Love Finds You in Last Chance, California (21 page)

Hoofbeats in the lane leading to the house drew his attention. None of the wranglers were due in this early, but something could’ve happened. He tugged off his gloves, tucked them into his hip pocket, and headed out the open barn door.

Alex emerged from the house wearing a soft yellow dress, and the sight of her feminine appearance jolted his heart. Not that she wasn’t attractive in her ranch garb, but he was partial to the way she looked now. Her face turned his way for a moment, and he caught his breath when their eyes met and locked. What did he see in those blue eyes before they swung back down the lane? She didn’t return her gaze to him but kept it fixed on the rider approaching the house.

Davis rode at a hard trot into the yard and pulled his sorrel gelding to a halt in front of the house. “Miss Travers?” He glanced at her dress before his eyes found her face, and then he swept off his hat. “Got unsettlin’ news, ma’am.”

Alex shaded her eyes against the sun and looked up at the wrangler. “What’s happened?”

He swept his sleeve across his glistening forehead. “Found the fence over on the north side of the ranch cut. Horse tracks leading out toward Carter Foster’s place.”

“Cut? You’re sure it was cut, not broken?”

“Yes, ma’am. Nipped as clean as you please. Found a set of boot prints and a place where someone set his knee in the dirt to cut the bottom strand.”

Justin narrowed his eyes and stared at the man. The day he’d come, Frank had reported missing horses—now Davis. Frank had gotten angry when pushed for information. Davis hadn’t given him any reason for suspicion. Except…

A memory tried to surface, and Justin dug a little deeper. That day in town. The saloonkeeper had told Davis to head back to the ranch when he’d had too much to drink. That wasn’t a crime, and lots of cowhands drank. But that wasn’t the only time he’d seen the man; he was sure of it. He shook his head. It might pay to keep an eye open on Alex’s wranglers.

Alex crossed her arms and frowned. “Did you go after the horses?”

“No, ma’am. Thought I’d come report in first. Sorry; guess I should’a taken off after ’em.”

She waved her hand in dismissal and then signaled to Justin. “Davis, you’ve met Justin Phillips. He’s a good hand at tracking. Take him and find those horses.”

Davis tossed a glance at Justin and gave a bare nod. He settled his hat back on his head and jerked his horse back a few steps.

Justin nodded toward Alex, glad she’d chosen to send him. “I’ll saddle my horse.” He swung around and headed toward the barn.

Dust rising down the lane and the dull thud of horses approaching stopped his progress. Two men pulled dusty, sweat-caked horses to a stop near the porch. He didn’t recognize one, but the other man looked familiar. He gave a small nod as the memory returned. It was the rider of the bay gelding they’d met while returning from their hunt for Alex’s missing horses.

The two men doffed their hats as Alex stepped to the edge of the steps. “Alexia, someone’s cut your fence.” The dark-haired man on the bay spoke in a ringing voice that carried to where Justin stood near the barn.

Alex raised her hand and motioned. “Justin, can you step over here, please?” She turned back to the man riding the tall sorrel gelding. “I’m sure you know my wrangler, Davis. He rode in a few minutes ago with the news.” She tipped her head toward Justin. “Carter Foster, this is my new hand, Justin Phillips. Justin, Mr. Foster has a ranch that borders mine.”

Justin gave a curt nod but didn’t speak. Foster didn’t appear interested in Alex’s wranglers and ignored the introductions. He sat erect in his saddle, a firm grip on the restive horse sidestepping in front of the porch. The man appeared almost a dandy in his dark-brown brushed trousers and matching jacket. The russet-colored hat perched on his dark hair looked new, and the boots showed little to no wear.

Alex rested her hand against a post. “I appreciate your letting me know, Carter. Did you find any of the horses?”

Foster nodded and kept his gaze on Alex. “Some of the stock drifted to my place. Tim here found them and reported to me.”

Alex glanced at the man but did nothing else to acknowledge his presence.

