Love Finds You in Sundance, Wyoming (18 page)

Angel raced through the barn, her pounding heart almost choking the breath from her body. What had just happened? Better yet, what had Travis been thinking? She should’ve laughed it off, but she’d been mesmerized by the sight of his lips moving close to hers and hadn’t been able to move. Her palms hit the door, slamming it open, and she catapulted through and into the light. Three more long strides across the barnyard brought her smack into a hard object.

“Oof.” Arizona reached out to steady himself and gripped her shoulders with iron fingers. “You ‘bout knocked me six ways to Sunday, little lady. What’s the hurry?”

Angel stiffened in his grip. The last thing she needed right now was another encounter with a man, no matter how friendly. “Nothing. Just need some air.”

“Something stink in the barn?” He removed his hat, scratched his scalp, and plunked it back on.

She could have shrieked with laughter at the ludicrous question, but her emotions were giving her fits. She didn’t trust herself to speak, so she simply shook her head.

“Just felt like runnin’, did ya? Well now, I guess a man can’t figure out the strange ways of a woman, no matter how hard he tries.” His dark brown eyes twinkled and he grinned. “I don’t mind, though. You can run into me anytime you want to.”

Angel gasped and shook herself free, realizing he still held her arms. “I need to get to the house and…” She searched her mind for something plausible. “Talk to Libby about going to church.”

Arizona scowled. “Thought you didn’t go in for that type of thing. You been staying home on Sundays since you got here. I was hoping you might take a ride with me tomorrow.”

“Sorry, Arizona, but I made a promise that I’d go to church, and I need to keep it.”

He jerked his head toward the emerging figure of Travis stalking out of the barn. “To him?”

Angel felt heat creep up her neck and ducked her head. “No. I need to go.” She chanced a peek at Travis, then swung on her heel and dashed for the house, feeling like a thousand imps pursued her. First Travis and now Arizona. Next thing she knew James would try to corner her. A small, wild laugh flitted from her lips. The boy was only thirteen, but he’d been shooting her looks that bespoke of young love. Had someone poured a potion into the well water?

She slowed as she mounted the steps to the porch, suddenly aware of what she’d told Arizona. It was out in the open now, and she’d made a commitment. What would Travis think of her attending church with the family? She could wear her trousers, take Bella, and slip into the back of the building after they’d arrived, then head home a few minutes before the service ended.

A tug at the door and she stepped inside. This was ridiculous. She’d come to this ranch because she wanted to start over, not continue the charade of being a man. At some point she had to start acting like a woman, but she didn’t know how. A couple steps took her through the front of the house and into the living room. Libby sat in a wingback chair with an embroidery hoop in her hand, and Grandmother lay with her head on a pillow propped on the arm of the nearby sofa, a soft snore coming from her lips.

Angel tiptoed into the room and whispered, “I’d like to talk to you, but I don’t want to wake her.”

Libby looked up and smiled. “I don’t think you will. James blasted into the room talking a blue streak not long ago, and she slept through it all.” She waved at a chair not far from her own. “Did you have a nice time?”

Angel’s thoughts flew to the episode in the barn. “What do you mean?”

Libby nodded toward the sleeping woman. “I saw you sitting on the porch with Maria, and you seemed to be having a good chat.”

“Oh. Yes, it was nice. But I need to ask you something.”

Libby lay the needlework down in her lap and turned her full attention on Angel. “Of course.”

“I thought. That is, I wondered…” Angel was unsure how to go on.

“What is it, Angel?” Libby leaned forward with an encouraging smile.

“I’d like to attend church with you tomorrow, if that’s all right?” There. She’d said it and couldn’t take it back. After this one time, she wouldn’t have to return. She’d keep her promise to God and then go back to her regular life.

Libby beamed. “That would be lovely!” She sat back, studying Angel for several moments in silence. “Do you own a dress, or a skirt and shirtwaist? How about shoes and a hat?”

