My Heart Will Find Yours (21 page)

Chapter Fifteen

Royce woke to the smell of coffee and bacon. He washed, using the water on the washstand, and dressed. Downstairs, Texanna stood at the stove. Snaking an arm around her waist, he nuzzled her neck until she giggled.

“It’s about time you got up. You’re getting lazy in your old age.”

He growled in her ear. “Lazy? Honey, I’m just a satisfied man. Your lovin’ wears me out.”

She elbowed him in the ribs. “Sit down and eat your breakfast before I toss it out the back door.” He took the plate she handed him and sat down. With a dish towel, she picked up the coffee pot and poured them both a cup of coffee.

“Where’s Garrett?”

“He went next door to see if Aggie could come over and help me make jelly one day this week.” She sipped her coffee. “Did Jason ask Sally to come out?”

“Yep, she’ll be here around eleven o’clock this morning. Has chores to do for her mother first.” He finished his breakfast and carried his plate to the dishpan full of soapy water. “You might want to stock up on sugar. It takes a lot to make jelly. Wouldn’t hurt to have more flour too.”

“Oh, dear. I hadn’t thought about that.”

“It’s not a problem. You and Garrett can ride into town with me this morning and pick some up at the general store.”

Garrett came in through the back door, letting it slam loudly. “Morning, Pa.”

“Good morning, Son. You want to ride into town this morning?”

His face lit with delight. “Oh boy, I’ll go change real fast.”

Royce caught him around the waist before he could clear the table. “Have you finished all your chores?”

“Yes sir. Even took more milk over to Aunt Aggie.”

“Okay. Get your hair combed while you’re up there.” The boy hit the stairs at a run.

“I better find something easier to ride in. This skirt makes it hard to maneuver.” Texanna stood and set her coffee cup in the sink.

“There should be several riding skirts upstairs in the chifforobe.”

Before she could leave, Royce took her hand, pulled her on to his lap, and squeezed her waist. “You’re so much fun to tease.”

“Well, you just keep having fun. I’ll make a list of spots where pinches will be most effective.” To make her point she pinched his underarm.

He yelped and swatted her rear.
God, he was happy
. He pulled her mouth down to his and kissed her. “I love you, woman.” She twined her arms around his neck and kissed him. His free hand moved up to stroke the side of her breast. When he pulled back, his breathing was ragged. His eyes flicked to the stairs as his hand moved under her skirt to stroke her leg. “Can you think of an errand we can send Garrett on? Maybe to Aggie’s to double check about tomorrow.”

“That wouldn’t take him long enough. He can be over and back in a flash.” At the sound of Garrett’s boots pounding down the stairs, Texanna stood. “I’d better hurry.”

When Texanna left the house, Royce had Samson and Josie saddled. He’d added a scabbard to the saddle on Josie, and the Winchester was in it. Pleased but surprised, she looked at him in question.

“I don’t want you and Garrett out alone without protection.” He’d debated long and hard with himself about a pistol for her and finally settled on a .32 caliber pocket pistol. She could carry it in a holster, a pocket, or her boot. He pulled it from his saddlebag. “Here, I got you this.”

She took the pistol and looked it over, checking to see if it was loaded. Smiling, she nodded and tucked it in the pocket of her riding skirt. “Thank you. It’s perfect for me.”

“Thought you’d like it.” He stowed a box of cartridges in her saddlebag and helped her mount Josie. “You can wear it in a holster to Matthew’s, but never in Waco.”

“Okay. I’ll remember that.”

Texanna enjoyed the ride into town. The morning sun beat down on them, warming as it moved higher into the sky. Garrett rode in front of his father, and chattered nonstop. Royce stopped in front of the livery stable. He helped Texanna down and turned to Garrett. “Stay here with the horses, Son. I want to show Texanna something in the stable.”

With his hand at the small of her back, Royce took her to a stall in the far back. Inside stood a pretty sorrel mare, her mane and tail slightly lighter in color than her coat. The horse stuck her head, with its white blaze, over the rail and whinnied as they approached.

Texanna couldn’t resist reaching out to touch the horse’s neck and mane. The mare liked her touch and smell and proceeded to sniff her shirt pocket looking for a sweet. Texanna laughed and moved back. “Sorry, girl, I didn’t bring anything.”

Royce laughed. “I think she likes you.”

“She’s beautiful. Whose horse is she?”

“She’s yours.”

