Love Finds You in Sundance, Wyoming (29 page)

Angel sat up against the headboard and creased the blanket just above her waist. A week had passed since she’d been shot, and her wound was healing nicely. For the last several days the only people she’d seen were Grandmother and Libby. One time James poked his head in the door to say hello, but Libby shooed him away.

A couple of times she’d heard Travis’s voice in the hallway outside her room, but he’d never attempted to enter. She longed to know if he’d come to see her but couldn’t bring herself to ask. As soon as she was well, the sheriff would be at their door. If Travis didn’t already know about her deception and sordid past, he would soon enough. She couldn’t bear to see his disappointment and hurt.

She’d watched Libby and Grandmother closely but hadn’t seen any sign of censure. That could change any time. If only she’d been able to leave with Grandmother before Hinson arrived in Wyoming territory.

It was a good thing she hadn’t accepted Travis’s proposal—the risk of being found out was too great—and she couldn’t imagine the shame she’d feel if she’d married him and the outlaw had appeared.

No, it was better this way. Travis would go on with his life and find some good, solid, Christian woman to marry. Even though she’d come to believe that God was real and loved her, she didn’t have the clean background Libby and Travis had, and could never measure up to what he deserved in a wife.

A quiet knock sounded at her door, and she turned toward it. Hope surged in her heart, but dread followed quickly on its heels. “Come in.”

Libby stepped inside. “The doctor is here.”

“Oh.” Angel didn’t know whether to shout for joy or sink in despair. Once she got out of bed, the end would come soon. If only she could stay here forever, safe in Travis’s home. “Send him in.”

Travis paced in front of the barn, worry gnawing at his gut. The cowboys had stayed clear of him lately, and he couldn’t blame them. He’d been as crotchety as a hungry bear coming out of hibernation. Nate had taken over most of the ranch duties, and even James had stepped into the gap, offering to help. The boy had been working with his pup and the dog appeared to be turning into a good herding animal. Looked like his nephew and Dakota might grow up to be a first-rate fit for the ranch, after all.

He mulled over all he’d learned the past four days. The trip to the sheriff hadn’t been enlightening. In fact, the officer of the law had been close-mouthed, stating he had questions for Angel of his own.

At first Travis had fumed at Angel’s rebuff, then sorrow and longing set in. Did she dislike him so much, or was Maria right about Angel running from something? Looked like it had to do with her past, and from all appearances, it could poison her future.

The front door slammed. Doc Simmons walked across the porch and headed for his buggy. Travis sprinted across the clearing. “Hold up there, Doc. What did you decide about Angel?”

The doctor paused and brushed at a fly. “She’s healing well. I told her she could get up tomorrow and sit in the living room or at the table for short spells, but she’s not to tire herself. I have a feeling that young woman would saddle her horse and go back to scouring the brush for varmints if someone didn’t hold her down.”

Travis grinned. “She would at that. Don’t worry; we’ll keep an eye on her.”

“Good. See that you do.” The doctor swung into his buggy and picked up the reins. “I’ll check back in a couple of days, but I don’t think she’ll need me past that. Good day, Travis.”

“To you, as well.” He raised his hand and stepped back out of the cloud of dust kicked up by the wheels. Angel would be up tomorrow. She could no longer hide in her room. He had a few things to say to that young woman, and he’d be jiggered if he’d let anyone stand in his way.

The following morning Angel shuffled carefully into the living room, leaning on Libby’s arm. She hated looking like a weakling who couldn’t walk on her own, but the past days in bed had left her as feeble as a newborn fawn. At least Doc Simmons agreed to let her get up. As much as she wanted to keep hiding in her room, she was sick of staring at the same four walls. Guilt niggled at her mind. She couldn’t complain about her forced confinement. Libby and Grandmother had been wonderful, and Smokey had cooked some of the finest meals she could imagine.

“Little one. You are out of bed!” Grandmother peered into the room and smiled. “May I bring you a cup of tea? Smokey has the kettle on, and I would love to join you.”

Angel sank onto the sofa with a soft grunt. “That would be nice.”

Libby touched her hair and then withdrew. “I’ll leave the two of you alone.”