Angel shrank back against her chair and shook her head. “Uh— no. None of those things.”

“You only have men’s clothing?” Libby’s brows knit together.

“Yes. That’s all I’ve needed for the past few years.”

“I see.” Libby set her sewing aside, rose, and held out her hand to Angel. “Come, dear. We’re going to get you all fixed up.”

“Fixed up?” Angel felt like the slow-witted person Travis had chided her about earlier.

“Yes.” Libby scanned Angel’s body from head to toe and back again. “I saw the perfect thing for you at Steven’s Dry Goods store in town.”

“But—but—“ Angel stammered.

“No argument, young lady. Why, by the time we get done with you, the men on this ranch won’t know what hit them.” She released a chiming laugh.

Angel gasped and drew back, her heart hammering at the picture presented. “I’ve changed my mind. I probably need to work tomorrow anyway. I’ve been off far too long and need to make up some of the time I’ve been lying around since my injury.”

“Piffle. No such thing. Come on now, we’re going to Sundance so you can see the outfit I have in mind.” Libby smiled smugly. “My, won’t it be fun to see their expressions when you come in to breakfast tomorrow.”

Angel felt strange riding in the buggy instead of on her horse, but she took the opportunity to gaze up the dusty street of Sundance as Libby drove toward the dry goods store. Ponderosa pines dotted the foothills, but very few remained within the confines of the town. Angel’s gaze was drawn to a massive building. “Libby, look at that beautiful brick building. What is it?”

Libby leaned forward and peered past her. “That contains the courthouse, the jail, and the sheriff’s office. It was built four years ago and is the pride of the county. That’s where they kept Harry Longabough after he was arrested.”

“I heard something about that. Aren’t they calling him ‘The Sundance Kid’ now?”

Libby laughed. “I think so, and it started because he spent so much time in jail here in Sundance.”

Angel’s curiosity died. The courthouse, the jail, and the sheriff’s office were the last places she cared to visit. “This is the first time I’ve been in town since I came to the ranch. It’s bigger than I expected.”

They turned a corner onto the main street and Angel noted the businesses with keen interest. Nettlehorst and Irvin Drug store, a doctor’s office, Nelson’s Shoe store, and The Tiny Barber shop were all just beyond the Zane Hotel, along with Robert’s hardware store.

Libby pointed her whip at the Barber shop and grinned. “See that sign, T
HE
T
INY
B
ARBER
S
HOP
?”

Angel nodded.

“A man named Tiny is the barber, and he’s one of the biggest men you’ll ever meet. I guess someone gave him the nickname years ago, and it stuck. He’s a good barber, even if he does take up a lot of room in his small shop.” She drew the horse to a stop in front of Frank and Co., General Merchandise Store. “Here we are. Abe Frank carries some of the best goods in the county.”

They tied the horse, stepped onto the boardwalk, and made their way into the store. Angel paused, amazed at the display of merchandise. Bolts of cloth lay spread out on counters, pots and pans, dishes, and other sundry kitchen goods lined several shelves, food stuffs took up a large portion of one corner, and she caught a glimpse of tools down one aisle. “Why, this store has everything!”

Libby nodded and slipped her arm through Angel’s. “Just about. Come on, the dress I want to show you is back here. You’re going to love it.”

A middle-aged man wearing a white apron stepped around the corner and pushed a pair of spectacles up on his nose. “Can I help you ladies?” He glanced from one to the other, his gaze resting for several moments on Angel’s trousers and boot-clad feet.

Libby tipped her head toward the dry goods section. “Yes. You had a deep green dress here a week or so ago.”

“Ah yes. That’s a lovely garment. Just a moment, please.” He hurried between two tables of fabric to the back wall and reached up, lifting down a wooden hanger from a pole and draping the gown over his arm. A couple long strides brought him back to the front of the store. He held it toward Libby and smiled. “For you, madam?”