Justin took a step forward. “Tracks?” He doubted the man worked his own ranch, much less had the ability to track a lost horse.

“Nothing that lasted after Alexia’s band of horses went over the top of them.”

She nodded. “I’ll send Justin and Davis over to bring them back and mend the fence. Any idea who might be responsible?”

Foster braced his hands on his pommel and leaned forward. “None. But there’s no need to send your hired men. I put two of my men on it already. Your horses are back on your land, and my men are repairing the fence. I figured you’d want to know as soon as possible.”

“Thanks. You’ve gone out of your way to help, and I appreciate it.” She gave him a warm smile. “You’ve got a bit of a ride back to your ranch and I’d hate to see you make it on an empty stomach. Can I convince you to stay for a cup of coffee and some pie?”

Foster cast a quick look at Justin and then smiled. “Don’t mind if I do. Tim can care for our horses.” He swung down off his horse, handed the reins to Tim, and stepped up on the porch in one long stride. “Maybe your man can unsaddle and turn them out?”

Alex turned to Davis. “Consider yourself off for the night.” She swung toward Justin as though she’d only now remembered his presence. “Would you put up Carter’s horses?”

Justin nodded and turned away, but Foster’s voice covered the distance. “What do you know about Phillips? He’s new here, isn’t he?”

Alexia’s reply was unintelligible, but Justin slowed his steps just the same. “Regardless, you need to be careful.” Foster’s clear words continued.

Justin swung around, a hot retort on his lips, but the two on the porch stood with their backs to him. Foster offered his arm to Alexia and gave a slight bow. “I must say I can’t remember a time I’ve seen you looking more beautiful.” She placed her hand in the crook of his elbow, and they turned toward the door.

Justin covered the distance to the barn with eyes that barely registered the sights around him. Foster’s wrangler had preceded him with the horses and stood just inside the barn door. “Here.” The man shoved the reins into Justin’s hand when he approached. “I’m takin’ a smoke. This is your job, not mine.” He swung on his heel and disappeared out the door.

“Just as well,” Justin muttered. He needed time to think. He took the two geldings into the barn, swung a stall door open, and released the first horse. After securing the second gelding, he stripped off the saddle and started to work. Thankfully, he didn’t need his mind on this task. He turned his thoughts back to the house.

Could the man be more to Alex than just a friend? It wasn’t his concern who courted Alex—she was his boss, not his sweetheart. But something about Foster rankled even though the man had appeared helpful enough.

The question remained, Who had cut the fence? Justin had no reason to suspect Alex’s wranglers. He’d not form an opinion yet, but he planned to inspect the ground surrounding the cut portion of fence. Fences didn’t cut themselves, and someone stood to gain.

First, missing horses the day he’d arrived, and now the fence. Something wasn’t right, and Justin intended to find out what.

Alex left the church on Sunday afternoon unsettled by her conflicting feelings. The sermon had challenged her heart and the gentle music had soothed her emotions. But the coolness of a number of the women as she’d taken her place in the pew near the back of the sanctuary had put a damper on her spirit. The stress of the past few weeks had taken its toll, and she felt no desire to visit. She picked up her skirt and stepped off the porch. A solitary walk in the woods would give her a chance to think.

She’d gone only a few dozen yards when a soft voice wafted across on the breeze. “Alexia…” It sounded like Elizabeth. Alex paused and turned to shield her eyes from the early afternoon sun. Elizabeth stood on the porch step with one hand raised.

Alex waved back and cupped her hand to her mouth. “I’ll come by later. I’m going to take a walk.”

Elizabeth nodded and turned back inside. What a blessing to have a friend who understood and didn’t judge. Alex hitched her skirts above her ankles, not caring who noticed. She headed through the scattered trees and down a slight hill behind town, toward the spring-fed meadow. The sound of water gurgling into the pond soothed Alex’s spirits. Her eyes drifted over the apple trees near the edge of the meadow which hung with almost-ripened fruit, the wildflowers blooming near the water’s edge, and the bees buzzing from flower to flower. A breeze blew the fragrance toward her, and she sucked in an appreciative breath.

