Texas Mail Order Bride (10 page)

“Believe it or not, Coop, I don't have time to write down how much each man drinks. I was in my office working on the books. For your information, I fired my barkeep. Told him to draw his wages and clear out. He should've seen how drunk Hogue was getting and refused to sell him any more. I run a reputable place. Hell, you know that.”

Even though Cooper was still mad enough to drive his fist into Hogue's face and come out the back side of the man's skull, he knew Rand wouldn't lie to save his own skin. “I apologize. Seems that's all I do anymore. I should've known you didn't have anything to do with it. Friends?”

Rand grinned. “Always. Gonna take a sight more than Hogue Barclay to come between us, big brother. You're gonna have to realize though that Jenny is a grown woman. She makes her own choices.”

“You know why I have to watch out for her,” Cooper snapped.

“I do, but at some point it's gotta sink into your thick skull that you can't save the world.”

No, but he could try, especially when he owed a debt.

“Want something to drink?” Rand asked after moments ticked by.

“Coffee, if you've got it.” Though he doubted it, maybe a cup of strong brew would get rid of some of the hate bubbling in his gut.

Within a few minutes, Rand slid a cup in front of him, along with a hot fried pie. “How are things at the ranch?”

Cooper's mood improved a tad as he took a big bite of the pie and licked his lips. Blueberry, one of his favorites. Between bites he told Rand about the raiders who'd brought another sick cow onto the Long Odds the previous night and the shots they'd exchanged.

“You're lucky they didn't kill you, Coop. But at least now you know this is deliberate. It's clear you're in a war with someone. Wish we knew who. Have you posted guards at night?”

“Yep. I just wish I could've seen the polecats' faces.”

“They weren't wearing masks?”

“Nope. Had their hats pulled down low onto their foreheads, though, and the quarter moon only gave out a thimbleful of light. Zeke and I visited every ranch in a ten-mile radius just after daybreak to see if any had hoof-and-mouth amongst their herd.”

“I take it they didn't.”

“You would be right. According to them, they have no sign of the disease on their land.”

“But you think they might be speaking with a forked tongue, as the Indians say?”

“Can't say, but men have lied about less. No rancher likes word to get out that he has disease spreading through his herd. That's one secret that's been known to start a mess of trouble.” Cooper fumbled in his pocket, removing the brass token he'd discovered the morning Rand and Delta had come to the ranch. “I found this near a dead steer. Been meaning to show it to you.”

Rand took the coin and examined it. Shock rippled across his face. “The only Steamboat Bathhouse I've heard of was in Hannibal. How did it wind up on the Long Odds?”

“Asking myself the same question. Since Tolbert Early lies in a grave, it has to be some friend of his who's out for revenge.”

“Or a brother maybe?” Rand handed back the coin.

“I never considered the fact he might have kin. How many more Earlys do we have to kill?”

“However many it takes. We have plenty of bullets.”

“That we do.” Cooper's thoughts flew to the four boxes he'd bought the day he told Delta he couldn't marry her. He hadn't known then how badly he'd need them.

“Let me know how I can help. Say the word and I'll be there.”

“Appreciate that, Rand. Oh, one of the trespassers last night lost his hat. Black with a red bandanna strip for a band. Have you seen anyone wearing something like it?”

“As a matter of fact, a man came in several days ago wearing that hat. His shifty eyes and surly attitude drew my attention. Felt in my bones he was trouble.”

“If he comes in again, keep him and get word to me. I'd like to have a little chat about his criminal activities.” Cooper gulped the last of his coffee and stood. “Can't be gone from the ranch long, and I want to check back in on Jenny.”

“I'll keep an eye on her.” Rand clapped him on the back. “You keep dodging those bullets out there, big brother.”

***

The boardinghouse was deathly silent when Cooper entered. He climbed the stairs and went into Jenny's room. Delta sat in the chair with Ben on her lap. She looked tired.

“Any change?” he asked.

“Not yet.”

Jenny lay unmoving. Cooper couldn't ignore the ache squeezing his heart until he couldn't breathe. He'd failed.

Fighting his guilt and anger, he touched her limp hand. “Reckon I'll head back to the ranch.”

Delta walked him down to the door. The faintest scent of lilacs drifted around him. “I'll let you know when she's out of the woods.”

“I'd be obliged if you'd send someone with word.”

A tired smile tilted the corners of her mouth. “I'll do better than that. I'll ride out to the ranch myself.”