“There’s no need. Why don’t you join us?”

Libby gave a quick shake of her head. “Nate’s waiting outside. We’re taking a walk by the creek.”

“Ah.” Angel felt at a loss for words. She hadn’t thought about Nate in days. “Have a wonderful time.”

“Thank you.” Libby slipped from the room at the same moment Grandmother entered. She carried a tray with a teapot, napkins, and two cups and saucers.

Angel reached for the tray and winced. “Ouch. Guess I’m not ready for that yet. I’m sorry I can’t help.”

“Nonsense. You sit and rest. I love pouring tea and waiting on my favorite granddaughter.”

Angel grinned. “Aren’t I your only granddaughter?”

“Yes. But I am very certain you would be my favorite if I had many more, so hush.” Grandmother’s eyes held a merry twinkle. She set the tray on a low, round table between them and picked up the teapot, pouring the steaming liquid into the cups. She placed the cup and saucer within easy reach of Angel. “So. I have much to tell you, now that you are better.”

Angel straightened. Grandmother had already informed her a couple of weeks ago that she planned to return to Italy. What else could she have to share? “All right. I’d love to hear your news.” She folded her hands in her lap.

Grandmother set her cup down. “I have made a decision.” She paused, letting the words bounce around the room and settle. “I will stay here. I do not go back to my home country.”

“What?” Angel gripped the arm of the sofa, delight sparking in her heart. “Here? In America? On the ranch? What changed your mind?”

“Slow down, mia. One question at a time, sí?” She crossed her arms, but a warm smile lit her face. “Yes, in America. Maybe on the ranch; that is yet to be decided.” She tossed a smile toward the kitchen before her gaze darted back to Angel. “Why? Let us just say there are…interesting people in this land.” Her smile widened. “And, my darling girl, you are the most important reason of all. Your heart is here.” She waved her hand in the air. “You do not wish to leave, and I do not wish to return without you.”

“But Grandmother, Italy is your home. Won’t you be lonely if you stay here?”

“No. I have you, and others, who I have come to care about. Besides, I understand things about you that I did not see when I came.”

Angel lifted the cup and took a sip. “What kind of things?”

“You are a strong woman, my Angel. That did not happen by accident. Your parents and uncle had much to do with your growth, but so did this magnificent land of your birth. You and the land, they are one. Do you see that? Just like you and Travis.”

Angel choked on the tea and nearly toppled the rest of her drink onto her lap. She set it down, wiped her mouth with a napkin, and raised her gaze. “I’m not sure why you think that, but Travis and I—“ She shook her head, not sure how to continue. Her heart hurt just saying his name.

Grandmother grasped the arms of her chair and pushed to her feet. “It is time to quit running, little one. You need to face who you are, and where you have come from.” She looked over Angel’s head at something behind her, and back at Angel. “Someone is here to see you. We will talk more of this later, if there is still need.” She leaned over, placed a gentle kiss on Angel’s cheek, and stood, sweeping from the room.

Angel shifted in her seat and tried to peek over her shoulder but couldn’t quite twist that far. Tiny stabs of pain assaulted her and she sank back against the sofa, letting it cradle her body. “Who’s there?” Libby would’ve said something by now, and James didn’t know how to keep quiet. A small shudder shook her.
Travis.

“Hello, Angel. May I join you?” He walked around the end of the sofa and stopped a stride away, his hat clutched in his hands.

Panic set her heart to thumping. “I suppose. Although I’m a bit tired and was thinking about going to my room.”

“I understand. I’ll try not to take too much time.” He glanced around the room, then settled into the chair Grandmother had vacated. “How are you feeling? I haven’t had a chance to talk to you since your injury.”

Angel shifted in her seat, suddenly uncomfortable. She prayed he wouldn’t question her about the cattle raid. “Better, thank you. It’s nice to be up.” She stifled a groan. Here she’d just said she wanted to return to her room, then implied she’d rather stay up.

“I’d like to ask you some questions.” He propped his boot on top of his knee and leaned back in the chair.

A knock sounded against the archway, and Libby entered. “Sorry to disturb you, but Angel has a visitor.”

