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Authors: Lily Gets Her Man

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BOOK: Charlene Sands
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“Mornin’,” he said, his eyes connecting with each of the four people in the room. He wasn’t sure which was most surprised to see him. A prickling of red color crept up Randy’s neck, as though he’d been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Wes grinned and Lily looked shocked.

She’d been avoiding him since the day she’d bathed him, sending in Bethann or Wes with his tray of food, and checking on him under the cover of darkness once she thought he was asleep. He never was, but he hadn’t let on.

“Papa!” Bethann ran to him, grabbing him fiercely around the legs. Tyler planted his feet more solidly on the ground to keep from toppling over. “You’re better.”

He stroked the top of Bethann’s hair. “Seems I am. A bit.”

He glanced at Lily. She bit her lip then turned around.

Randy headed for the door. Lifting the biscuits up in his own defense, he said, “Miss Lillian’s biscuits are the best in the territory. No offense, Wes.”

Wes nodded. “I’ll be agreeing with ya. I ain’t fool ’nough to think my cookin’s better than this here young lady’s. She’s proved herself a mighty fine cook.”

“Thank you, Wes.” Lily set out plates for breakfast.

“Good to see you up, boss.” Randy exited the door before Tyler could reply. Wes was two steps behind him.

“You mind the lady now, son, and don’t be doing nothin’ but restin’ today.”

Tyler grimaced. He hated being confined. He hated taking orders from, well, it seemed as though everybody on the ranch had something to say.

“Papa, can I visit my pony today?”

“Sure, darlin’. Later. Right now, I’m anxious to try these here biscuits that got ole Randy so fired up.”

He watched Lily flinch at his words. Leisurely, he moved himself away from the door frame and took a seat at the table. Lily flitted around the kitchen like a butterfly, pouring the coffee, filling his plate with food, washing the dishes then shooing Bethann out to clean up her room. Never once did she look at him.

“Lily, sit down.”

He knew it sounded more a command than a request, because Lily stopped in midstride, tossed the dishrag aside and took a seat to face him. But it was as if she didn’t know where to look. Her eyes wouldn’t meet his, and when they flickered below his collar, he realized she was uncomfortable looking at him half-dressed. Finally she seemed to choose a spot over his left ear to set her gaze.

“You got everything done in town, yesterday?”

“Yes.”

“Gonna plant your garden?”

“Yes.”

“Buy the material you needed?”

“Yes.”

“Lily!” he howled. “What in tarnation is wrong?”

That startled her enough for her to cast wide, innocent eyes his way.

“Mr. Kincaide, I—”

“Damn it, it’s Tyler.”

“I don’t think this is going to work out, after all,” she blurted.

She was acting strange, averting her eyes again. He softened his voice. “What’s not going to work out?”

“This…arrangement,” she confessed, her pale blue eyes lifting to his. He held her gaze.

“Why not?”

She closed her eyes briefly, as if searching for the courage to explain. “W-when you walked in just now, it struck me. Up until now, I was nursing a sick man.”

“I never thanked you. You saved my life.”

Her smile was shaky. “But seeing you like this, having breakfast together, made me realize—”

“That we’re living together?” he said softly.

“Yes,” she replied, letting out a long breath. “It suddenly dawned on me. I can’t do this.”

“If it’s marriage you’re wanting, I’ve already agreed—”

“No! I, uh, I do appreciate the offer. I can’t.”

“I promised I wouldn’t compromise you, Lily. You know that. I’m sorry about the scene in the washroom. I’ve got a temper. If that’s what’s got you thinking about leaving, don’t. You have my word, it won’t happen again.”

Tyler knew she was an innocent. He’d let his anger over being injured and helpless, as well as her soaking his head, sway his better judgment. She’d never been with a man and he’d deliberately exposed himself to teach her a lesson. She was no bawdy-house woman to toy with. She was his housekeeper and a true lady.

Lily appeared deep in thought. Tyler couldn’t tell for sure what she was thinking. Hell, he needed her. Already, in the span of a week’s time, his household had come to depend on her. “You need time to find your uncle.”

“True.”

“And Bethann has taken a shine to you, Lily.”

Lily grimaced. “Now who’s not playing fair?”

“You keep the place orderly. You’re a fine cook.”

“Thank you.”

“Lily, we need you ’round here.”

She nodded.

“So, you’ll stay?”

She took her own sweet time to respond, but then she smiled a true, unabashed smile for him. Tyler felt an unfamiliar squeezing in his chest.

“Yes, I’ll stay.”