She shook her head. “No, it’s for Angel. Miss Ramirez. Could you hold it up for us, please?”

The fabric unfurled as the clerk held it up for their inspection. Angel gasped. A lace collar set off the rounded neckline and tapered bodice, touches of lace edged the cuffs of the sleeves, and folds of rich emerald green cascaded to the floor.

He swung it around and pointed to the pearl buttons running from the neck to the waist. “Real mother of pearl. Not something you see every day.”

Angel gripped Libby’s arm and drew her close, whispering in her ear, “I can’t wear something like this, and I certainly can’t afford it. We need to find a skirt and blouse, or maybe just a new pair of trousers.”

Libby plucked the dress out of the clerk’s hand and held it up in front of Angel. “It looks like it was made for you. It’s going to fit perfectly.”

“Libby, I can’t…”

“Of course you can. You haven’t spent a cent since you arrived. You can’t wear trousers to church, and you need a dress. This one is perfect.” She turned back to the clerk. “We’ll take it. Would you wrap it for us, please?”

“Certainly.” He beamed his pleasure and took the dress carefully, disappearing into a room behind the high counter. Minutes later he returned, bearing a paper-wrapped parcel and holding it out to Angel. “Here you go, Miss. How did you want to pay for that?”

Libby waved her gloved hand in the air. “Put it on my brother’s account. Travis Morgan, out at Sundance Ranch.”

“Libby!” Angel gasped and drew back from the proffered parcel. “Did you ask Travis? What will he think?”

“Don’t worry so much. I’ll let him know, and he can take it out of your wages. Come on, we need to find shoes and stockings and a hat.”

Angel planted her hands on her hips. “I am not spending any more money, and that’s final.”

Libby chewed her bottom lip for a moment. “All right. I’ll loan you a pair of shoes and stockings, and you don’t really need a hat. I tend to forget sometimes that we’re not in the city. I’m sure the people at the Methodist Church won’t mind if you attend without one.”

Angel tried to relax, but she still felt as though a tornado had swept her along for a dizzying ride. “They’d better not, because I have no intention of wearing one, unless it’s my sombrero.”

A chuckle broke from the clerk’s lips, but he quickly stifled it. “Sorry, Miss. Was there anything else?”

Angel answered before Libby had the chance to open her lips. “No. Thank you. This will be just fine.” She snatched the package from his hands and headed for the door. “I think we’ve done enough damage for one day.”

The next morning Libby finished buttoning the emerald-green dress for Angel and gently pushed her into a chair. “Do you mind if I fix your hair?”

Angel touched her plait. “Not at all, but what’s wrong with it?”

Libby bit her lip to keep a smile from peeking out. Angel didn’t have a vain bone in her body. The longer she knew this young woman, the more she liked her—and to think she hadn’t wanted Travis to hire her when she’d first arrived. “Your hair is lovely, but I thought we might do something a bit different.”

Angel shrugged. “If you want to.” She fingered the lace at her throat and raised a quizzical face.

“As soon as I finish, I’ll turn you around so you can take a look.” The mirror hanging above her vanity covered nearly half of the wall and was the one thing she’d insisted on bringing with her. Mama had surprised her with it before her coming-out party, and she wouldn’t leave it behind.

“I feel funny having you do so much for me. I could have worn my best pants and shirt.”

“It’s no bother. I loved playing dress-up with my friends when I was little, and while you aren’t young enough to be my daughter, I can still have fun if you’ll allow me to.” Libby loosened the ends of the braid and unwound the tresses, running her fingers through the black hair and marveling at the thickness. She’d never met a woman before who truly didn’t know her own beauty. The women she knew in San Francisco would’ve jumped at the chance to wear this satin gown trimmed in lace. Not Angel.

Silence reigned while Libby brushed Angel’s hair. She’d never had a daughter, and she’d always wanted a sister. She could only hope the bride Travis chose would be as unassuming as Angel.

