Cinders' Bride: Mail Order Brides of Texas (9 page)

Giving him a clipped nod, she rose and walked up the step. “It’s good to know.”

He leaned back and peered at the stars. It felt good to put her mind to ease, and the fact she understood about not wanting kids was a big relief. He’d expected tears and explanations, but Cookie must have told her the reason why.

****

Tears trailed down her face as she put her nightgown on. She’d have a new one made by tomorrow. The bottle of salve on the little table beside the bed mocked her. She might as well put some on since she didn’t need to smell nice for her husband. Why had he bothered to kiss her? It only made the hurt worse.

Her eyes stung at the smell of Cookie’s concoction, but she put it on her face. Was she supposed to be relieved Cinders didn’t want to bed her? There was little privacy in the tenements and she’d heard plenty of screams of pain at night. Perhaps he was protecting her but her mother told her that with the right man it could be a joyful experience.

She climbed into bed and leaned over to blow the oil lamp out. A strange emptiness filled her and refused leave. She lay on her side with her back to the door, listening to Cinders undress and slip into bed. He lay with his back to her and it spoke loudly of his intentions.

He lightly snored while she wiped the tears from her eyes. She should be grateful, very grateful, and in many aspects, she was. There was a part of her that wished things were different with Cinders. She touched her lips, reliving his kiss, and a part of her heart shriveled. It might be the only kiss she’d ever get.

Seeing a lawyer was a good idea. She’d be safe from the John Hardys of the world. Maybe she shouldn’t wish for more but she couldn’t help her heart from aching. The mail order bride had been a crazy notion but she ended up landing on her feet. She ached for Cinders too. Maybe he liked Polly more than he'd let on. Or what if he found someone else he could stand to consummate a marriage with? Her first order of business before they drove to town was to learn how to shoot. She didn’t cotton to the idea of traveling without such knowledge. This place was truly turning out to be the Wild West.

In the still of darkness, she awoke and listened to the crickets chirping. She instantly touched her wound. It would be hers to bear every day so she might as well get used to it. As silently as she could, she slipped out of bed and tiptoed to the kitchen intent on making a pot of coffee and watching the sunrise. The ability to see the horizon all around them awed her. Today she would walk with a peaceful heart.

The iron stove gave her fits as though it had a personality of its own. One day it would be cheerful and readily light and other days it was so stubborn. Unfortunately this was a stubborn day. It took some doing but it finally lit, and she put the water and coffee on the hot stove.

The sun began to make its appearance so she made her way outside and sat on the front steps. Hues of pink and purple soon transitioned into orange and yellow, creating a sunrise she’d always remember. Perhaps she could find time to finish her new nightgown and her new dress. Both were almost finished. Her smile broadened when she imagined herself throwing her gray gown into the fire.

She heard him pour his coffee and curse. He'd probably burned his palm from not using the grain sack, The handle could be a scorcher. The butterflies she felt as he walked over to wear she sat wouldn’t do. Somehow she’d have to become immune to his manly magnetism.

“Get in the house, please.” His words sounded clipped.

Frowning she got up and faced him. “Good morning to you too.”

“Just get inside.” He stood back and made ample room for her to enter.

Nodding she walked by him and waited for him to close the door. If he kept up with the attitude, becoming immune would be easy as pie. “Are you going to tell me why you’re so rude this morning?”

His face reddened. “I can’t have you traipsing around in your night clothes outside. It’s bad enough Cookie sees you like this every so often.”

“He brings me hot water to bathe. I apologize. I’m not the traipsing type. I just wanted to see the sunrise. Just like the night sky, it’s so much bigger and brighter here in Texas.”

“Well, just hurry up and get dressed. I hired men I don’t know and I wouldn’t want any of them to disrespect you.”

The tension left her body. He did care about her. “I’ll be out in a minute.”

Cookie walked in as she strode to the bedroom.

“Wait.” He drew hot water from the water reserve on the back of the stove and handed it to her.

“Thank you.” She took the basin and retreated to the bedroom. Her gray dress hung on a peg and even though it would probably be the last day, she still dreaded donning it.

