Sunrise Ridge (Redemption Mountain Historical Western Romance Book 3) (6 page)

“Best decision he could make is to marry Abby as soon as he finds her. Nothing else will stop Tolbert from getting between them,” Dax said.

“That’s about the most sensible suggestion I’ve heard in a long time. I believe I’ll put that in the telegram.”

“Sorry, Brandt. I don’t recall seeing the young woman you describe. The stage is due in tomorrow. Why don’t you wait around to see if she’s on it?” The sheriff of Moosejaw had also received a telegram from Gabe and been prepared for Noah’s arrival.

Noah took a deep breath and nodded. “I believe I’ll get a room and wait. If she’s not on the stage, I’ll continue to follow the trail until I reach St. Louis. I’ve got to find her, Sheriff.”

“Good luck to you.”

Noah headed toward the one hotel, spotting the telegraph office across the muddy main street. He changed directions, deciding to send a message to Gabe first.

“Can I help you?”

“I want to send a message to the sheriff in Splendor.”

“Write it out and I’ll send it right off.”

Noah wrote a few words and handed the paper back to the clerk, who quoted a price and sent the message.

“You’re Noah Brandt?” the clerk asked.

“I am.”

“I’ve got a telegram for you. Came in yesterday.”

Noah read it through, cursing as he set the paper down.

“Add that I got his telegram to the one you’re sending.” He dropped another coin on the counter and walked out. The one bit of good news from Gabe’s message was Tolbert believed the same as everyone else—Abby had decided to come home.

He arranged for a room, then located the nearest saloon. Nursing a drink, he thought of what he’d say to Abby, how he’d convince her to marry him and return to Splendor as his wife. Gabe’s idea had merit. Marrying her would be the only way Tolbert would leave them alone. Of course, the fact he loved her would be his most compelling argument.

The strongest argument against their marriage, and the one he’d used over and over to convince himself to hide his feelings, had nothing to do with his love for her.

He’d had success in Splendor, building his livery and blacksmith trade, then opening a shop catering to miners and those who needed tack. Frugal by nature, he’d saved enough to build his cabin and buy a couple vacant shacks behind the livery, renting them to travelers who decided to make Splendor their home. Few, except Gabe and Horace Clausen at the bank, knew how well he’d done. Still, he had nowhere near the means to support Abby in the way she deserved. There’d be money for them and their children, but little for extras, such as fancy dresses or travel. He wanted so much more for her than what he could provide.

“Another drink, mister?”

Noah glanced up to see a young, tired-looking woman staring down at him. He could see desolation and resignation on a face which seemed much older than her years.

“One more.”

She moved closer, brushing her hip against his arm. “Is there anything else you want?”

“Just the whiskey, ma’am.”

A look of regret passed over her face. Noah knew it had nothing to do with him and more to do with the loss of money from not enticing him upstairs.

“Let me know if you change your mind.” She moved to the next table, where he heard the same conversation repeat itself.

Sipping his drink, he thought of Tolbert’s men. Their first stop would be Big Pine. Sheriff Sterling might or might not tell them Noah had already come by. As with many, Sterling held no respect for a man who took the law into his own hands and cared little for anyone other than himself. Even Abby suffered from his selfish ways.

Perhaps he’d get lucky and the men would wait for the stage to arrive in Big Pine and not travel to Moosejaw. Assuming Abby arrived tomorrow, he’d convince her to leave with him, bypassing Big Pine and following a trail to Splendor few knew about. They’d be home by the time Tolbert and his men realized what had happened.

Chapter Five

The wind flared around him, lifting his hat off his head, forcing Noah to stay hunkered down on a chair outside the stage station. The stationmaster expected the coach to arrive within the hour. Soon, he’d know if his search would take him home, with Abby, or on to St. Louis, alone.

“Mind if I sit with you?”

Noah glanced up to see the sheriff grab a chair. “Suit yourself.”

The sheriff leaned back while rolling a cigarette, then lit it.

“I got a message from Sterling in Big Pine. A group of men rode in looking for Abigail Tolbert. He thought you’d want to know.”

Now he knew he’d be taking the long way home. “Thanks. I expected as much.”

Both men looked up at the sound of horses to see the stage some distance away. Noah’s pulse quickened and he said a short prayer, hoping she’d be inside.

The minutes passed at a slow rate, the tension inside Noah building until he wanted to jump on Tempest and ride out to meet them.

“Guess you’ll know in a minute,” the sheriff said, noting him shift in the chair.

Noah exhaled a slow breath. “Guess so.”

The stage pulled to a stop, the horses snorting as the driver jumped down and opened the door.

“This is Moosejaw. You may want to stretch before we leave for Big Pine.”

Noah’s breath caught at the sound of a familiar voice.

“Sounds wonderful. Will we have time for a meal before leaving?”

“We leave in three hours, Miss Tolbert.”

Noah watched as the woman he loved emerged from the coach, setting her hand in the driver’s for balance, then taking a few steps forward. She brushed her hands down her skirt and looked up, the expression on her face turning from relief to surprise.

“Noah,” she whispered, not making any attempt to move toward him. “What are you doing here?”

He took a step forward, reaching out a hand, which she ignored. “I came for you.”

She glanced at the stage, seeing Beau step down and stop by her side. He looked from her to the man standing a few feet away, then tilted his head.

“Miss Tolbert, do you know this gentleman?” Beau asked, noting the look of caution pass across Abby’s face.

She cleared her throat. “Why, yes, Mr. Davis. This is Mr. Noah Brandt. He lives in Splendor. Mr. Brandt, this is Mr. Beauregard Davis. He accompanied me from St. Louis.”