He sat in the corner of the saloon, his hat riding low on his forehead, sipping whiskey, relying on dim lighting and dark shadows to hide him from view. Amazing how much information one can pick up from boisterous ranch hands on payday. Kincaide survived the shooting, he heard one man say, due to the ministrations of his new housekeeper. Hell, how many lives did that man have? he thought bitterly.

He’d have been here sooner but landing in prison had thwarted his plans. The “lady” got what she deserved though, thinking she could sift through his belongings as if she’d had the right. He chuckled silently. She’d not be earning another red cent in her sordid profession again.

Kincaide, too, would get his due.

And Lizabeth’s death would finally be avenged.

He’d bide his time until the perfect opportunity presented itself.

Chapter Seven

L
ily wrapped her hands around a stubborn weed and tugged. There was no budging it. She stared at the unwelcome plant, determined to pluck it up from the ground.

“I’m a good sight smarter than you,” she said with a snarl, hoping the tone of her voice would somehow pop the obstinate weed from the soil. She gripped its thick base, feeling a slight give. Lily pulled even harder. But the plant, as if in response to her declaration, seemed to take root, causing Lily’s hand to slip. She fell back with a thud and landed on her bottom. “Damn it all!”

“Swearing…
Miss Lily?
” Tyler came up behind her and crouched down. With a quick tug, he uprooted the weed and handed her the ugly twisted plant.

“I’m picking up your bad habits, Mr. Kincaide.”

He smiled wide, flashing straight white teeth. Lily was becoming accustomed to the rapid pounding of her heart whenever the man was near.

Tyler reached for her hands, turning them to view her calloused palms. “You’re working hard. I’ll have one of the men shovel up the rest of the weeds.”

Lily’s eyes met with his and lingered. His touch always turned her mind to mush. “Uh—no. Thank you.”

He let go of her hands and Lily was able to release the breath she’d been holding. “Why not?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess I want the garden all to myself. When each root takes hold, each flower blooms, I want to know it’s because of me. Silly, isn’t it?”

“Nothing silly about seeing something through on your own, Lily.”

“I’ve always dreamed of having a garden.” She lifted her eyes to his. “Thank you.”

Tyler stared at her, then nodded. His gaze went to the upturned soil. “What’d you decide to plant?”

Lily smiled and looked over the plot of land. She pointed to the front of the house. “In this bed, I’m planting a flower garden. The flowers will need the protection of the house from the north and west winds. And the foundation will radiate heat and warm the soil here.”

He glanced at her and she smiled. “On the west side, corn and sunflowers, on the north, carrots, radishes and turnips.”

“You sharing your crop?”

“Of course,” she said with a chuckle. “Couldn’t possibly eat them all myself.”

“Bethann won’t eat vegetables.”

“I bet she’ll eat these.”

Tyler grinned. “That I’d like to see.”

Lily noticed the color had come back to Tyler’s face. He seemed stronger each day. He moved about more easily now and she hadn’t noticed pain contort his features when he lifted his arm. The last time Doc
Ramsey had come out to the ranch, he’d said the wound was healing nicely.

He’d also said Sheriff Singleton had no further information about the shooting. They may never find out who shot Tyler. Or why.

Lily plucked out another weed, watching Tyler walk over to where Bethann was playing with her doll. He scooped his daughter up and nuzzled a kiss onto her neck, causing Bethann to let out a string of sweet giggles.

Lily sighed. Tyler was lucky to be alive. And she was lucky to have found this home. Temporarily. But as she viewed the handsome man walk his daughter to her pony, she prayed she’d be lucky enough not to fall in love with him.

After dinner that evening Lily poured Tyler a cup of coffee after sending Bethann to her room to get undressed.

“I want to learn to shoot,” she said decidedly.

“Huh?”

“I said, I’d like to learn how to shoot a gun, Tyler.”

Tyler cringed. Lily had that determined look in her eyes again, but her request startled him. Not that women didn’t take up arms. Many did. Somehow he hadn’t pictured Lily holstering a gun.

“I heard what you said, Lily. Why?”

“For protection, of course.”

Tyler gulped down more of the steaming liquid than he intended. The coffee burned his tongue. “But there’s more than enough men around here who know how to shoot. Damn good, too. You’ll be protected.”

“I don’t want to rely on a man for protection.”

Tyler let out an audible sigh. He looked into his coffee cup. “Now, Lily. I don’t know.”

“Tyler, you’re leaving for spring roundup next week. No one knows who shot you or why. I think with Bethann and me staying here by ourselves, I should learn.”

“I’ve told you, I’ll leave a hand here to watch things. You won’t be alone.”