Her hand froze as the idea penetrated deeper. What a grand notion! Angel had agreed to attend church with them, so surely she was open and interested in the gospel. Her eyes narrowed. Had Travis shown any interest in Angel since she’d arrived? Libby thought back over the past weeks and began to smile. When Angel was injured, her brother had insisted he care for her when Libby needed sleep.

Then her shoulders slumped. Who else would he have asked? She’d need to study on this when she had a bit more time.

Libby plucked a large ivory comb from the top of the vanity behind her. It would’ve been much easier to have Angel turned around, but she didn’t want her looking in the mirror until she’d finished. A couple of deft twists and she’d secured a portion of hair from both sides of Angel’s face and pulled it to the back of her head. She left one tiny ringlet in front of each ear.

“There. All done. Look in the mirror and tell me what you think.” Libby held her breath while Angel stood and hesitated a moment before turning. “Angel?”

Angel bit her bottom lip. “I’m nervous. I haven’t worn a dress since before Mama died.”

“You haven’t worn a dress? I had no idea.”

Before she could comment further Angel swung around, her hands clasped in front of her waist. She peered into the mirror. “Oh my. Is that really me?” She touched her curls. “I look—like a lady.”

Libby released a peal of laughter, her heart swelling with pleasure. “You do at that, my dear. A real, true lady. In fact, you’re beautiful. The lace collar and pearl buttons give the right feminine touch. I don’t think I could’ve done better, if I do say so myself.” She grasped Angel’s hand and tugged. “Now we’d better get out there before breakfast is over.”

“Breakfast?” Angel shrank back. “I have to wear this getup to breakfast? In front of all the cowboys, and Travis and everybody?”

“Why of course, silly girl. You have to eat. Besides, you’re going to church and a lot of people will be there.”

Angel shook her head. “I can’t do it. I won’t do it.” She fumbled behind her neck and started to unbutton the gown.

Libby sprang forward and wrapped her hand around Angel’s fingers. “Hush, now. Of course you can. I’ll walk out with you, and we’ll sit together at the table. The men are there to eat breakfast, not you.”

Angel’s cheeks flamed bright red at her words. “They might.”

Angel’s heart pounded, and her hands shook. Why hadn’t she thought this through? How foolish to think she could step into a frilly gown and become something she wasn’t. She’d been raised like a boy and trained to think like a man. Right now all she wanted was to slip back into her jeans and hide in a corner. Libby meant well, but this new look didn’t suit her.

She peeked in the mirror one more time and caught her breath. Was that really her wearing the green creation that clung to every curve and shouted her femininity? The braid that usually hung down her back had been replaced with soft curls piled high on her head. Angel raised her hand and touched a strand. She’d had no idea it could look like this. “It is kind of nice, isn’t it?”

“It’s beautiful.
You
are beautiful. Accept that, and don’t let it scare you.”

“I never thought—“ She sighed. “Thank you, Libby. For everything.” Libby’s eyes misted with tears and she shook her head. “I’m the one who should thank you.”

Angel raised her brows. “For what?”

“I was so lonely before you arrived. I’ll admit I didn’t think we’d have anything in common when we met, but I’m so glad you came. I’d like to think we might become friends.”

Joy surged through Angel’s heart and a newfound confidence filled her. “I’d like that.”

Libby slipped her arm around Angel’s waist. “Come on. It’s time to show those men what a real woman looks like.”

Angel swallowed. She could do this, with Libby beside her. Nothing was too hard when you had a friend who believed in you.

Travis glanced around the table. The men were restless. What was taking Libby and Angel so long? Libby had never been late to breakfast on a Sunday morning, and she typically helped Smokey. If they waited much longer he’d have to lasso and hogtie a few of his cowboys to keep them from rushing the food.

Charlie took a swig of his coffee, the only thing Smokey allowed them to touch, then thumped his cup on the table. “I’m starving, Boss. When do we eat?”

