Solitude Gorge Read online

  Stopping at the edge of the stream, he slid from the saddle, ground tying Banjo before kneeling beside the water. Cupping his hands, he drank a liberal amount, then scrubbed his face.

  Straightening, he looked around, seeing and hearing nothing. Travis walked back to Banjo, grabbing the gelding’s reins. Making his way along a path next to the stream, he allowed himself to think of his wife and daughter. Other than looking at the battered photo each night, he’d worked to push the memories of them aside. The mental images still hurt far too much to dwell on. His guilt at not being with them as they struggled for life would always haunt him, a constant reminder of his failure to protect those he loved.

  He’d thought, with time, their laughing faces and cheery voices would fade. Instead, Travis could still close his eyes, seeing them as if they were alive, walking beside him. It was a sick trick of the mind. Whiskey didn’t fade the images, nor had his close friendship with Isabella.

  Dropping the reins, he leaned against a large rock, allowing himself to relax. It wouldn’t be long before the sun descended, obscuring the trail home.

  Hearing sounds above him, he lifted his face toward the sky, a slight smile forming at the sight of an eagle soaring a hundred feet above him. Free and unencumbered, the enormous bird represented everything Travis sought. He’d thought freeing Isabella to find someone able to give her the family she desired would provide the peace he sought. It hadn’t happened.

  Travis had been so sure of his inability to love again, he’d failed to see how much he valued Isabella’s friendship, how much he cared. To most, she seemed a genteel easterner with impeccable manners and a quiet nature. Underneath the façade, he knew she had a core of steel, a strength he’d never been able to find.

  No woman since his wife’s death had aroused him the same way as Isabella. Although he’d never acted on his desire, he’d wanted her with a passion more fervent than he’d ever felt for his wife. The thought of another woman replacing her sickened him, but his lust for Isabella didn’t subside. And, God help him, he’d forced himself to believe lust was all he felt. It had taken driving her away to prove the fallacy in his thinking.

  Straightening, he inhaled a deep breath, taking one more look around before swinging atop Banjo. The time in his favorite place hadn’t provided firm answers. Instead, it had given him cause to doubt his actions, wondering once again if he’d made the biggest mistake of his life.

  Travis had never been a man to make hasty decisions. He chewed on them, worked them over in his mind until he felt satisfied with his choice. Cutting Isabella loose hadn’t come as the result of rash thought. He’d pondered it for weeks before she’d confronted him at the ranch. Even so, he hadn’t been one hundred percent certain. And the doubts hadn’t let up.

  With the sun sinking behind him, he took a longer trail back to the ranch, one giving him more time to ponder the dilemma he’d created. Travis felt no urgency to rethink his decision. Isabella was as careful and steady as him. She’d never rush out to find someone else or feel the need to make changes to her orderly life.

  Making a rash decision wouldn’t suit anyone. Especially Isabella.

  Splendor

  “I love her, Noah. She’s the perfect horse for me.” Isabella felt giddy at the feel of Blossom underneath her. “She responds so well.”

  Noah’s eyes crinkled in amusement as he watched her ride around the corral at his home up the hill from town. “Blossom had a good trainer.”

  The thought dampened her spirits for a mere instant before she shook the melancholy aside. Travis did a magnificent job with the mare, the same as he did with every horse. She’d have to get used to talking about him, and Isabella refused to let his desire to be alone hinder her future.

  “Yes, she did.” Turning the mare in the opposite direction, Isabella continued to direct Blossom around the corral until the sun dimmed. Forcing herself to stop, she couldn’t help the joy on her face. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to ride her to Gabe’s for the night. Tomorrow, I’ll take her to Luke’s.”

  “Let me saddle Tempest and I’ll ride with you.” He turned toward the barn.

  “You don’t need to do that. It isn’t very far.”

  Noah stopped, settling his hands on his waist, giving her an indulgent expression. “No sense arguing, Isabella. There’s no chance I’ll let you ride there alone on a new horse. Give me a couple minutes and I’ll be ready.” He opened the gate for her to ride out, then continued to the barn.