“Will he be sleeping in the house?”

Tyler pushed the coffee cup away and stood up. “Hell no!”

Lily cast him a smug expression. She put her hands on her hips and stood her ground. “There, you see. We will be alone. Who’ll be staying on?”

“Does it matter?” he asked. Tyler knew it did. He’d have to leave his most trusted hand on the ranch. With two females alone, no telling what could occur. But Tyler was curious. Was Lily hoping for someone special to stay on while he and the others were gone?

“No, as long as he’s good with a gun, I suppose.”

“He will be. Don’t worry. I wouldn’t leave the ranch unless I thought it was safe.”

“I still think I should learn.”

“Lily, a gun’s a dangerous weapon.” Tyler caught Lily rolling her blue eyes.

“I’m a fast learner, Tyler.”

“I’ll have to think about it.”

“You know, I don’t need your permission. I have every right to learn.”

“And if I refuse to teach you?”

Lily hesitated. “Uh—well, Randy said he’d show me.”

Tyler raised his voice. “Randy?” He put both hands
in his back pockets and gave Lily a long, searching look. “Be ready at sunup tomorrow morning.”

Lily stared at the horse Tyler had saddled and readied for her. “Can’t we take the buckboard?”

Tyler shifted in his saddle. “No. Not where we’re going.”

“I can’t ride.”

“What do you mean, you can’t ride? You grew up on a farm, didn’t you?”

“Yes, but all we had was one plow horse and my daddy’s old mare. My mom and I used the buggy mostly.”

“I got work to do later this morning. No time to teach you to ride today.” Tyler leaned down and put out his hand. “Think you can climb on up.”

“You mean, you want us
both
to ride on your horse?” Lily shuddered at the thought. It was highly improper. They’d be so close.

“Can’t think of another way to get you where we’re going. Now, you want to learn to shoot or not?”

Lily glanced warily at his extended hand. “I—I’ll try.” He lowered his hand further and she took hold.

“Put your leg in the stirrup and throw your leg over.”

Lily tried, several times. It was awkward. Her long legs weren’t cooperating. “I can’t do it.”

Tyler dismounted. He took her foot and placed it in the stirrup, then grabbed her other leg to help guide it up. When she faltered, his hand cupped her bottom and he scooted her up onto the saddle. “Sorry, Lily. It was the only way.”

Lily blushed down to her toes and wondered if it was truly the only way. But those thoughts diminished
and more powerful thoughts took hold when she realized Tyler had mounted and was seated directly behind her.

“Hold on here.” He wrapped his arms around her and covered her hands over the saddle horn. With a click of his heels Blaze took off in a fast walk. The other horse followed them to the barn. Tyler called for Wes to unsaddle the gelding and to make sure Bethann was looked after.

After several quiet minutes on the trail, Tyler asked, “Lily, you okay?”

“Mmm, fine,” she said, lying through her teeth. How could she be okay with Tyler’s arms around her? His thighs were pressing into hers and he was breathing in her ear. She thanked goodness her long-sleeved shirt covered rising goose bumps all along her arms. She kept herself board-stiff so that no more of him would touch her.

Every once in a while Tyler would break the silence of the ride to make a disgruntled sound. After the third time Lily gave in to her curiosity. “Is there something wrong?”

“That knot of hair keeps poking me in the face.” He unfastened her hairpins and let her hair loose. “Better,” he said, his breath caressing her neck.

“H-how far are we going?” Lily prayed Tyler couldn’t feel her trembling.

“Past the creek a little ways. There’s some rocks up there. We’ll use them for targets.”

She nodded numbly. Lily breathed a secret sigh of relief when Tyler brought Blaze to a halt and dismounted. He put his hands on her waist and helped her down. Heat flamed her body where he had touched, but Lily knew she couldn’t let him see how
he’d affected her. She became aware of another ache, too. Her backside smarted like the dickens. A lady had no call to sit astride a saddle wearing a dress. More than anything Lily wanted to rub the soreness away. It was a most unladylike thing to do.

She did it, anyway, and heard Tyler’s muffled chuckle from behind.

With a smile on her lips, she surveyed the area Tyler chose for target practice. The ground was carpeted with a vivid array of wildflowers and off in the distance a rocky hillside.

Tyler tethered his horse to a tree and threw his saddlebags over his shoulder, motioning for Lily to follow.

“It’s so peaceful here,” Lily said, trying to match his stride. “Seems a shame to disturb the silence.”

“I used to come up here a lot. Lizabeth liked it.”

It was the first time he’d offered anything about his wife. “I think Bethann would, too. Has she been here?”