Angel didn’t know whether to feel relief at the reprieve, or dismay at the chance of something worse happening. “Who’s here, Libby?”

Travis rose from his seat and took a step forward. “Sheriff Jensen. I didn’t expect to see you today.”

The sheriff strode into the room and met Travis’s outstretched hand, giving it a hearty shake. “Sorry I didn’t send word, but I was coming out this way and decided it might be wise to stop by. Doc Simmons mentioned he’d given Miss Ramirez permission to be up. I hoped to speak with her.” He nodded at Angel. “If you don’t mind, Miss?”

Angel clenched her teeth and tried not to bolt from her seat. Her body began shaking, and she couldn’t seem to stop.

Travis gazed at her, alarm written across his face. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Sheriff. Miss Ramirez isn’t feeling well. She needs to go back to her room.” He leaned toward Angel and held out his hand.

A flood of peace washed over Angel’s heart. She’d asked God more than once to help her straighten out her life. Maybe He was giving her a chance to do so now. “Thank you, but I believe I’ll stay and speak to the sheriff.”

His brows rose, and he straightened. “I’ll leave the two of you alone then.”

She held out her hand. “Don’t leave. I’d like you to hear what I have to say.”

He hesitated and nodded. “All right. Sheriff.” Travis waved at the empty chair. “Have a seat.”

Sheriff Jensen sank into the padded leather chair. “I appreciate this, Miss Ramirez. I’m hoping you can clear up some confusion caused by some rather, shall we say, unusual accusations Bart Hinson has lodged against you.”

“Hinson?” Travis gripped the arms of his chair. “That no good, low-down rustler? You’d believe anything that man has to say about Angel?”

“Hold it.” The sheriff held up a warning hand. “I didn’t say I believe him, only that he’s made some strange statements. That’s all.”

Travis settled back in his seat but kept his grip on the chair. “All right. But I won’t tolerate any disrespect.”

“Understood.” He turned to Angel. “Hinson claims you were part of his band a few years ago. That you rode with him and his men on more than one occasion when they rustled cattle. Can you explain that?”

Angel laced her fingers together and gripped tight, hoping to quiet their shaking. “I can. My uncle raised me in an outlaw band after my parents died.”

A gasp sounded from the open doorway; something hit the floor and shattered. Angel turned to the side and groaned. Grandmother stood frozen, gazing at the shards of broken glass at her feet. “I am sorry. I did not mean—it slipped, somehow.”

Travis leapt to his feet and hurried to her side. “Please don’t worry, Maria. I’ll ask Smokey to clean it up.”

“No, no. I should do it, not him.” Grandmother stooped over, but Travis grasped her arm.

“I think you should sit down and hear what Angel has to say.” He glanced over her head at Angel, and she gave a slow nod. “It wouldn’t be fair to ask you to leave now.”

“All right. If you are sure, my dear?” Grandmother turned an entreating gaze on Angel.

“Yes. You need to understand. Come,” she patted the seat on the sofa next to her, “sit by me.”

Grandmother made her way around the broken cup, and Travis took his seat, not seeming to care about the mess.

Angel coiled her fingers around Grandmother’s hand and squeezed. “I’m sorry I haven’t told you this before. I didn’t want to hurt you. I see now that I have, in spite of everything.”

“No, mia. It was just a surprise, that is all. Please, go ahead with your story.” Grandmother sat a little straighter.

“After Mama and Papa died, Uncle José took me in. Papa had worked with him rounding up unbranded mavericks running loose on the range. Papa and José knew that wasn’t a crime, and the pay was good. After Papa died, José couldn’t work alone, and he needed to provide for me. He met a man who promised him big money if he’d fall in with their band. The job lasted for several months. Finally, they moved to a new spot and started again, and several men joined the group.”

Sheriff Jensen sat forward. “Was Bart Hinson part of that group?”

Angel shook her head. “No. He came later. After a while, José noticed an occasional branded calf mixed in, but the boss assured him they’d be cut out and returned to the range. My uncle believed him and forgot about the calves. Weeks later, it happened again, with the same explanation. After a few months, José began to wonder. The boss laughed and said Uncle was a fool to believe they’d only sell unbranded mavericks. He claimed José was in too deep to back out, as they’d been stealing branded stock for over a year and he’d be hung along with them if they were caught.”