  She watched him leave, knowing Gabe would be furious with her and his closest friend if he let her ride back in the dark.

  “Do you love her?” Noah’s wife, Abby, walked up, holding Gabriel’s hand as he toddled beside her. At one and a half, he looked like his father, but had his mother’s feisty disposition.

  Isabella nodded, unable to hide her delight as she guided the horse out of the corral. “Blossom is perfect for me. She has spunk, is the right height, and responds well. I’m so glad I spoke to Noah.”

  “I wondered who he’d finally give her up to. She deserves to be ridden, not cooped up in the livery until Gabriel is old enough to ride.”

  Isabella’s joy faded a little. “Are you certain you want to part with her?”

  Abby nodded. “We’ve talked about it many times. There will be good horses to choose from when Gabriel is three or four.”

  Isabella’s eyes widened. “Three or four?”

  She nodded, chuckling. “That’s when I started riding. It’s common to start young out here.” Her face softened, seeing Noah walking toward them with Tempest.

  “I’m going to escort Isabella to Gabe’s. I shouldn’t be gone long.” He bent down, kissing Abby on the cheek.

  “Will you be keeping Blossom there?”

  Isabella shook her head. “I’ll ride her to Luke’s tomorrow. He and Ginny still need some help with Cooper, and I do love living at the ranch.”

  “I know what you mean…” Abby’s voice trailed off as she thought of the ranch where she grew up. Her father, King Tolbert, had owned the largest spread in western Montana until his death. With her mother gone, Abby inherited the vast property, as well as many other holdings. She’d made the difficult decision to sell the ranch to the Pelletiers, keeping the other investments.

  “You know you’re welcome to come out anytime. Ginny takes Coop to visit Rachel several days a week. I’d love the company.”

  Bending down to pick up Gabriel, Abby looked at her. “I’d love to. Perhaps later this week.”

  “We’d best get started, Isabella. I don’t want Gabe and Lena wondering where you are.” Noah swung up onto his horse, holding the reins lightly in his hand.

  “Hope to see you soon, Abby.” Isabella followed Noah down the short path to town, feeling better than she had in weeks.

  She’d made several resolutions since seeing Travis. The first one was to become more independent. Since her husband’s death, she’d leaned on the support of Gabe and Lena, the Pelletiers, and Travis, relying on their friendships too much. Buying Blossom liberated her from borrowing horses or buggys to visit friends.

  Isabella also decided the time had come to move back to town. Ginny didn’t need as much help with Cooper, resulting in many days alone at the ranch with little to do. She knew of a small house not far from the church that would be perfect. It required a little work, but she knew Bull or Noah would help her hire men. After always living with someone else, the thought of her own place excited her more than she imagined.

  Isabella no longer wanted to dwell on Travis, spending her time trying to figure out what went wrong. She wasn’t young, but she certainly wasn’t old. There was no reason she couldn’t meet someone else. A man who could love her, wanting to build a life and family. The arrival of the four mail order brides might limit her choices, but she still felt the need to try. She didn’t want to go through her life alone, not experiencing love one more time.

  Riding through town, she waved at those she knew, thinking of al
l she wanted to accomplish. She knew the changes wouldn’t be enough to clear her heart of Travis. Time and determination would eventually force him from her thoughts.

  Instead, she meant to keep busy, enjoy what she had, and make new friends. After all, there must be someone, even in a remote wilderness town, who’d be interested in a relationship and family.

  As they passed through town, taking the turn to Gabe’s, her heart began to pound, fear trying to dislodge her excitement. Isabella ruthlessly pushed aside her concerns. As she’d told herself when her husband died, she’d take it a day at a time, build a new life, and go on.

  The time had come to do just that.

  Chapter Four

  Philadelphia

  David Peeler lowered the brim of his hat, trying to hide himself within the crush of people moving along the street. Carrying a small satchel in his hand, he let out a satisfied breath at his timing. If he wanted to live, he had to be smart…and careful.

  Slipping a hand into his coat pocket, he pulled out a ticket, confirming the time. Assuming the next hour went as planned, he’d escape Philadelphia on his way to a new life far away from the men who wanted to destroy him. Men who’d once been close friends and business partners.