Alex walked the length of the meadow away from the spring, passing behind the blacksmith shop and the corral housing the horses. Several mounts plunged away from the fence when she drew near then settled back to picking at scattered bits of hay. She drew her skirts up higher, no longer afraid of being seen this far from town.

The thought of her father tugged her up the hill to the cemetery. He’d chosen to be buried on his beloved ranch rather than here on the edge of town, but the peace and tranquility of the place drew her just the same.

She walked through the lightly forested glade, running her fingers along the tops of the white marble headstones marking the dozen or so graves. The town had been established only twenty-five years before and, thankfully, not many had died and been buried here in that time.

She sat down beneath a tree, careful not to disturb the nearest grave. So much had happened since her father’s death, and she still had so many unanswered questions. Not just about the recent trouble at the ranch, but about Justin and Carter and even Christy Grey.

A gray squirrel scampered up a tree, drawing her attention from the nearby headstone to the swaying branches above. He chattered his displeasure while racing back and forth on a low-hanging limb.

Alex leaned her head against a tree. “Hey, little fellow. I’m not going to hurt you.”

His antics continued and the volume increased. A nearby crow added to the cacophony with his deep-throated squawk, and a neighboring jay joined in the chorus.

“Quiet, please!” Alex laughed and picked up a foot-long sugar pine cone, lofting it into the tree. The heavy cone landed against the trunk with a thud and fell back to earth. The squirrel ceased his chatter but the birds continued their cry. She started to rise, determined to find a quieter place, when a rock zipped through the air and struck the tree inches from the crow. The bird spread his black wings and swooped down the hill, retreating into the distance.

Alex looked around and her eyebrows rose. Justin stood a few yards away, a smile lighting his face. “Mind if I join you?” He nodded toward the spot beneath the tree beside her. “Or would you prefer to be alone?”

She couldn’t stifle a grin. “After rescuing me from that racket with your wonderful display of marksmanship? Please.” She patted the ground.

He dipped his head and moved forward then settled down a couple of yards away. “Is your father here?” He looked around at the nearest headstone before his gaze traveled across the small glade.

“No. He always said he’d want to rest at the ranch. I came here after church to think.”

Justin nodded. He picked up a fallen twig and snapped it between his fingers. “I needed a few things at the store.”

“You don’t attend church?”

He shrugged. “Guess I got out of the habit a few years ago.”

“Have you thought about starting again, now that you have Toby?”

“I hadn’t, but it’s a good point. He might enjoy it, and I do want him trained to know right from wrong.”

“I agree. I think a parent’s guidance, combined with the help of a good church, does a lot for a child. Did you bring Toby to town?”

He shook his head. “No, Martha offered to keep him. Joe’s giving him a ride on the pony this afternoon.” He glanced up and met her eyes. “The boy sure loves that pony. I’m grateful you allow us to use her.”

She shrugged and dropped her gaze. “She was getting fat. Besides, Toby’s a sweet boy and I love watching him learn.”

Silence settled over the glade. Alex plucked at the grass growing next to the tree trunk. What brought Justin up to the cemetery, and why had he sought her out? She couldn’t deny the pull of attraction she felt when he was near, but there’d been no indication that he experienced the same.

Justin stuck a long blade of grass between his teeth and leaned against the rough bark of a tree. His soft voice broke the stillness. “You miss him a lot, don’t you?”

“Papa? Yes. More than you know.”

He winced, and she bit her lip. How stupid of her to forget. “I’m sorry, I didn’t think…”

Justin shook his head and glanced at her. “No, it’s all right. I was actually thinking more about my pa than Molly.”

She sat up straight and folded her hands in her lap. “You and your pa were close?”

“Very. He and Ma raised me on a small ranch—he taught me everything I know. Not just about ranching, but about life.” He emitted a harsh laugh. “Seems I’ve forgotten or walked away from much of what I learned. He’d not be proud of some of my decisions.”