The Blacksmith’s Bravery (50 page)

Vashti stood beside her bridegroom in the dining room of the Spur & Saddle, ready to cut the wedding cake. Augie had outdone himself. With help from Rose Caplinger, he'd fashioned a garden of sugar roses and topped the four-tiered masterpiece with two feathery white doves.

Ethan Chapman came over near the table and raised his hands. “Folks, if I could interrupt for just a minute, I have an announcement to make.”

The murmuring quieted as everyone focused on the sheriff. Ethan looked over at Griffin, and he shrugged. Vashti took that to mean he had no idea what was going on, but he was in a mellow mood and didn't care how many announcements people made today. The vows were said, and nothing could change that. She reached for his big hand, and he squeezed hers, smiling.

“Some of you know I got back from Boise yesterday. I delivered some prisoners to the U.S. Marshal there a few days ago. Those outlaws are two of the gang we believe held up the stagecoach twice on the Nampa run and once each on the Catherine and Silver City runs. The postal service had sent notice of a reward to the marshal before Griff Bane and Hiram Dooley caught the outlaws.”

“We had some help,” Griffin muttered.

Ethan swung around and grinned at him. “Yes, you did. In fact, I have orders to give a share of the reward to the following people: Griffin Bane, Hiram Dooley, Leo Rice, Buck Ashley—”

Arthur Tinen Jr. let out a whoop at the mention of the name of one of his cowhands. Ethan smiled and nodded at him.

“Yes, Buck was on the stage that day, and other witnesses say he acquitted himself well. The same with the drummer who was a passenger, Mr. John Sedge. The marshal will send his part to him. Also receiving a share of the reward will be Miss Georgia Edwards, Mrs. Hiram Dooley, and Mrs. Augustus Moore.”

Libby, Bitsy, and Vashti exchanged looks across the room. Hiram beamed, and Augie said, “That's my darlin' girl.” He gave Bitsy a loud smack on the cheek.

Griffin let go of Vashti's hand and slid his arm around her waist. “You deserve it, Queen Vashti.”

Ethan grinned. “If each of you will please see me when it's convenient, I'll give you a bank draft for your share in the ten-thousand dollar reward.”

“Ten thousand!” Bitsy's jaw dropped.

“What's that make your share?” Augie asked.

“That's $1,250,” yelled Justin, who had been sipping lemonade in a corner with his friends.

Ethan smiled at the boy. “That's exactly right, and spoken by Mr. Bane's accountant.”

Everyone laughed.

Goldie called out, “And the newlyweds get a double share.”

“That's fittin',” said Bitsy.

Vashti looked up into Griffin's brown eyes. With that and the money Wells Fargo had sent for new equipment, they wouldn't wonder where the money to keep the stage line running would come from. Griffin nodded, contentment oozing from him. She snuggled close and hugged him around the waist.

Johnny Conway stepped up beside Ethan with his driving whip in his hand. “Folks, I have an announcement, too.”

The crowd quieted.

“I know it's not far to the happy couple's new home,” Johnny said, “but when they've finished their cake and are inclined to leave this jolly gathering, Ned and I have a carriage waiting outside to carry them home.”

Griffin's bushy eyebrows shot up. “What?”

“Take a look out the window, boss,” Ned Harmon called.

Griffin seized Vashti's hand and strode to the front window. They both looked out at their transportation for the two-block ride home: the red and gold Concord coach, with roses twined all along the top luggage rack and tucked into the horses' harness.

“Anytime you're ready, just say the word, and we'll drive you home,” Johnny said.

Vashti tugged the whip out of his hand. “Oh no, you won't. You can ride along as far as the house if you want, but
I'm
driving.”