“Just as a baby.”

Tyler put his head down and said nothing more until they reached the hillside. He unholstered his gun. “What do you know about guns, Lily?”

“When you shoot one, someone usually gets hurt.” Lily glanced at his mending shoulder.

He looked at her in understanding. “This here’s a Colt .45. Ranchers use them for killing an injured animal or…uh, turning a stampede.” For a brief moment anguish marked his expression. He shook it off quickly, giving Lily a determined look.

“Some people call them peacemakers.” He slapped the gun into his other hand and opened the chamber. “Bullets go in here, six in all.” Then he snapped the
chamber closed and gave it a spin. “Always keep your fingers off the trigger, unless you’ve marked your target.”

Tyler lifted the gun and took aim at the rocks. “You need to be sure. Aiming doesn’t come easy to everyone. You’ll use both hands and squeeze the trigger with your pointer finger. Expect a shock when the gun goes off. If you’re not used to it, the retort can scare you.”

Tyler stood behind her. Wrapping his arms around her body, he put the gun in her hands and covered his palms over them. “How’s it feel?”

Lily would have said “wonderful” except she knew he was talking about the gun. “Heavier than I thought.”

“You’ll get used to the weight. Takes practice, is all. Okay, ready to shoot?”

She nodded, and held her breath.

“Relax, Lily. You’re too wound up.”

“I’ll try.” Lily lowered her shoulders and let out a breath. Taking up a gun was a necessity. She didn’t much like it. Guns always made her nervous.

“Okay, we’re shooting at the small rock between those two boulders. Hold the gun out, follow the site…that’s it. Gently, like a mama would hug her baby, squeeze the trigger.”

Lily did as she was told. The gun went off. She backed up right into Tyler’s chest. “Oh, my!”

Tyler grabbed her arms. “You all right?”

She nodded, but didn’t move a muscle. He took the gun out of her hands and rubbed her arms. “Loosen up, honey. You’ve got to be sure and confident when you carry a gun. Being alert’s good, but your nerves can trip you up. I knew a man, jittery as a colt facing
off a rattler, shot his big toe off, then got so darn confounded, shot up the barber shop on accident. Lucky for the townsfolk, the shop was closed at the time.”

Honey?
The word warmed her as no wool blanket could on a blustery cold night. Lily was so entranced by the endearment, she’d only heard part of his story. Something about a colt in a barber shop.

“Th-that’s nice, Tyler.”

“Lily?”

“Hmm?”

“Want to try again? You hit the rock on the far left side. Pretty good for a beginner.”

“But you were holding the gun with me.”

“Try it again, alone this time.”

Lily turned to face him. He nodded and gave her a reassuring look. “You can do it.”

Lily turned around again. She stared off into the distance, found her target and took aim. She shot off close to twenty rounds, she surmised. She’d missed the rock on the first two attempts. With Tyler’s patience and guidance, she’d managed to hit the mark every time after that.

He was standing so near, occasionally he’d place his hands on her waist to position her. Lily’s heart thumped wildly—from his close proximity and from the thrilling power she’d felt handling the gun. She was a fast learner. Tyler had complimented her on her progress. He encouraged her and never lost his patience.

“Time to take a break. I packed us a snack. Got a jug of lemonade, too.”

Lily followed Tyler to where Blaze was tethered. He brought out the food and laid a gray wool blanket
out on the ground. Lily sat down several feet away from Tyler. He handed her a biscuit and a chunk of cheese. His eyes were on her as she took a bite.

“Your hair looks mighty pretty blowing in the breeze,” Tyler said softly.

“Thank you.” Lily refused the rush of blood threatening to rise to her face. Someday soon she’d get used to being near Tyler.

“Smells nice, too, like springtime flowers.”

Lily fingered her hair. “It’s lilac soap. Came from New York.”

“You don’t say? Who brought it to you?”

“No one. I ordered some from a catalog.”

His gaze lingered on her hair, then he cleared his throat. “You did real good today. We’ll have another lesson before I leave on roundup.”

“How long will you be gone?”

“Usually takes about three to four weeks. I think you’ll do fine with Bethann.”

But would she do fine without him? The thought of him leaving brought certain trepidation—she’d miss him. And certain relief—at least she’d be able to put two thoughts together without her mind getting all muddled up. Having Tyler underfoot made her dizzy with desire. There was no help for it.

“Bethann’s a wonderful child. For the most part, she minds me. She finally named her pony. She told me last night. Pint-Size.” Lily chuckled. “Because it was the smallest one in the herd.”

BOOK: Charlene Sands
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