Texanna was stunned. “Mine?”

“Yes, yours. You’re a good horsewoman, Texanna. You deserve a good mount.”

“Oh, my gosh.” She threw her arms around his neck. “Thank you.” His arm circled her waist.

“You’re welcome. Her name is Strawberry.” Royce kept his arm around her as they turned back to the stall. “We’ll let Garrett ride Josie. When he’s better in the saddle, I’ll buy him a good horse.”

“How on earth did she get the name Strawberry?” asked Texanna.

Royce laughed, and his voice grew husky. “I don’t know, but when I saw her coloring, she reminded me of you. Then, when I learned her name, I had to buy her.” He leaned in to smell her hair. “That first night you were home, your hair smelled like strawberries.”

The gesture pleased Texanna immensely. “Royce Dyson, you’re a romantic.”

“Guilty as charged.” He opened the door, stepped inside, and quickly saddled the mare.

“A new saddle, too?”

“Figured we needed one. Don’t want you or Garrett riding bareback.” Clicking his tongue, he said, “Come on, girl.” One hand on the reins, the other at Texanna’s waist, he ushered them from the stable.

At the sight of the mare, Garrett whistled. “Ooh-we, she’s pretty, Pa. Whose horse is she anyway?”

“She’s Texanna’s.”

“Who’s gonna ride Josie then?”

“Figured you could until I think you’re ready for a more spirited horse.” Royce couldn’t resist grinning at the excited boy. He jumped a foot into the air.

“Do you mean it?” Before he could answer, Garrett had his arms wrapped tightly around his waist. Royce patted his back and ruffled his dark head of hair. “Thank you, Pa. I’ll take good care of her.”

“I know you will, Son.” He gathered both Samson and Josie’s reins. “Now, you go on to the store with Texanna. I’ll take the horses with me to the jail. You can pick them up there.”

Texanna grinned up at him. “We won’t be long.”

In the general store, they purchased two ten-pound sacks of sugar, a twenty-pound bag of flour, and extra canning jar lids. While the clerk totaled up their bill, Edna Murphy marched into the store.

“I declare, Texanna. What’re you going to do with all that sugar?” Texanna was surprised the older woman was so dressed up. Her outfit was grey serge with navy trim, similar to the dress she’d worn to church last Sunday. She even had on a hat with feathers stuck out at various angles.

Garrett piped up. “We’re making jelly the day after the July Fourth doings.”

Edna patted Garrett’s shoulder. “Is that a fact? Well, I’ll be out first thing that morning to help. It’s the least I can do.”

“Oh, Edna, there is no need. It’s a long way out from town, and Aggie will be over to help me.” She wasn’t sure why, but the thought of the two women in the same kitchen made her uncomfortable. Both were strong personality types and would probably mix like oil and water.

Edna sniffed and looked piqued. From the expression on her face, the woman considered herself superior to Aggie in the cooking department. “Just never you mind. It’s not that far. I’ll see you then.” Oh dear, Texanna’s assumption was correct. With both women helping, it would be a long day.

They stopped by the marshal’s office as they’d planned. Their horses were tied out front. Inside, Royce’s door was closed, but Pete manned the front office. As usual, his big-booted feet were propped on the desktop. He unfolded his long length and stood as they walked in the room.

“Howdy, Miz Dyson.” He rushed over and found her a chair. “The boss will be out in a minute.” Pete grabbed Garrett and swung him into the air. “What’s this I hear about you ridin’ a horse, tadpole?”

Garrett yelled with glee and when on his feet again, pulled Pete outside to see Josie.

Texanna grinned at the child’s joy. The iron door to the cells opened, and a young man close to Jason’s age froze when he saw her. A smile grew on his face as he looked her over from her heels to the top of her head. His eyes flicked around the empty room, to Royce’s closed door, then back to her. She watched him with caution as he stepped through the iron door. It closed behind him with a clang.

Texanna studied him as he locked the door. Tall and muscular, he bordered on being stocky, but that didn’t detract from his good looks. His hair was almost as dark as Royce’s, and though handsome, his smile made her uncomfortable.

He approached her chair and was almost toe-to-toe with her when he stopped. “Hello, ma’am, my name is Ross.” He emphasized the ‘hello’ with a slow drawl.

