Sunrise Ridge (Redemption Mountain Historical Western Romance Book 3) (28 page)

Yet, from what Noah had seen, Abby didn’t return Payson’s interest. In fact, she’d made numerous efforts to be alone with Noah when he visited, hinting at marriage and assuming they still had a future together.

Payson’s suggestion of Noah working for Abby as her foreman hit a nerve. He still didn’t know why he’d stormed out and hadn’t returned, except because of the rightness of the suggestion, at least from Payson’s perspective. He had no idea Noah and Abby had been seeing each other. For whatever reason, Abby had never seen fit to let Payson know the extent of their relationship.

He saw Noah as a man Abby could trust. A hard worker who understood how to deal with and lead men. The fact Abby hadn’t jumped in and explained her feelings for Noah, squelching the idea, hurt more than a punch to his stomach. She hadn’t slipped her arm through his or reached out in any way to let Payson know the folly of his suggestion. The fact she didn’t do anything to proclaim her feelings sent him over the edge.

“Why don’t you head out there tomorrow, see how she’s doing, maybe take her on a ride in the hills? She must be feeling cooped up with no one to talk to except that slicked up lawyer.” Gabe stood beside him, looking at the same stars that caught Noah’s attention.

Noah dropped his gaze to the street, lifting a hand in greeting to a rancher with a full wagon who drove past. It amazed him how hard the people worked. Close to midnight and they didn’t stop. Nothing seemed to phase or deter them. Was he giving up too easily?

“I’ll think on it.”

“Don’t think too long. A woman has a way of conjuring up all kinds of bad thoughts when she doesn’t hear from her man. Well, I’d best get back to the jail, make sure Drake hasn’t escaped.” Gabe had left the man alone in his cell, not worried at all that he’d get away. “The circuit judge is due soon. I’ll be glad to get the trial over with and return to a normal life around here.”

Noah didn’t respond, his mind wrestling with the thought of riding out to see Abby tomorrow. Perhaps he would, if for nothing else than to confirm in his mind how well she could do without him.

Chapter Twenty-One

“Let me help you up.” Ernest grasped Abby’s elbow, providing support as she climbed into the buggy. He sat beside her, grabbed the reins, and slapped them with a light touch, starting their journey to town.

Abby tightened her bonnet before glancing at the clear sky. The weather had warmed up the last few days, dismissing the chill of spring for the heat of summer. No matter. There’d still be plenty of showers during the coming months to cool off the days.

She slid over a few inches, putting more distance between her and Ernest. The moment she awoke and remembered his idea to visit town, excitement had stirred in her belly. She’d taken special care with her hair, selecting a ribbon Noah had given her on one of their walks around town. Taking a dress from her wardrobe, she held it up, remembering how much Noah liked it, saying it brought out the cornflower blue of her eyes.

She glanced at Ernest, letting her hands smooth down her dress, smiling at the thought of seeing Noah. She hoped he’d take time away from his work for a walk. They needed to talk so she could understand why he stayed away. His actions confused and frightened her, made her feel vulnerable, none of which she felt around Noah before her father died.

“Will you be meeting with Mr. Clausen long?” Ernest asked, guiding the horse around a bend toward the north edges of Splendor.

“No, not long. I have a few questions to ask.” The chief one being if he’d hold her job until she straightened out the affairs at the ranch and returned to her life in town. She had plans, and they didn’t include being tied to a place so far away from Noah.

“There are some telegrams I must send. May I meet you at the bank when I’m finished?”

“Actually, I plan to visit Mr. Brandt for a bit before we eat. Why don’t we meet at the restaurant?”

“Very well.” He’d paid little attention to her friendship with Noah, assuming they’d formed a bond while she lived in town. For the first time, he began to think Brandt might mean more to her than just a friend.

Abby straightened her dress and sat up as they entered town, her heart pounding as they made the last turn. She didn’t know why she felt so nervous, like a young girl about to stand before her class to recite a poem. Her chest squeezed as the schoolhouse came into view on her right, then the lumber mill on her left, followed by Noah’s tack and saddle shop. She held her breath as the third building came into sight. She could see waves of heat escaping through the open door before the forge came into view. Trying not to be obvious, she craned her neck to glance around Ernest.

“I don’t see him inside, Abigail.”

She startled and straightened her spine, clasping her hands in her lap before clearing her throat. “Oh, well…thank you, Ernest. I’m certain he’s around somewhere.” At least she hoped he hadn’t left to stay at his cabin. Then she thought of the forge. He’d never leave it burning if he planned to leave.

The wagon began to draw away from the smithy when the sound of a horse’s whiny came from the livery in back. Abby shifted in time to see Noah ride out the gate on Tempest, then stop when he saw her. She waved, then set her hand on Ernest’s shoulder.

“Stop, please.” She didn’t take her gaze off Noah as the wagon came to a halt and she stood.

“Wait, Abigail. Let me help you.” Ernest secured the reins, jumped down, and dashed around the carriage.

She almost jumped off without waiting, her desire to see Noah overcoming appropriate behavior. Forcing herself not to be rash, she accepted the hand Ernest offered and gracefully stepped to the ground.

“I’ll be at the telegraph office if you need me.” He leaned close to her ear so she could hear over the noise of those riding past.

She barely heard, her attention so intent on Noah. Trying to calm her racing heart, she took a deep breath and walked toward him.