Travis nodded. “There’s many an honest cowpoke that started that way, and ended up getting greedy. Why didn’t your uncle saddle up and ride, rather than stay and keep at it?”

“Fear for me. By this time I was ten years old, and he knew it wouldn’t be long before I’d be turning men’s heads. If he tried to leave, the outlaws might kill him, and I’d be left unprotected. He decided to stay and work with the rustlers.”

The sheriff laced his hands around his knee and leaned back. “Hinson claimed you rode with them on their raids. That true?”

“Only once, on the last one. Four years ago José got worried. Hinson broke into my room one night, and my uncle found him standing over my bed as I slept. He was drunk and hadn’t touched me. That’s the only reason José didn’t kill him on the spot—that and because Hinson had several men who’d sworn their allegiance to him. Killing Hinson would have gotten my uncle killed and left me alone.”

“Makes sense, but I’m a mite surprised your uncle still didn’t plug him.” The sheriff shrugged. “So what happened to make you ride with the men?”

“A few months after finding Hinson in my room Uncle José decided I should leave the band. He told me to pack my saddlebag and be ready to ride.” Angel shuddered as the memories rushed over her. “We drove the herd through the early hours of the morning, and shortly after first light a posse rode up on our tail, led by a Texas Ranger. They opened fire, and I fled for the brush. José followed but was shot.” She choked on the words and placed her fingers over her lips.

Grandmother patted her arm. “There, there, mia. It will be all right. Just go slow and tell us only what you must.”

“No. I need to tell you all of it.” Angel sucked in a sharp breath. “Hinson shot a Texas Ranger in the back.”

Grandmother fell against the back of the sofa. “Oh, dear heavens!”

The men remained silent, but their eyes were locked on Angel.

She plucked at a thread on the edge of her shirt, then raised her gaze and met the sheriff’s. “I bound José’s wound, and he went back to the fight. He told me he’d buy me as much time as he could and keep Hinson from following me. The entire posse died that day, and some of the men. I made for the hills. I’ve been running ever since, at first disguised as a man and hiring out as a varmint hunter from New Mexico to Wyoming territory.” She shot a glance at Travis and tried to smile. “But I got sick of being a boy and decided to live as a woman when I got to this ranch. Travis almost didn’t hire me, but I’m so thankful he decided to take a chance.”

A pinched smile worked its way across Travis’s lips. “So am I. But I wish it hadn’t been under such awful circumstances.”

Sheriff Jensen nodded. “I agree. But I need to know one more thing. What were you doing with Hinson’s men when they stole the Sundance Ranch cattle?”

Travis edged to the front of his chair. “I’m satisfied she wasn’t helping them steal my stock. Can’t we let it go at that?”

“No. We need the entire story.”

Angel licked her lips. “I agree. Hinson gave Uncle José the slip and started hunting me not long after the band split. He found me on the range and told me I had to help him steal the cattle, or he’d kill all of you. He had one of his men set the fire and attack Smokey. I knew he was capable of murder, so I agreed.” She shot a look at Travis. “I knew it was wrong, but I was so afraid for the people I’d come to love. I prayed, asking God to take charge of my life and help me, and He did. That’s all. I guess I’m guilty of cattle rustling.”

Sheriff Jensen turned to Travis. “You told me she took a shot at Hinson when you rode up, is that correct?”

“Yes, sir. She hit him.”

“So Miss Ramirez was trying to prevent the theft of your cattle, not aid in the rustling. That the way you see it?”

A slow grin chased away the fear that had lodged there seconds ago. “It sure is, Sheriff.”

The sheriff pushed to his feet and plucked his hat from a nearby table. “My business here is finished.” He gave a slight bow. “Ladies, enjoy your day. And Miss Ramirez, I hope you recover quickly. We’ll need you to testify at Hinson’s trial, although no doubt he’ll be found guilty and hanged.” He placed his hat on his head and walked to the door without looking back.