Ana Leigh (29 page)

“Reckon I can, sonny, but you might have to shoot the doc to get to him,” Morgan said.

“Whatever is necessary, sir,” the lieutenant said. “First four troopers dismount,” he shouted, then started coughing from the dust when a half dozen riders galloped up to them.

“Are you Sheriff Benjamin Morgan?” the leader asked Ben.

“Reckon I am. What can I do for you, stranger?”

“Sheriff Morgan, I’m Evan Bundy with the marshal’s office in Austin. On direct orders from the governor of Texas, my officers and I are to use whatever force is necessary to defend and protect Andrew MacKenzie. Do you know where I can find him?”

“Reckon so, Marshal Bundy, but I’m afraid you’ll have to fight the U.S. Calvary here to get him.”

“I’m afraid I don’t understand, Sheriff,” Marshal Bundy said.

“Maybe the lieutenant there will explain it to you,” Morgan replied.

Marshal Bundy and Lieutenant Keogh began to talk, and soon their voices rose as they argued over whose authority outranked the other.

“Ten bucks the lieutenant wins,” Jake said to Dave.

“My money’s on the sheriff,” Dave replied.

“I might have known they’d show up,” Ben murmured, when six more riders rode up slowly.

Leaning forward, the leader of the latest arrivals casually rested his arm on the saddle horn. “Howdy, Ben. Josh. Cole,” he said, nodding at each of them.

“Pete,” Morgan acknowledged.

“Heard you quit them Pinkertons, Josh,” Pete said.

“Yeah, last year when I got married.”

“What brings you Texas Rangers this far north?” Ben asked.

“We’re lookin’ for Zach MacKenzie.”

Snugly secure in the arms of her husband, Beth turned her head and glanced at her sister. “Thia, just what
did
you say in those telegrams?”

Cynthia shrugged, then giggled delightfully.

“What do you want with Zach?” Ben asked.

“Went and got himself shot up by four outlaws wanted for murder and cattle rustlin’. Capt’n figured he might be needin’ some help. All I can say is, those fellows better hope we catch up with them before Flint MacKenzie does. Ole Flint won’t take too kindly to ’em shootin’ his son.” The two men broke into laughter over their shared joke.

“Reckon I saved you boys some trouble. I’ve got those hombres locked up in my jail. Had to shoot one to bring ’em in, though.”

“What about Zach?”

“He’s here, but hell, two bullets ain’t enough to take down a MacKenzie,” Morgan said.

How could they joke over Zach’s wounds? Rose had heard all she could take of this circus. She went back to the doctor’s house.

When she entered the room, Zach opened his eyes and asked groggily, “What’s all the excitement out there?”

“You wouldn’t believe it if I told you. Go back to sleep, my love.” She climbed into the bed. “We’ll probably wake up to find the bed surrounded by the U.S. Cavalry, but I’m too sleepy to care anymore.”

Zach slipped his arm around her shoulders as she curled against him. “Welcome home, Rosie.”

Laying her head on his chest, she closed her eyes and smiled in contentment. Zach was recovering, the Tait gang was no longer a threat to them, and tomorrow . . . tomorrow would be the first day of forever.

Chapter 29

R
ose jerked awake. She sat up and looked around in confusion at the strange room, then remembered where she was and glanced down beside her. Zach was asleep. She felt his forehead. He was still feverish, but nothing like he’d been the day before.

Glancing at the clock, Rose realized it
hadn’t
been the day before. It was eight o’clock, and sunlight was streaming in the window—she’d slept away most of yesterday, as well as the whole night. What must people be thinking?

She hastened out of bed. She needed to bathe, and wondered if she could prevail on Beth or Cynthia for fresh clothing again until she could get back to Brimstone. Then she was struck by another jarring thought: would she even be able to return to Brimstone without being arrested by that idiot sheriff? Although the Tait gang was behind bars, there still were a lot of issues to be resolved back there.

Slipping out of the room, she hurried upstairs and discovered the bedrooms were deserted. With the arrival of their husbands, Beth and Cynthia would probably have gone to the hotel last night. In the kitchen she found Mrs. King, who confirmed it.

“They stopped by before they departed for Dallas this morning and left you a package and a letter.”

“Oh my, and I slept right through it,” Rose said, disappointed.

“They didn’t want to wake you, dear. The ladies felt you needed the rest,” Mrs. King said kindly.

“I wish I could have said good-bye. I owe them so much.”

“I’m sure they understand, dear. Would you like some breakfast now?”

“I think I would like to bathe first. Where did you put the package they left?”

“In Mr. MacKenzie’s room. Is he awake? The doctor’s hoping he’ll be able to start eating some solid food.”

“He was sleeping when I left him. I’m going back to get the package, and I’ll let you know. Where is Dr. Serene now?”

“The doctor was called out on an emergency several hours ago.”

“Thank you, Mrs. King.”

Rose tiptoed back into the room and checked Zach. He was still sleeping peacefully, so she picked up the package and letter from the table and left the room.

