with Mack before he’d figured out she was the only woman he wanted.

  As much as May wanted Caleb to be the one for her, she couldn’t afford to waste time on girlish dreams or men who changed their minds without offering the courtesy of an explanation. The way he’d ignored her today couldn’t have been more clear.

  Caleb Covington had found a new life with his son. It was up to May to forge a future of her own, forgetting the handsome lawman and the fantasy she’d so completely embraced.

  Chapter Two

  Caleb sat in his living room, handing Isaac another toy, chuckling each time his son studied the small building block before throwing it back. Stan Petermann had given the set to Isaac the evening he arrived. Each night since, Caleb and his son had spent what seemed hours with the wooden toys. It gave him time to watch Isaac while thinking about May.

  “Papa.” Isaac dropped a block, rocking back and forth, laughing. The boy’s initial caution had lessened each day, as Isabella said it would, and he slept well. Just not in his own bed. Caleb hoped to correct that soon.

  As yet, he hadn’t cooked a single meal. Lena had contacted several of her friends, preparing a schedule so Caleb wouldn’t end up with the same dish each night. He didn’t know how long their generosity would last, but he appreciated any help they provided.

  A soft, almost imperceptible knock had him walking to the door, keeping his attention on Isaac. Pulling the door open before considering who might be outside, he was shocked to see May, a plate of food in her hands.

  Before he could ask her inside, she thrust the plate at him, making no move to enter the house. “I’m sorry about barging in on you without an invitation, but I made these today and thought, well…” She shrugged, peeking around Caleb to see Isaac staring at her. When May gave a short wave, her face softened when the boy raised his hand to wave back. “Anyway, Lena said it would be all right to bring these to you. There’s sweet bread, scones, and wild berry tarts.” The initial trepidation at appearing unannounced increased when Caleb glanced between her and the pastries, saying nothing. “Well, I should be going.” Turning away, she hurried down the steps, stopping when Caleb finally found his voice.

  “Thank you, May.”

  Facing him, she offered a faltering smile before pulling her coat around her and rushing toward the boardinghouse. He stepped outside, watching her disappear. Caleb wanted to call out, invite her inside to spend time with them. Instead, his throat closed, his voice silent.

  His shoulders slumped when he closed the door. They’d known each other for months, taking walks, talking about their dreams, and forging a friendship of sorts without actually courting. To Caleb, calling on May was more of a formality, and he suspected she’d felt the same. He might not know if he loved her, but he liked May…a lot.

  Shaking off the rush of regret, he bent down when Isaac ran over, feeling a surge of love unlike anything he’d ever experienced.

  “Would you like to have one, son?” Eyes wide, his head bobbed up and down. Caleb held out the plate. “You get to pick one tonight. We’ll save the rest for later.”

  Isaac lifted his arm, his little hand snatching one of the tarts. When he rushed back to his spot on the floor, Caleb walked to the kitchen, setting the plate down. Studying each item, he picked up a slice of sweet bread and took a bite. The flavor burst in his mouth, a smile growing on his face. Finishing it in three bites, he lifted another slice. It only took two bites for this one to disappear.

  “How is the tart, Isaac?” When the boy twisted to look at him, Caleb almost laughed. His heart lurched at the sight of berry juice smeared all over his face, fingers stained, cheeks bulging. His son’s grin left no doubt what he thought of the rich dessert.

  Leaning a hip against the counter, Caleb’s smile faded. May took the time to bring over a plate of sweets she’d made, sparing no time to talk before rushing off. He wished he knew what it meant. Caleb had been certain she’d have no interest in a man with a young boy. Maybe this was no more than a welcoming gesture. But perhaps it was more. It was his own fault he didn’t have an answer.

  Placing the dish in the cupboard, he moistened a towel and walked over to Isaac, wiping away the sticky remains from his face and hands. Tossing the rag into the sink, Caleb felt a surge of guilt. No matter the change in his life, the way he’d treated her the last week made him wince. She deserved much better.