Texanna leaned back to distance herself. Noticing her discomfort, he leaned in, dropped his eyes to her breasts, and then flicked them up to her face. “You are one fine-looking woman.” She was ready to wipe the gleam from the man’s face with a punch to his nose when a bellow sounded from the doorway.

“Ross! What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

Ross straightened but didn’t move away from her. Before Texanna could open her mouth, Pete had Ross pinned against the wall. The jolt to the wood knocked a picture down. It hit the floor with a bang shattering the glass. “The lady is Miz Dyson, you fool. If Royce doesn’t beat the tar out of you for showing disrespect, I will.”

Royce’s office door flew open. “What in thunderation is going on out here?” His eyes, dark with anger, lit on Texanna and moved to Pete and Ross.

Pete shook Ross. “Speak up, man.”

Ross’s face was a deep red, his jaw clenched in anger, but he finally nodded in Texanna’s direction. “My apologies, ma’am.” Pete turned him loose and without looking at her or Royce, the chastised deputy headed for the door.

Texanna turned to watch him. Garrett stood just inside, his eyes big and round. “Come here, Garrett.” He hurried to her side and slid his arm around her neck.

She pulled him close and whispered in his ear. “You’re not frightened, are you? Everything is just fine. Pete is here and so is your Pa.”

Royce turned and said something to whoever was in his office. Seconds later a man left. Royce motioned with his head for them to enter. With her hands on Garrett’s shoulders, they went inside.

Royce’s brow was furrowed, and a muscle jumped in his cheek. “What happened out there?” She didn’t know exactly what to tell him. The man didn’t touch her. It was the way he’d looked at her. “You can tell me or Pete will.”

“He got too close. His look was suggestive.”

“Pa, he was lookin’ at her bosoms. That’s what he did.”

Texanna felt the heat rise to her face. Royce nailed her with a stare. “Did he, Texanna?”

She nodded.

Royce looked like he’d explode, but he glanced at Garrett and worked to get his anger under control. “I promise you it won’t happen again.” The tension left his face, and he smiled. His expression may have fooled Garrett, but Texanna knew he was fighting to keep his rage under control. “Did you two get your shopping done?” Texanna assumed he was just making small talk.

“We—”

Excited, Garrett rushed ahead. “We got the groceries, Pa, and Mrs. Murphy is coming out the day after the picnic to help Texanna and Aunt Aggie make apricot jelly.”

A grin stretched his lips. “Is that so? Ought to make for an interesting day.”

She snorted. “Would you like to join us?”

“Afraid I’ll be busy.”

Royce walked them outside. The errand boy from the store had tied the bags of sugar with a small piece of rope and secured them to Josie’s saddle. He made sure they were secure, transferred the Winchester to Strawberry, and then helped them mount. It took a few minutes to adjust the stirrups on Josie for Garrett. “You mind Texanna, Son. Don’t be trying to kick Josie into a gallop or do anything foolish.”

“I won’t, Pa, I promise.” He watched as they rode down the street toward home, then spun on his heel and strode to his office. “Pete, come in here a minute, would you?” He’d had it with Ross. This wasn’t the first time his behavior was less than honorable.

“What you need, Royce?”

“Find Ross and bring him in here. I want his badge.”

Thirty minutes later, Ross sat in the chair across from Royce. His look was defiant and cocky. Royce wanted to beat some sense into the kid.

“What do you have to say for yourself?”

Ross grinned and shrugged. “I didn’t know she was your wife. Anyhow, you should be glad other men find your woman attractive.”

Royce struggled to hold his temper.

“It’s one thing to find a woman attractive and another to boldly insult her.”

“I didn’t insult her. All I did was look.”

Royce stood so fast his chair hit the back wall. Ross was on his feet by the time Royce rounded his desk. He stood nose to nose with the younger man. “You damn well better learn to keep your eyes above a woman’s neck.” Royce shook his head. “You just don’t understand, do you? What kind of manners did your mother teach you?”

Ross bristled. “My mother was a whore. All I learned from her was how to survive.”

It was no wonder the kid didn’t know how to act around decent women. Despite his faults, he had some good qualities Royce would like to see developed. Royce was tempted to give him another warning but decided against it. He’d already talked with him because of his over friendliness with ladies on the street. Some irate husband or boyfriend was going to shoot him if he didn’t change his ways.

“I want your badge, Ross. This isn’t the first time you’ve offended one of the ladies in this town. You have a lot of potential, but you’ve got some growing up to do before you’ll be worth anything as a deputy.”