It took considerable effort but he managed to drag his attention from that dark beauty mark sitting beneath her mouth. “Delta, when all of this is over, we have things to talk about, you and I.”

“About that kiss…”

He brushed his thumb across her lips. “This is not the time or place. What we have to talk about is best done over a nice juicy steak and a long walk beneath a full moon.”

“But—”

“There's too much risk of being overheard. It can wait until we're alone.”

Her moist, supple lips parted slightly in protest. He recalled they were even more so when he'd boldly pressed his mouth to hers.

Damn, he wished he could yank her against his chest and kiss the daylights out of her again. But he'd found out the hard way, one kiss was too many and a thousand would never be enough.

Delta Dandridge was like the promise of a brilliant golden sunrise after a long, cold night, and he'd just begun discovering the things she didn't want people to see.

Even as he denied the attraction he had for her, he had to admit she'd shaken him to the core. It hadn't been just his mouth pressed so firmly to hers—it had been far, far more than that.

Stepping back, he put on his hat. He had to put some distance between them before he did something he'd regret.

Laying a hand on his arm, she spoke low, “Be safe, Cooper. I do look forward to having my say. It's time we come to an understanding.”

He nodded and opened the door. Sounded like she meant to lay down the rules of battle. He was positive that did not bode well for him.

Delta sat by Jenny's bedside the whole night. She wanted to be close in case the woman woke. But it wasn't until after they'd eaten breakfast that Jenny opened her eyes. She came awake by degrees, looking around the unfamiliar room, appearing confused.

“Where am I?” Jenny croaked, licking her swollen mouth.

“Your sister's boardinghouse,” Delta said gently. “I'm Delta Dandridge. Ben came and asked me to help. I found you and brought you here.”

The horror in the woman's eyes told Delta that everything had come back to her in a rush. She tried to sit up.

“Please, you have to stay in bed.” Delta laid a calming hand on Jenny's shoulder. “You're safe here.”

“But H-Hogue…”

“The sheriff locked him in jail. He can't hurt you.”

“He'll k-kill me for this.”

“No, he won't. We're going to protect you.”

“You don't know him. He has a mean temper.”

Delta stared into Jenny's badly swollen eyes. “I can see that. But he can't get to you. I promise.”

“Ben? Where's my boy?” Jenny tried to get up again, only to be restrained by Delta.

“Shhh. Ben is fine. He's downstairs with Mabel.”

“Hogue was so mad. Ben tried to stop him, tried to protect me. I watched in horror when Hogue threw him into a wall.”

“Ben's resilient and he worships his mother, that's plain to see.” Delta plumped up the pillows. “He's a fine boy. You have every right to be proud of him.”

“My baby?” Jenny whispered, as though afraid to speak the words aloud.

“Doc says it's fine.”

“Thank the Lord. I can just imagine what my sister will say.” Jenny's voice sounded weak and far away. “Mabel always warned me this would happen. She'll tell me in no uncertain terms how right she was.”

“Oh, I don't think Mabel is like that. She was so scared she'd lose you. And she's been wonderful with Ben. She's teaching him to cook and he's enjoying every minute.”

“I'm glad. Hogue laid down the law, forbade me from seeing my sister. But Mabel is Ben's aunt.”

“Could you handle a bite of breakfast, Mrs. Barclay?”

“I'd like it if you would call me Jenny. And some milk toast might be nice, if it's no bother.”

Delta rose but Jenny's feeble hand reached out. “Could you tell Ben I'd like to see him?”

“Absolutely. He'll be thrilled.”

The boy's face lit up when Delta told him his mother was awake and wanting to see him. He gave a whoop and bounded up the stairs.

Delta found Mabel in the kitchen kneading enough dough to make her daily loaves of bread. She quickly told her about Jenny and her wish for some milk toast.

“Hallelujah! This is great news. I'll get it whipped up before she gets out of the notion of eating. I'm not surprised she wants it, though. Our mama always made it for us when we were little.”

Leaving Jenny in Mabel's capable hands, Delta went to work. John Abercrombie was trying to assist Granny Ketchum, but he clearly was making no progress. Delta couldn't describe the look of relief on his face when she walked through the door.

“At last someone who knows what they're doing,” declared Granny. Her thick glasses had slipped onto the tip of her nose.

“What do you need?” Delta put on her apron and tied it.

“Well, like I was telling John, I need some thingamajigs that you use to keep your stockings up. He don't know beans from turnips about women's things.”

“Oh, you mean garters.”