  Caleb needed to speak with May after church tomorrow, maybe ask her to join him and Isaac for Sunday supper at the boardinghouse. He’d been a miscreant, hurting a woman he cared about. Caleb hoped May would give him a chance to make it right.

  Emerging from the boardinghouse, May kept her head high, refusing to glance across the street at the jail as she made her way down the boardwalk to the church. Caleb’s inability to make even small conversation the night before told her all she needed to know.

  The shock on his face when he opened the door to see her holding a platter of pastries wasn’t faked. He’d been stunned at her arrival, not making even the slightest effort to invite her inside. It seemed obvious Caleb had forgotten all about her.

  Glancing behind him, May had seen Isaac on the floor, playing with a group of blocks. It had been a sweet scene. She had no doubt Caleb would be a wonderful father.

  “May!”

  She stopped, whirling around to see Sylvia and Mack walking toward her. The sight of the newlyweds brought a smile to her face. They were a handsome pair and so obviously in love.

  May held her hands out to Sylvia. “Good morning.”

  Sylvia gripped them, squeezing lightly. “We were going to stop at the boardinghouse.”

  Before May could respond, the sound of child’s laughter drew her attention. Caleb and Isaac were crossing the street to join them.

  “Oh my. I forgot something at the boardinghouse.” May glanced at Sylvia. “I’ll meet you at the church.”

  Cocking her head, Sylvia lifted a brow. “Are you certain?”

  May nodded, already walking away. She felt like a coward, but after last night, she wasn’t ready to face Caleb. Her action might appear immature, but the way he’d snubbed her since the wedding, May believed it justifiable.

  Hurrying upstairs, she grabbed an embroidered handkerchief, slipping it into the pocket of her winter coat. Checking her appearance in the mirror once more, May left her bedroom at the same time the church bell chimed.

  Holding her bonnet down to keep it from blowing off, May rushed toward the church, seeing no sign of Caleb and Isaac. Relief and disappointment warred within her as she entered the front door, forcing her breath
ing to calm. The four had taken seats in the third row. Even from the back of the church, she could see they’d left no room for her.

  “Would you care to sit with me, Miss Bacon?”

  Shifting at Hex Boudreaux’s familiar voice, a timid smile lifted the corners of her mouth. “That would be lovely, Mr. Boudreaux.” Slipping a hand through the arm he offered, the deputy led her to a row on the opposite side and behind Caleb. Sitting, she leaned toward him. “Thank you for offering to sit with me. Does your brother plan to join you?”

  Hex and Zeke had arrived in Splendor earlier in the year, both taking deputy positions and making an instant impression on the single women in town. Tall and handsome, May hadn’t felt anything for either man, all her attention focused on Caleb.

  “Not today. The sheriff has him, Beau, and Cash working. After the shootings and raid on the bank during church last summer, Gabe doesn’t want to leave the town unprotected on Sunday mornings.”

  May nodded in understanding. The raid had left one man dead and others wounded. She opened her mouth to respond, closing it when Reverend Paige entered through a side door.

  Settling back against the pew, May cast quick, furtive glances across the aisle at Caleb. Her breath caught when he looked behind him, his gaze landing on her. Unable to hold his stare, she turned to face the front, joining the congregation in the first hymn.

  Seeing him glance over his shoulder every few minutes unsettled May, making her squirm in the seat. His apparent interest confused her. Other than the few words they’d spoken last evening, he hadn’t approached her since Isaac arrived, giving no indication he still intended to see her. All signs implied the opposite.

  “Sit still, Isaac.” Caleb whispered the words, settling a hand on his son’s shoulder, encouraging him to sit down.

  The young boy stayed quiet for less than a minute before climbing onto his knees, turning, and resting his hands on the back of their pew. He smiled at the people sitting behind them.

  Hearing muffled laughter, Caleb lifted Isaac, placing him on his lap while taking another glance at May. Sylvia had said she planned to sit with them. It hadn’t happened. Instead, May had chosen to attend church with his fellow deputy, Hex Boudreaux. Caleb had nothing against the man. He just hadn’t expected the surge of jealousy at seeing the way her shoulder touched Hex’s.