  Shifting the satchel into his other hand, David jostled the man passing him, earning a sneer and murmured expletive. He ignored the slight. More urgent matters pressed upon him, such as making it to the railroad station without being seen.

  David still reeled from the misfortune he and his associates had experienced over the last few years. One poor decision had turned into two, then three. They’d all voted on each, but over time, the blame had fallen on him.

  He’d been the one to pull them all together into what had become a lucrative partnership, four golden boys turning their already substantial wealth into enviable fortunes. Mansions, racehorses, trips to Europe, and a succession of beautiful women made them the envy of many. It had also brought unwanted attention from connivers and those who sought to knock them down.

  David still didn’t understand why they’d all turned on him. He may have made a few mistakes, but no more than the others. Every one of them lost money, none more than him. The fact they still wouldn’t be destitute didn’t assuage their anger. They’d made David the scapegoat, the object of irrational hostility. It was a role he hadn’t earned and refused to accept.

  The four were scheduled to meet tonight over drinks. David snorted at the thought. He knew what they intended. It would be a tribunal, a conviction of what they saw as his failings. David had no intention of playing their game. By the time they realized he wouldn’t be attending, he’d be miles along the tracks, sipping a whiskey, knowing they’d never be able to humiliate him again.

  Splendor

  “If you’ll sign here, Mrs. Brandt, we’ll be finished and you may continue on with your day.” Albert Payson slid the paper across the desk, then handed her a pen.

  Taking it, Abby held Gabriel on her lap, holding back a grin at Albert’s stiff posture and formal manner. His brother, Ernest, moved from Big Pine a few years before to help her sort out the substantial investments her father had made before his death. She liked Ernie, finding him amusing and less stiff than his younger brother.

  Scribbling her signature, she handed back the pen and paper. “How is your brother doing, Mr. Payson?”

  “Ernie is doing well. Glad to be back in Boston. Although, by the tone of his letters, I do believe he misses it here.”

  “And how do you like Splendor?” She’d heard rumors he’d moved out west to join Ernie in his law practice, only to discover his brother was looking for a replacement, not a partner.

  He pursed his lips, as if deciding how much to say to one of his biggest clients. “It’s an adjustment. I will say there is much more work here than I first thought. You, Mr. and Mrs. Evans, and the Barnetts keep me busy with your ideas for growth. My guess is Splendor will be the darling of the west in no time.”

  Abby chuckled at the thought. Her father would’ve found it quite plausible, if not inevitable.

  “One day, this town may be the capital of the state.” He closed his mouth with a firm nod.

  “Perhaps, Mr. Payson. First, we have to vote to become a state. Before that, we’d have to replace Big Pine as the territorial capital.”

  “I hope I’m here to see it, Mrs. Brandt.” Reading over the document once more, Albert looked up. “What plans do you have for the day?”

  She set Gabriel down, allowing him to wander several feet away. “We’re riding out to Luke and Ginny Pelletier’s house to see Mrs. Boucher. She bought a horse from Noah this week and I’m anxious to see how she’s doing.”

  His brow lifted as he cleared his throat. “Mrs. Boucher. Yes, I’ve done some work for her. I, uh, heard…”

  Abby cocked her head to the side when his voice trailed off. “You heard what, Mr. Payson?”

  An uncomfortable look passed across his face before he cleared his throat a second time. “Well, I heard a ranch hand at the Pelletier ranch was courting her.”

  Abby considered her words. She didn’t want to say anything that might cause Isabella any pain. “She has a friend who works for Dax and Luke, but as far as I know, their friendship isn’t what you might describe as courting. You may want to consider asking Isabella outright. I promise you, she wouldn’t feel offended.”

  He shook his head. “Oh, no. I couldn’t possibly impose on her privacy.”

  Abby bit her bottom lip to keep from smiling. “Might you have an interest in her, Mr. Payson?”

  Albert drew in a deep breath, not quite making eye contact with her. “She is a wonderful lady and quite beautiful. Do you think she might consider having supper with me some evening?”