She washed with the water, noticing her wound appeared a bit better this morning. The salve must be helping after all. She took the jar from the table. It still smelled rancid but she put it on anyway. As soon as she finished dressing, she went to help Cookie.

She stirred the oatmeal while Cookie made pancakes and soon enough the table was full. The somber mood amongst the men probably had to do with Bill’s death. Her heart ached for the men who knew him best. “Are you going to teach me to shoot today?”

Cinders’ glanced up from his plate. “Might as well.”

“You don’t know how to shoot?” Timmie asked wide-eyed.

“No, I don’t, but don’t try me in a knife fight.”

Suddenly all eyes were on her.

“What?” Her face heated.

“Where’d you learn knife fightn’, Ma’am?” Jakie asked.

The urge to laugh was great but they seemed so serious. “Growing up, we didn’t have guns but it was best if you could protect yourself and your family. My pa learned as a lad and he taught me. Having good aim is most important for me since I’m small. I can throw a knife better than some. I’d never win hand to hand knife fighting though.”

“Good for your pa, Ma’am,” Don said with a nod.

“It’s a good skill to have,” Keegan said with a look of approval on his face.

“What are we shooting at?”

“Nothing that moves. Don’t worry.”

Chapter Five

Shannon’s arms ached from holding the gun for so long and having Cinders’ hard body so close didn’t help matters. He smelled delicious and the heat from his body was doing strange things to her insides. Her shot went wide and she sighed.

“Not even close.” Cinders stood behind her reaching to steady her hands. “Usually people get better as they practice. Are you sure you have your eyes open?”

She jabbed her elbow against his arm. “Maybe if you stood off to the side I could get the hang of it.” There was no way she could concentrate with his strong arms around her. It was both heaven and hell. It felt so right being in his arms, yet she knew he didn’t want her that way.

“Sure, we can give it a try.” He stepped to the side and stared at her.

Damn
. He could be unnerving when he stared. She held the gun in two hands, widened her stance as much as her dress would allow, and aimed. This time she almost hit one of the tin cans he'd lined up on a wooden makeshift bench. It amazed her that she hadn’t hit any of them yet.

“Don’t forget to aim.”

“Okay.”

“Slow and steady like I’ve been trying to teach you.”

“Okay.” His jabbering was endless. “A little silence might help.” She aimed again.

“You can do it. Just aim.”

“If you don’t stop talking to me, I’ll never get a shot off.” She waited for a reply but he was silent. She pulled the trigger nice and slow and there was a loud ping as one of the cans went flying off the bench. A wide smile spread across her face until it became painful.

“Well, look at you! You finally hit one. It’s a great start.”

She shook her head. “No. It’s a great end. I’m tired.”

He walked up and gently took the gun from her. “I keep forgetting you’re a city gal.”

“Oh? What’s that supposed to mean? I’ll tell you one thing. I bet those women in town don’t go hunting. I could learn to hunt if needed.”

“I was just kidding and there’s no need for you to hunt. Most of the women probably don’t hunt but I bet a good portion of them know how to shoot. Here.” He stepped behind her again and reached around until they were both holding the gun.

Was it possible he was closer to her than before? She could feel him pressed against her and her heart began to race. Good Lord, she felt his breath against the side of her neck and she shivered.

“Cold?” He let go.

“No, I’m fine.” She was glad he stood behind her and couldn’t see her eyes.

“What is it then?”

She turned around and he took the gun from her as she stared into his eyes. “I don’t know. I’m finding it hard to be around you and concentrate at the same time. I feel, I don’t know, flustered I guess.”

He smiled deeply. “Glad to know I’m not the only one that feels flustered.”

“Hey, Boss, we got trouble. Indians are headed this way!” Tramp yelled, bringing his horse to a hard stop. I don’t recognize any of them, but they are Comanche.”

Cinders gave her the gun back. “Here, take this, run to the house, close the shutters and lay on the floor like last time. Hell, the table is too large for you to move.”

“I can handle it. Stay safe.” She started to go but turned around and ran to Cinders. Reaching up she pulled his head down, gave him a quick kiss on the lips and then raced to the house.