Nate elbowed the man. “Pipe down. Miss Angel and Libby will be here soon enough. You aren’t going to die.”

Wren growled low in his throat. “Don’t bet on it. My stomach thinks my throat’s been cut and ain’t never gettin’ food again.”

Arizona glared at his partner. “Ah, shut your big bazoo. Miss Angel and the boss’s sister are worth waiting for. It’s not gonna help to keep bellyaching.”

Travis grunted. “I agree.” A door shut upstairs and he heard two sets of shoes walking down the steps. “Here they come now. Mind your manners, men. No more grousing.”

He wondered if Libby lent Angel a skirt of some sort, or maybe a blouse to go with her trousers. From what he’d seen, the girl was only comfortable in men’s garb, and he doubted she could be convinced to wear anything else.

Libby stepped into the room and Angel hovered behind her. Travis caught a flash of deep green color and dark curls peeking from behind Libby. Finally, his sister stepped to the side and all movement at the table halted. A spell seemed to weave itself over the men and turned them into carved statues rather than ravenous cowboys.

Every eye focused on the lovely vision standing a few feet away. Travis gulped a mouthful of coffee and tried not to choke. Could this possibly be the dusty, boot-clad woman he’d mistaken for a boy? The rich green of her dress set off her dusky skin and black hair to perfection. His gaze strayed to the fitted bodice hugging her tiny waist, and he had to quell the urge to tear at the collar tightening around his throat. The word
beautiful
didn’t do her justice.
Breathtaking
came closer.

Arizona pushed away from the table and stood, giving a gallant bow. “Good morning, lovely lady.” He gripped the back of her chair and slid it out. “Allow me?” He waited until she was seated and gently moved it forward until she was perfectly positioned at her place. Turning, he did the same for Libby.

Travis ground his teeth, chastising himself for sitting like a dolt and allowing his cowboy to do the honors. By Arizona’s smug expression the cowboy believed he’d scored a win.

“Thank you, Arizona, you’re very kind.” Angel’s lilting voice broke the cowboys’ restraint.

Wren sat up straight and grinned. “I never seen nothin’ as bee-oo-tiful as you, Miss Angel.” His smile suddenly faded. He flushed and turned to Libby. “Exceptin’ present company, of course, ma’am.”

Libby gave a solemn nod. “Thank you, Wren, but you’re quite right. Angel is exquisite.”

Charlie leaned forward, his homely face alight. “Purty as a picture, I declare.”

Each of the cowboys added their consensus until Travis wanted to shout at them to stop. Did they have to slobber all over the woman?

He raised his voice above the hubbub. “All right, men. We’d better eat before the food gets cold, and some of us are late for church.” He reached for the platter of fried potatoes.

Nate cleared his throat and gave him a look, but Travis had no idea what he was trying to convey. He scooped up a serving, and Nate coughed. Travis glared. “What is it, man? I’d have thought you were as hungry as the rest of these geezers.”

“Just had a notion you’d want to bless the food like you usually do, Boss. Unless you’re too hungry to wait.”

Travis’s hand halted in midair. “Yeah. Right. Sorry.” He felt too flustered to pray. When had he ever forgotten to say a blessing before a meal? “Nate, maybe you’d do the honors?”

He tried to calm his mind while Nate uttered a short prayer. Afterward, the clanking of glasses and silverware filled the room. Travis noticed more than one man stealing a glance at Angel, but she didn’t seem to notice. If he thought his ranch was in the midst of upheaval since this woman arrived, what in the world would it be after today?

Angel stood beside the family buggy, hesitant about where she should sit. The elegant carriage had a covered top with a roomy front and back seat; each could comfortably fit two people, and three in a pinch. She grasped the handle and lifted her foot, thankful for the black laced-up shoes Libby lent her. Someone touched her arm.

Libby stood beside her. “Would you mind sitting with Travis on the way to church?”