  “I think she might enjoy an evening with you. Would you like me to inquire when I see her today?”

  He shifted in his chair, his pale face flushing. “I wouldn’t want to put you in an awkward position, Mrs. Brandt.”

  “Believe me, it wouldn’t be awkward at all. In fact, I’d quite enjoy seeing Isabella get out more, have some fun.” She studied Albert. “You are planning to show her a fun evening, right?”

  His features stiffened, as if she’d slapped him. “Of course. I’ll take her to the Eagle’s Nest for supper, then perhaps to Ruby’s Palace for the floor show.”

  Abby’s eyes widened. Everyone knew Ruby’s girls put on a wonderful show each evening. Perhaps Albert didn’t know the other services her girls offered after the performance ended.

  “Well, it would certainly be something different, Mr. Payson. If you’re agreeable, I’ll mention it to her today.” Standing, she walked to Gabriel, who busied himself with a heavy doorstop. Picking him up, she turned back to Albert. “Please let me know if my offer is accepted.”

  Albert stood, giving a slight nod. “As soon as I hear back. And, uh…thank you for speaking with Mrs. Boucher on my behalf.”

  “It will be my pleasure.”

  Redemption’s Edge

  Slapping his hat against his thigh, Mal tossed it onto his bunk. “I’m mighty glad it’s Saturday, boys. Anyone interested in supper at Suzanne’s before going to Ruby’s for the show?”

  Five men responded right away, including Tat and Johnny. Travis unbuttoned his shirt, tossing it onto the bunk before scrubbing a hand down a face etched with fatigue.

  “How about you, Travis?” Tat slapped him on the back. “It’s about time you got away from here for a while.”

  Travis didn’t go with the men often, preferring to spend time alone or visiting Isabella. He didn’t want to do the first and couldn’t do the second. The thought had him wondering what she’d be doing tonight and with whom she’d be spending her time. Luke and Ginny were having supper with Dax and Rachel, and Bull had told him Gabe, Lena, and Walter Evans were eating at the Eagle’s Nest. If true, it meant Isabella would be alone. The thought twisted his heart.

  Tat snapped his fingers in front of Travis’s face. “Are you comin
g with us?”

  He let out a frustrated breath. “Sure. Give me a few minutes to clean up.”

  Travis couldn’t allow himself to dwell on Isabella any longer. Getting off the ranch with the boys would be good for him, clear his head. He had no plans to do more than spend time away and have supper at Suzanne’s. As entertaining as he found them, watching Ruby’s girls perform didn’t appeal to him.

  Tat let out a whoop. “Then get moving. We’ve got a big night ahead of us.”

  Splendor

  The instant Abby stopped by to let him know Isabella was agreeable to supper, Albert Payson had closed the office and rode to Luke’s ranch. Feeling as young as a schoolboy, he refused to allow any time to pass before inviting her to dine with him on Saturday.

  Isabella had surprised him by ordering a large steak, foregoing the vegetables for a double portion of mashed potatoes. Albert enjoyed every minute, watching her devour her food as they compared stories of growing up back east. He found her unpretentious, modest, and utterly delightful. The women he’d known in Boston couldn’t compare to Isabella’s unaffected manner.

  “Do you plan to stay in Splendor, Mr. Payson?” She scooped up a spoonful of cobbler, closing her eyes as she savored the taste. Sensing his gaze on her, she opened her eyes, taking a quick lick of the spoon before setting it down.

  The action, so unexpected and unladylike, caused Albert to slip a finger inside the collar of his shirt, stifling a groan.

  “Are you all right?” Isabella leaned forward, her brows furrowing.

  Feeling his face heat, Albert nodded. “Yes, of course. However, it does seem a little warm in here.”

  Straightening, she cocked her head. “I’m quite comfortable. Perhaps if you removed your coat.”

  He shook his head, clearing his throat. “No, I’m fine.” Shifting in his chair, Albert took a sip of coffee. “You seem to be enjoying your dessert.”

  Her eyes gleamed. “It’s wonderful. Gabe did a marvelous job selecting the chef for the restaurant. There are times I think his talent is wasted as the sheriff.”