Her chest hurt from her heart pounding until it became a loud roaring sound. Quickly, she latched all the window shutters and locked the door. Next, she tried a few times to turn the table on its side. Finally, it dropped down with a huge boom. Her breathing became laborious as she waited, trying to hear something, anything, from outside.

It was too quiet. Crawling, she made it to the plugged hole that revealed the front of the property. She only saw buckskin. When did he get so close to the house? Where was Cinders? Her lip hurt as she bit it to keep from gasping. She grabbed a knife from the kitchen counter and lay back on the floor, wedged between the table and stove. It wasn’t the most balanced knife but it was sharp.

Then all hell broke loose.

She heard heart-stopping cries from the Indians and gunshots. Many gunshots. In her mind, she could picture Cinders lying on the ground bleeding out. She closed her eyes and covered her mouth. She listened and she heard horses galloping away. Saying a quick prayer, she crawled to the hole again, but this time there was nothing to see. It was too quiet. Then she saw the door to the barn inch open and she recognized Cinders’ hat as a man emerged. Relief so great went through her that she started to weep.

The pounding on the front door grabbed her attention and she immediately lifted the plank of wood used to bar the door. She jerked the door open and threw herself into Cinders’ embrace. She held him tight around the waist until it occurred to her that he wasn’t holding her as tightly. Her face heated as she let go. “You’re okay?”

He nodded. “We’re all fine.”

She gazed at the floor. “The horses?”

“The horses are fine. You look a bit shaken up. Are you all right?”

“The table was a chore to knock over, but I’m fine.” Turning away, she admonished herself for being too clingy and grabbing on to Cinders the way she did. She could feel the heat of his stare and grew uncomfortable. “I bet everyone could use some coffee. I’ll get it started.”

“Are you sure you’re okay? You’re not thinking about leaving because of the attack are you?”

She placed the coffee on the stove and faced him. Their gazes met and held. The concern and tenderness she saw in his eyes touched her. He cared about her and it would have to be enough. “Of course not. But it scared the dickens out of me, and I was afraid for you and the men. What did they want?”

“You.” He still held her gaze.

Her eyes widened as she placed a hand on her chest. “What do you mean?”

Cinders walked to her side and led her to a chair. “They were here for you, darlin’. Long Nose wanted you for his wife.”

She sat down and shook her head. “How? Why? And who is Long Nose?”

Pulling the chair close to hers, Cinders sat. “The Comanche in this part of Texas can be fierce but I’ve managed to keep on their good side. It was Long Nose who attacked us that day we were coming home. I suspect he stole the horses and now he wants you.”

“He told you he wants me?” Her voice shook.

Taking her hands in his he nodded. “I told him you were mine.”

“And?”

“I thought he was leaving but he turned and shot an arrow at me. I ran to the barn and watched as five more of his men rode up. One got off his horse and went to the house. Maybe I shouldn’t tell you any more details. You’re shaking.”

“I know I am but I need to know what happened.” She couldn’t stop her body from trembling.

“All hell broke loose and our men started shooting at the Indians on horseback. We didn’t want to take a chance you’d be hit. It looked like Long Nose took a bullet in his arm and he signaled for them to leave.”

“They’re gone, right?”

“Yes, honey, they are, and you're safe with me.” He gently rubbed her arms up and down, and bit by bit, she stopped shaking.

Taking deep breaths also helped her calm down. “What about the horses?”

“They’re fine.”

“No, I mean the ones he was going to buy me with. How many did he have? One dozen, two?”

“He didn’t bring any horses.” His mouth twitched slightly.

“He thought I was free? I’m worth at least a dozen horses. How insulting.”

Cinders laughed. “I think the original plan was to buy you with the horses they stole from me.”

“Now I’m really insulted. I’m glad you fought for me.”

“It’s an obligation here in Texas,” Cookie said as he wandered in. “Got dinner started yet?”

“Leave it to Cookie to speak the truth.” She stood and put as much distance between her and Cinders as possible. Her heart sank deeper. He'd only fought because he had to? For a moment, she'd forgotten who she was. She wasn’t the sweet, beautiful, loving wife she imagined while sitting so close to her husband.

“All you do is rescue me, Cinders. It might be best if I went to another town.”