Noah didn’t move from his perch on Tempest, his gaze staying locked on Abigail. He’d woken early, finished what needed to be done, then prepared to ride to the Tolbert ranch. Gabe knew him better than anyone, and he respected Bull more than most men in Splendor. If both believed his actions were that of a fool, well…perhaps they were right.

He’d spoken to Toby about keeping an eye on the livery, even posted a notice near the forge for anyone needing his services to go to the tack shop next door. Riding out the gate, he spotted the wagon, then recognized who drove it and the woman beside him. He’d reined Tempest to a stop as irritation raced through him. Instead of being glad to see her, anger built at the way she settled her hand on Payson’s shoulder, then calmly waited for him to help her down, nodding when he leaned in to whisper in her ear.

“Noah?” Abby’s soft voice cut through the rage he felt. He tore his gaze away from the retreating carriage to glance down at her standing next to Tempest, her brows creasing into a frown. “Are you all right?”

His hands tightened on the reins. Hell no, he wasn’t all right. He was damn mad and confused at what he’d seen.

“Fine.” He slid off Tempest, not reaching for Abby or indicating he felt glad to see her.

“Where are you going?” She stroked Tempest’s neck as she spoke, loving the feel of the horse’s strength below her fingers.

“To see Dax and Luke,” he lied. He’d been headed for her ranch, planning to talk Abby into taking a ride with him.

“Oh, I see.”

Her voice sounded strained and he saw disappointment cross her face. He should’ve told her the truth, but he’d started this lie and now had to see it through.

“Thought I might ride out to take a look at a broken down wagon Dax mentioned.”

Abby nodded, but he could see her struggle with his explanation. She licked her lips as her gaze dropped to the ground, the disappointment crushing. A large part of her had hoped he’d been riding out to see her.

“What brought you to town?”

I came to see you
, she thought. “I need to speak with Mr. Clausen before meeting Ernest for lunch.” She braced herself and looked up at him, wanting to reach out and grab his hand, but keeping her arms at her side. “Would you care to join us? You haven’t been out to the ranch in days.”

Even with Abby at the table, Noah had no desire to spend a meal with Payson. His solicitous manner grated on Noah, yet she seemed to enjoy his fawning ways. He’d never be able to sit and watch without saying something he knew he’d regret later.

“Another time.” He started to swing up on Tempest, then shifted back. “Dirk Masters ordered some tack from Toby a few weeks ago. The order is ready if you want to take it back to the ranch with you. If not, let Dirk know and he can get it the next time he’s in town.”

“So you heard about Dirk returning to the ranch.”

“He stopped in town to speak with Gabe about your father and explain what happened between the two of them. Seems he got as far as Big Pine before turning back. He’s a good man, Abby. The kind of foreman you’ll need for a place as large as yours.”

He stared at her a moment longer, wanting to take her in his arms and crush her to him. The belief he no longer offered her the life she deserved held him rooted in place. No matter what Gabe and Bull said, he couldn’t shrug off his feelings of inadequacy when he looked into her eyes. Ernest Payson, for all his formal ways, would provide opportunities beyond Noah’s limited means. Between her wealth and Payson’s connections, she’d meet and become friends with the people who would build Montana.

She stepped up to him, resting her hand on his arm, his warmth seeping into her. “Payson was wrong to suggest you be my foreman. He never discussed his idea with me.”

He shrugged. “You’re right. I would’ve made a lousy foreman.”

She gripped him tighter when he tried to turn. “That’s not what I mean, Noah. What I mean is…well…you and I…we should run the ranch together. We should—”

“Ah, there you are.” Ernest walked up behind her, holding out his hand to Noah. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Mr. Brandt.” Noah accepted his hand on a nod. “Will you be joining us for lunch?”

Noah glanced at Abby, seeing her eyes widen, not missing the plea in her gaze.

“Another time. I’d best get back inside.” He pulled away, seeing her shoulders slump as a look of despair spread across her face.

“Abby?” Payson held out his arm, waiting as she watched Noah’s retreating back, then slipped her arm through his, a glazed expression covering her face.

Abby sat at the table, too stunned to speak or even order. Noah’s cold, unfeeling reaction chilled her, as if ice were spreading through her body, taking root in her stomach. Noah had been her friend, her future. Now he wanted no part of her. The anguish at his rejection choked her, cutting off her ability to think, to breathe.

“Abby, is the chicken stew acceptable?” Payson watched with growing concern as she seemed to slip within herself. He didn’t know what she and Brandt had spoken of but, whatever it was, she’d walked away a different woman than the one who’d ridden into town with him.

She nodded, seeing Suzanne standing by the table, the same distress Abby felt showing on her friend’s face. “Abby, are you all right?”

The worry in Suzanne’s voice almost caused the tears in Abby’s eyes to fall. She took a deep breath, refusing to let anyone see how much Noah’s dismissal hurt. No matter what, she wouldn’t let his rejection damage her more than it already had. She’d fight her feelings for him, push her love for him to the back of her mind, and move on. If he didn’t want her, fine. He could take his miserable blacksmith shop and cabin and let them burn for all she cared. No matter what, she was still her father’s daughter—a Tolbert. She straightened her spine and lifted her head, jutting her chin toward Suzanne.

“I’m fine, and quite famished.”

Suzanne’s gaze narrowed at Abby. She didn’t know what transpired, but guessed it involved Noah. She shook her head, turning toward the kitchen. Those two young people were either going to kill each other, or become one of the strongest couples this town had ever seen. She prayed it would be the latter.