As she drew her bath, Rose read the good-bye note. The sisters assured her they’d see her again—at her and Zach’s wedding. And, thankfully, the letter went on to say that besides picking up some toiletries and underclothing for her, Beth had given Rose one of her gowns.

Inside the package, Rose was delighted to see a green-and-white-checked gown and a white snood for her hair, as well as the other items the sisters had been thoughtful enough to purchase.

For the next thirty minutes she luxuriated in the hot tub, soaking the soreness out of her aching body. Then she washed her hair to rid it of the trail dust, and while it dried, she cleaned off her boots.

After donning the clean clothing she gave her hair a good brushing, then gathered it into the snood pinned to the back of her head. After she’d applied face powder, the black eye and bruises on her cheek were barely discernible.

She felt like a new woman.

In the hallway she met Dr. Serene, who told her that he’d examined Zach. His temperature still wasn’t normal, but the wounds appeared to be healing, and at the rate he was improving, the doctor felt Zach would probably be out of bed in another week.

Her day turned even brighter.

Robert had just finished cleaning up Zach when Rose entered. “Mornin’, miss,” the orderly said, and winked at her on his way out.

Zach was propped up with pillows. As soon as he saw her, he broke into a broad smile. He still didn’t have his color back, but just seeing him sitting up smiling sent a warm glow of happiness through her.

She grasped his hand. “You look wonderful.”

“And you are the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen. I want to get out of this damn bed and take you in my arms.”

“Rather than risk a relapse, MacKenzie, I’ll see what I can do.” She bent down and kissed him.

“You just shot my temperature up a couple degrees,” he said when she pulled away.

“I hope you’re hungry.”

He grinned. “Glad to see we still think alike.”

“I’m talking about food, MacKenzie.”

“I guess we
aren’t
thinking alike.”

She gave him an indulgent look. “Dr. Serene said you’re ready to eat something. Anything in particular you’d like?”

Just then, Mrs. King tapped on the door and entered carrying a tray. Rose hurried over and took it from her. “Mrs. King, you don’t have to wait on us. I’m used to carrying trays of food.”

“It was no trouble, my dear. Enjoy your breakfast.”

“Hmmm, this looks good,” Rose said, sitting down on the bed. She put the tray on her lap. “Oatmeal and corn muffins.” She slathered butter and jam on one and took a bite. “Mmmm, they’re still warm.” She licked a spot of jam off the corner of her mouth.

“Why are you doing this to me?” he asked plaintively.

“Doing what?” She had no idea what he was talking about.

“That damn thing you’re doing with your tongue.”

“I’m sorry; you’re probably very hungry.” She handed him the rest of the muffin.

“I wasn’t referring to any damn muffin, and you know it.” He took a bite.

She grinned. “Open up.” She spooned oatmeal into his mouth, and they continued sharing until it was gone. Then she took a bite of a canned peach. “Oh, this is delicious. I bet Mrs. King canned them herself.” She fed him a piece.

“It is good. My mom does a lot of canning. Can you cook, Rosie?”

“Probably not as well as your mother. What about you?”

“I can warm a can of beans and fry a hunk of salt pork when I have to.”

She laughed. “I’m pretty good at cracking nuts.”

“You sure are.” He reached for her hand and squeezed it. “I’ve never trailed with anyone better.” He sobered. “I’m grateful to you, Rosie. I’d never have made it without you.”

“I’m the one who’s grateful, Zach. You saved my life in Brimstone. Now, let’s not talk about this anymore.”

Gratitude was not an issue. Whatever she’d done was instinctive, out of love for him. She hoped that had been his motive, too.

“There’s tea and coffee. Which do you want?”

“Coffee,” he said, his gaze never leaving her face.

Later that day, she was reading Kipling’s
The Light That Failed
to Zach when Dr. Serene came in accompanied by an older couple.

The woman rushed across the room, and Zach raised his hand to grasp hers. “Hi, Mom.”

So this was his mother. Tall and graceful, Garnet MacKenzie appeared to be in her late fifties. Moisture glistened in her green eyes as she gazed at her son.

She sat down on the edge of the bed and leaned over and kissed his forehead. “How are you, Zach?” she asked. Her soft tone bore the traces of a Southern accent.

“I’m fine, Mom. The doctor said I’d probably be up and around in another week.”

The man now stepped forward. Rose could see where Zach got his height and broad shoulders. Flint MacKenzie’s profile showed an inherent strength, and although his dark hair was streaked with gray, he had the sinewy body of a man half his age.

“Son,” he said. The single word expressed more than a dozen others could have done.

“Hi, Dad.” As the two men shook hands, Flint covered their grasp with his other hand.

“You gave us a scare, boy. I told your mother a couple of slugs wouldn’t keep you down.”

Zach grinned at him. “Like father, like son. Right, Dad?”

“Which will be the death of me yet,” Garnet said. “When can we take him home, Doctor?”

“I’d say by tomorrow, if you keep him off his feet,” Dr. Serene said. “But I’ll be able to tell better in the morning. I have patients waiting, so we’ll talk later.”