“It’ll be the same no matter where you go, missy.” Cookie started slicing up hunks of beef.

Startled, her mouth dropped open. “Why is that?”

“What’s what?”

Her hand flew to her scar. “Never mind. I thank you both for fighting for me. I need to freshen up and then I’ll help cook.”

Cinders stood and followed her into the bedroom. He closed the door and stood there.

“Did you need something?”

“Yes, ma’am, I need this.” He drew her into his strong arms. Then he leaned down and kissed her.

It was the most delightful kiss. His lips were masculine, yet as he kissed her, she felt the softness. His tongue licked her lips and when she opened her mouth to ask him what he was doing, he slipped it into her mouth. She stiffened until she reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck. His kisses were unlike anything she’d ever experienced. Her heart beat faster and her stomach started doing flips. The little moans and groans were hers.

He slowly let go of her and took a step back. The expression on his face was one of enjoyment and she realized she felt the same.

“Wow. I never…” She didn't know what else to say.

“I know. It was nice wasn’t it? All those old biddies in town can go to hell. You must be a virgin. You certainly don’t kiss like a whore.” He smiled. “I’m going to check on the men.”

She watched him close the door behind him, her heart in her throat. He never really believed her story about the sewing factory. He thought she might be a whore? Nothing made sense. She actually believed they were getting to be close friends. He probably hadn’t meant for his words to hurt but they did. It sucked all of the joy out of her first real kiss.

Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined anyone telling her that she didn’t kiss like a whore. She’d always dreamt her first real kiss to be the best thing that ever happened. Her fingers traced her lips as she looked in the mirror. Well, now he knew the truth, but at the expense of her dignity. Examining her face, she sighed. It hurt that he thought her to be a soiled dove. Did everyone think the same about her? Despite her new blue calico dress, she was still marred.

****

Cinders leaned on the corral fence, smiling with contentment. He couldn’t believe how wonderful the kiss he shared with Shannon turned out to be. Her sweet moans started to drive him to the brink. There was no way she’d been kissed before today. His heart lightened knowing he was the first. It shouldn’t matter, after all, because they were married.  But it made the kiss special.

Tramp joined him at the fence. “You reckon they’ll be back? They seemed keen on having your wife. I wonder why they want her so bad. I mean she’s—”

“Don’t go there,” he warned. “She’s my wife and deserves respect.”

“Of course, I guess I was just thinking out loud. Are we going up to the Comanche camp? Long Nose doesn’t look like the giving up kind.”

“I think I’ll let things cool down a bit, meanwhile you can get the men on a watch rotation.”

“Sure thing, boss. Looks like Ole Cookie is about the ring the triangle. Hope he made something good.”

Cinders chuckled. “When have you known him to make anything bad?” He watched as the rest of the hands eagerly made their way to the house. Meals were much better with everyone included. Getting to know each ranch hand was easier this way. He just wished he’d had thought to do it years ago.

Cinders almost laughed as he entered the house. There seemed to be a hierarchy in the way the seating arrangements were made. The seasoned cowboys sat near where he sat while the greenhorns sat at the other end near Shannon. Keegan sat in the middle of the two groups. Until you proved yourself you were considered to be wet behind the ears. His only regret was Bill no longer sat with them.

Tramp kept staring at Shannon and by the bright blush on her face, she must have noticed. He watched as Tramp whispered something to Don, who looked down at Shannon, shrugged his shoulders and returned to eating.

He didn’t like it one bit. He’d have to talk to Tramp again about respecting his wife. If the men on his ranch thought she could be a whore, he wondered what the townspeople really thought. They played nice last time but what did they really think? He never cared about it much before, but for Shannon’s sake he was taking it personally.

“Great meal, Ma’am and Cookie,” Jakie commented as he gave Shannon a bright smile.

“Thank you, Jakie. I try my best but it’s Cookie who makes it all taste good.”

Cookie beamed with pride until Tramp stared at him. Cookie scowled back.

“That was some action today wasn’t it? I have to admit my trigger finger itched to kill one of those savages,” Timmie said.

“Killin’ isn’t always the best way to go. An itchy trigger finger can get you into trouble,” Cookie advised.