“Yes, didn't I just say that?”

Granny was fast losing what little mind she had. Delta reached and adjusted the old woman's glasses, replying softly, “Yes, you did. I'm sure we have exactly what you're looking for. Did someone come into your house and steal yours?” She led Granny to the women's section of the store.

“How did you know? I ain't breathed a word of this to anyone 'cepting you. A delicate woman like me can't bear to talk to Sheriff Strayhorn about such things.”

Delta couldn't hold back the smile. She leaned over and kissed Granny Ketchum's wrinkled cheek. “I love you. You're the grandmother I never had.”

Tears misted in the lady's rheumy eyes. “No one ever said anything that nice to me before.”

“Would you consider adopting me?”

Granny patted her hand. “I already have, dear. Out here in Texas we don't need scribblin' on a piece of paper to take people into our hearts. You're in a special place.”

Words clogged in Delta's throat, and if she ever had any doubt that she belonged in Battle Creek before, she certainly didn't now.

This was her town as much as if she'd been born here.

***

When noontime came, she told Mr. Abercrombie that she might be a little late getting back. She had to let Cooper know that Jenny had regained consciousness. She'd promised.

The short stable owner grinned when she requested a horse and buggy a few minutes later. “I reckon at this point you own them more than I do, seeing how often you're in here. I seem to just be keeping them for you.”

“I can't help it, Mr. Ferris,” she said, returning his grin. “It's too far to walk where I'm going.”

“Well, mind that you be careful. A woman alone shouldn't be running all over the countryside.”

Delta waved and was soon out of town. At the ranch, she again headed toward the cloud of dirt and bawling cattle. Bandit's legs got tangled up as he ran to meet her. She hurriedly got from the buggy and took the wriggling ball of fur in her arms.

“The rascal is happy to see you,” a voice growled.

Glancing up at Cooper, she found humor and something she couldn't describe in his gray stare. She wondered if perhaps he knew the turmoil he unleashed inside her and how deeply their kiss had affected her.

“He's a sweet dog,” she murmured.

“Well, he won't be worth a plug nickel if you don't stop coddling him. I'm trying to teach him how to track and herd cows and guard the place. When you come around, all his lessons go out the window. What brings you out? Is Jenny…?”

Delta straightened. “I promised I'd tell you when she woke up.”

His crooked grin did things to her that she wouldn't admit to anyone. “That's the best news I've had.”

“I sat by her bed all night, and then this morning she opened her eyes and wanted a little something to eat. She asked where she was and where Ben was. She breathed easier when I told her Ben hadn't suffered too much from the ordeal.”

“Thank you for riding out to tell me. I'll come into town to see her in a bit.”

“She'd like that.”

The deep relationship between Cooper and Jenny puzzled Delta. It seemed more than mere friendship. There was something a little odd about it. Maybe Ben held the key. But that would mean… She pushed that thought aside. Ben was Hogue Barclay's son, she told herself firmly.

Now that she'd delivered the news she came to give him, she didn't know what to do next. “About that kiss the other day, don't think you can—”

But again he quickly silenced her. “Have supper with me and we'll talk about it to your heart's content.”

A supper invitation? She never expected that so soon. In fact, she thought he'd forget all about it.

“I suppose I can do that.” They needed to get this kiss out in the open so it would stop haunting her every waking moment. She had a few things to get off her chest, and the sooner she did, the better. “When?”

“How about tonight?”

“Tonight it is.” Thank goodness. Now she could get a few things straight.

Putting a booted foot on the metal step, she climbed into the buggy. She glanced back when she got to the road. Cooper was still standing there so tall and handsome, even with a thick layer of dirt on his clothes. He looked like a warrior king about to set out to conquer new worlds to add to his kingdom.

A dizzying current raced through her. How easy it would be to imagine herself in his arms for more than a few fleeting seconds.

***

Cooper rapped lightly on Jenny's door and entered. He was happy to find her sitting up with her back propped against the pillows, but sharp pain shot through his heart at the sight of her swollen face and black eyes. He should've been there to protect her. He'd made a solemn promise he wouldn't leave her to Hogue's mercy. And yet he had.

“I knew you'd come,” she said with a tentative smile.

“I was here yesterday, but of course, you were unconscious.” Cooper dropped into the chair beside her bed and laid his hat on the floor. “Jenny, I'm sorry I wasn't here when you needed me.”

“Running a ranch takes a lot of focus and staying on top of things. I don't expect you to drop everything in your life to make sure that I'm…that I'm…” The rest of the sentence was lost in heartrending sobs.