Noah should’ve been glad Abby had someone to protect her on the journey. Instead, all he could feel was a twisting in his chest and a slow burn in his gut.

“Mr. Brandt, it’s a pleasure.”

Noah clasped Beau’s hand, his gaze never leaving Abby. “Mr. Davis.”

The air became thick as silence reigned between the three until Beau felt the need to break the spell. “I believe I’ll grab a meal. Would either of you care to join me?”

Noah opened his mouth to decline when Abby spoke up. “That’s a lovely idea.” She slid her hand through Beau’s arm, letting him guide her past Noah and down the street.

Noah’s heart sank. He’d been so certain she’d be glad to see him, even if she still felt anger at his behavior the last time they’d seen each other.

The sheriff, who’d held back, placed a hand on Noah’s shoulder. “Women are a fickle bunch, son. You follow along, take a meal with them. I believe this will all work out.”

Noah nodded, then looked away, confused and feeling a powerful blow to his pride. Ahead of him walked the woman who’d stood up to her father weeks before, defending Noah while letting her feelings be clear to those in the room. He’d been the one to miss the opportunity to set his intentions straight, not only in front of King Tolbert, but his friends, as well. Yes, he’d taken the blame for their actions while, at the same time, not giving any indication of his deep feelings for Abby.

“Will this be suitable, Mr. Brandt?” Beau asked as he escorted Abby inside the first restaurant he saw.

“Yes, fine.” Noah followed them, taking a seat across from Abby, ordering the first item the server mentioned. He stared across the table, waiting for her to acknowledge his presence, but her gaze wandered everywhere except at him.

“What brings you to Moosejaw, Mr. Brandt?” Beau asked.

“To escort Miss Tolbert home.”

“Do you work for her father?”

Abby couldn’t hide a soft snort at the question.

“No. I’m a blacksmith and own a livery.”

“And a successful shop,” Abby added, unable to continue her silence. She looked at Beau. “He sells supplies to miners and tack to ranchers. Noah does quite well.”

“Sounds as if you’re a good businessman, Mr. Brandt.”

“I do all right. And you, Mr. Davis? What do you do?” Noah relaxed. At least Abby had spoken a few words, even if they weren’t directed at him.

“I’m a bounty hunter.”

Noah’s eyes widened, never expecting the well-spoken man accompanying Abby to be someone who sought men and brought them in, dead or alive.

“What brings you to Moosejaw?”

“I’m going on to Big Pine, the same as Miss Tolbert. I’ll be meeting a friend there.”

“Another bounty hunter?” Noah asked as he brought a cup of coffee to his lips.

“A man I partner with—Cash Coulter.”

Noah set down the cup as he choked on the hot brew.

“Are you all right?” Abby asked, jumping up to thump him on the back.

“Yeah, fine.” He coughed once more. “You did say Cash Coulter?”

“Yes. Do you know him?”

“I do. He’s been to Splendor, helped mutual friends with a problem, then took off after some men who used to work for King Tolbert.”

Abby looked at Noah, her brows knitting together. “What men?”

“Parnell Drake and two others.”

“I remember Mr. Drake. He was father’s foreman for a while. Father fired him, or was about to when Drake disappeared.”

“He ran when Gabe came to your ranch to arrest him. No one’s seen him since.”

“That’s not quite true,” Beau interrupted. “Drake and his men are wanted for cattle rustling in Colorado, possibly Wyoming, and now it appears they’re working in Montana. Cash is on his way to Big Pine so we can go after them.”

“Where do you think they’re working?”

“The ranches between Big Pine and Splendor.”

“I must send a telegram. I’ll meet you at the stagecoach, Miss Tolbert. It was a pleasure, Mr. Brandt. I’m certain we’ll see each other again.”

“Mr. Davis,” Noah shook his hand, then turned to Abby. “I don’t want you going to Big Pine on the stage. I want you to ride with me back to Splendor.”

“There’s no reason to—”

“Abby, your father’s men are waiting for you. They’re to take you to the ranch as soon as you get off the stage.”

“No,” she whispered. “How did they know I’d be coming back?”

“The same way I did. The sheriff in St. Louis learned you boarded the train west. It wasn’t hard to figure out where you were headed. Even Suzanne believes you’ll return to Splendor.”

“I’m not going back to the ranch…ever. The days of my father controlling every decision I make, how I live, are over.”

“If that’s true, go back with me. I know a trail home few know about. By the time they realize you aren’t coming, we’ll be home.” He reached out to touch her shoulder, but she backed away. “Abby, come with me, please. I promise to get you back to Splendor without your father’s men knowing.”

She squared her shoulders, steeling herself as she looked up at him. “If I go with you, it will be to live at Suzanne’s. I’ll find work, support myself.” She hesitated a moment before continuing. “I’ve thought much about what happened at Ginny and Luke’s wedding, how I handled myself, and your reaction. I realize now you were a fantasy—a beautiful one, but a fantasy nonetheless. I threw myself at you and—”

“Abby—”

“Please, let me finish.” She swallowed the growing lump in her throat, taking an unsteady breath. “You tried to let me know numerous times you had no feelings for me, but I refused to listen. I’ll always remember how you’ve been a perfect gentleman, one who treated me as a lady, no matter how foolish my actions may have seemed to you. I now know my feelings were nothing more than youth and inexperience. I’m embarrassed by the way my actions must have been perceived by you.”

“Abby, please, let me explain.” Noah’s stomach twisted.

“There’s no need, truly. I’ve acted as a foolish, rich girl, trying to have what I thought I wanted. When I return to Splendor, I’ll be making my own way, figuring out what it is I
do
want. I hope you understand and accept my apologies for how I’ve behaved.”