“Mom and Dad, this is Rose Dubois,” Zach said, as soon as the doctor departed.

For the first time since entering the room, the couple turned their full attention on Rose. His mother’s gaze was curious but warm; Flint Mackenzie’s was enigmatic, with no hint of what lay behind his sapphire gaze.

Garnet came over and hugged her. “It’s such a pleasure to meet you, Rose. Thia and Beth told us all about you. We can never thank you enough for what you did for our son.”

Rose was at a loss. She knew she should say something gracious, but, unintentionally, the couple intimidated her. Or was it the change in Zach? That could be the reason, because she was used to seeing Zach, the reckless outlaw. Zach, the adored son, was unfamiliar to her. She felt like an outsider—like she didn’t belong.

Rose managed a polite greeting, then backed out of the room. “I’m sure you’d like some privacy, so I’ll leave you alone.”

“No, stay, Rose,” Zach said.

“I, ah . . . have some things to do.”

Once out of the room, Rose leaned against the door and took a deep breath. She felt so alone. She was the stranger among these people. Even the town’s sheriff was close to them.

They were all kind, good, and caring people, but that didn’t make her belong.

Not even to Zach—the adored son.

Desolate, she stepped outside. Josh and Cole were in conversation with a woman. At the sight of Rose, Josh nudged the lady and she turned her head to look.

Joy surged through Rose when she saw Emily MacKenzie rush toward her with outstretched arms. Squealing with joy, they hugged each other, stepped back, and looked at one another, then they hugged again.

“Let me look at you,” Emily declared. She took a long look at Rose’s face. “Oh, Rose! Josh wasn’t exaggerating: you and Zach must have gone through hell. I couldn’t believe it when Josh told me you were with Zach. You never mentioned you even knew him. Your last letter said that a rancher named Stephen Rayburn had asked you to marry him.”

“It’s a long story, Em.”

“I don’t care how long it is; I want to hear every word. I want to know just how you got that black eye and all those bruises and scrapes, and how Zach ended up with two bullet holes in him.” Emily linked arms. “Come on, we’ll go have a cup of tea, and you can tell me all about it.”

Rose smiled happily. Just being with her dearest friend again somehow made all those events seem like an eternity ago. She wasn’t alone anymore.

Arm and arm, they walked to the hotel and sat down in a corner of the dining room.

As soon as the waiter brought them a pot of tea, Emily poured them each a cup and settled back. “Now remember, Rose, don’t leave out a thing. I want to hear every detail.”

“Well, the worst of it began the night Stephen gave a party to celebrate our engagement.”

“You always vowed you’d marry a rich man.”

“I know. But by that time, I was in love with Zach, even if I didn’t want to admit it to myself.”

Emily grew somber as Rose related the events after she’d told Stephen she couldn’t marry him. By the time she finished, Emily’s eyes were misted with tears.

“You’re so brave, Rose. Zach would have died if it hadn’t been for you.”

“I had a lot of help. I prayed on that hillside, Em. I’ve never done that before. And I believe my prayer was answered.”

At that moment Garnet MacKenzie came into the dining room and sat down with them.

“How is Zach feeling?” Emily asked, filling Garnet’s tea cup.

“He’s sleeping right now. Josh and Cole are in the bar, so Flint joined them.” She took a sip of the tea, then sighed deeply. “I feel so much better now that I’ve seen Zach. The doctor thinks we might be able to take him home tomorrow.”

“That’s wonderful news, Aunt Garnet,” Emily said.

Garnet reached over and squeezed Rose’s hand. “We’re indebted to you, Rose, and we’re expecting you to come back with us.”

Rose hesitated. “I don’t know, Mrs. MacKenzie. My clothes and everything I own are in Brimstone. I was planning on returning there.”

“Perhaps I misunderstood Zach? He said that the two of you were planning on getting married.”

Rose swallowed hard. “We, ah, actually never had time to discuss marriage, Mrs. MacKenzie. There’s a lot of loose ends to tie up before I can even consider that. I may still be wanted for murder.”

“Oh, Rose, that can all be cleared up easily. I know you’ll love the Triple M,” Emily said, her face shining with exuberance. “I couldn’t believe it; it’s almost a town in itself. We all have our own houses, grouped around a central location. And Rose, they actually have a sort of store for everyone’s convenience, where they stock food, canned goods, condiments, and general household items. If you need a bottle of Heinz ketchup or a peck of potatoes, you just go there and get it. Kitty, who is Josh’s sister, is in charge of the inventory. And not all the merchandise is necessarily practical; there’s hand cream and other personal items a woman needs. It’s so convenient, and it’s maintained with Triple M profits.”

“You mean you don’t have to pay for anything you take?” Rose asked.

“That’s right,” Garnet said. “The store was Cleve’s idea. When he and his brothers came back after the Civil War, the Triple M was just a couple thousand acres. When they all married and started families, they kept expanding the ranch as land became available. Now their children have started families, so there are a lot of mouths to feed.”