Cooper moved to sit on the bed. He put his arms around her and pulled her close. He didn't know what else to do. Crying females always threw him for a loop. Somehow patting her back and letting her cry her heart out didn't seem to be enough. If he could've gotten to Hogue at that moment, he'd have beaten the man to within an inch of his life. That was, if he'd be able to stop once he started. From the anger boiling inside him, Cooper knew he wouldn't be satisfied until he whipped every last bit of rottenness out of Hogue.

“There, there. Go ahead and have a good cry. It'll help to let all those feelings out,” he murmured.

Jenny Barclay had always had a special place in his heart. There were things that bound them, things no one knew about.

For the thousandth time, he wished Hogue Barclay hadn't ridden into town full of sweet talk and promises. Mabel had told Cooper how the man had swept Jenny off her feet and put stars in her eyes.

It didn't take long for Cooper to see that Hogue got meaner than a hot-blooded bull with no heifer in sight when he drank. He'd tried to warn Jenny, but she'd stood up for Hogue. Said the man just needed a chance and that she loved him. But Hogue only got more bad-tempered and more determined to keep Jenny firmly under his thumb.

“I'm sorry.” Jenny accepted the handkerchief Cooper handed her and blew her nose. “I didn't mean to carry on so.”

Gently, Cooper smoothed the hair away from her eyes. “You don't have one single thing to apologize for. Don't you know that by now?” he ended softly.

“I wish I'd have listened to Mabel. She tried to tell me.”

“You loved him. Nothing she or I said could change that.”

“I don't feel anything now but contempt and sorrow. Ben deserves a better father. I have to think of that. I've been so stupid and a horrible mother.”

“Hush, no more talk like that. That boy loves you. One thing I learned a long time ago is you can't go back. The only direction from here is forward.”

Jenny lay back against the pillows. “I don't know what I'm going to do. How…?”

“Your sole focus right now is getting well, letting yourself heal. Then we'll figure it out. You and me.”

Her watery smile wobbled and faded. “All right.”

“I'm just glad Delta Dandridge helped you when I wasn't here.”

“I like her. She's a determined woman.”

That was putting it mildly. Delta was flat-out mulish. Might as well call it for what it was. “She certainly has a way about her,” Cooper agreed.

“I don't know what might've happened to me if she hadn't come along. Most likely I'd have laid right there on that floor until Hogue came back and finished the job.”

“You can thank Ben for going for help.” The bed shifted when Cooper reached for his hat. “I'd best be going. Don't want to tire you out.” He leaned to kiss her forehead. “If you need anything, anything at all, you know where to find me. Just send word. I mean it.”

“You're a good man, Cooper Thorne.”

He flashed a grin. “Just don't let too many people in on that secret. Wouldn't want it getting around.”

***

Off work after a trying day, Delta heard voices coming from Jenny's room. She rapped lightly on the door and entered. It took her aback to see Cooper sitting on Jenny's bed with her hand in his.

His words came unbidden into her memory.
I
never
said
I
don't like women. I love 'em. For your information, I've kissed more than my share.

It certainly appeared to her that Jenny had been one of his conquests, and he still seemed to have feelings for the woman. “Oh, I didn't mean to interrupt. I can come back another time.”

Cooper stood. “No, stay. Jenny would love to see you. I need to find Ben anyway. Don't forget, you promised to have supper with me.”

“About that. I really don't think I should.” Being anywhere in the same vicinity as Cooper was definitely not a good idea. He made her forget that he was a dyed-in-the-wool bachelor who would freely offer his affections but not his heart. Everything except the sound of his voice and the memory of his mouth on hers fled her brain when he came near.

“You changing your mind?”

“Cooper,” Jenny exclaimed. “It's a woman's prerogative to change her mind.”

“Says who?” His voice was rough and gravelly.

“Says the lady,” Jenny retorted.

“Whose side you on here?”

“We women have to stick together, don't we, Delta?”

Delta squared her jaw. “I wholeheartedly agree.”

Without any more argument, Cooper shut the door softly behind him. She moved to fluff Jenny's pillow. That's when she noticed tears lingering on the tips of Jenny's long lashes. It bothered her that Cooper had made the woman cry. Just wait until she got him alone.

But then the thought of being alone with him made her palms sweat.

After chatting a bit and helping the woman take care of some personal needs, Delta went downstairs. She found Cooper in the parlor talking to Ben.