McKenna, (Sweet Western Historical Romance) (Nevada Brides Series Book 1) (11 page)

“Yes, it’s hard not to feel that way.” McKenna stated.

“Tents are all they need for now. If the gold continues to be found here, they’ll eventually build shacks that will offer them more protection from the sun. In my husband’s years as a prospector, we’ve seen gold just drying up like a creek in drought. Nobody really knows how much gold is here, or how long it will continue to be found.”

“My sister Fanny hasn’t found anything yet,” Grace said.

“So, you’re one of Fanny’s sisters. I’ll have my husband speak with her, but don’t you dare tell a soul. He really has an eye for where’s the best place to look for gold.”

McKenna smiled. “That would be great. So, you’ll stop by starting tomorrow afternoon? I’ll make sure I have some tea.”

“Take care, McKenna. Don’t let that woman across the street intimidate you. I’m sure you and Cole will be very successful once you get up and going.”

She thanked Ethel and they left. When they passed by the saloon, Bella was outside chatting with a handsome cowboy. McKenna merely nodded at her since it was obvious that she might be discussing business.

Once they were back in the store, Grace asked, “Who was that woman you nodded at by the saloon? She’s a saloon girl, isn’t she?”

“Yes. She rode on the stagecoach with me when I came out here. Cole doesn’t think I should speak to her, but she’s really nice and even helped me when a man grabbed me the other day.”

“You need to be careful. You see how judgmental some women can be. You don’t need everyone in town avoiding your business.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, Grace. Go ahead and start your bread. I have a few things to do down here.”

* * *

When Cole and Bret came home, they were layered in dirt, but otherwise in good spirits. McKenna had been warming water expecting this, and she greeted her husband, “You sure look dirty. Lucky for you, I’ve been warming water for a bath. I knew you’d be needing one.”

“That sounds great, but I’m starved.”

“Good, because Grace has been here all day cooking. She made a lovely western-style soup. We found beans and rice in one of the boxes. Oh, and she’s made fresh bread.”

“Count me in,” Bret said. “But I’ll be taking my bath at the saloon.”

“Saloon?” McKenna asked.

“Well, he
is
quite unattached,” Cole reminded her.

“I know, but—”

“Let’s go upstairs and eat. I don’t think Bret cares to hear us discuss his decision of a bath location.”

When they were upstairs, Grace smiled shyly, which must have been because Bret was there. “Have you met Bret yet?” McKenna asked.

“No, but I saw him the last time I was here.”

McKenna introduced them and soup was put into dishes and on the table. When the bread was sliced, she asked Grace to sit down and eat with them. Grace shuffled her feet looking mighty shy, but finally sat.

Bret took the first spoonful and smiled. “This tastes great. Your husband is one lucky man.”

Grace blushed. “I suppose, if I had a husband.”

Bret’s eyes lit up and McKenna felt that she needed to protect Grace. If Bret was talking about taking a bath at the saloon, he wasn’t the type of man for her.

She was worrying about nothing, though, since neither Grace nor Bret spoke another word to each other, just sneaked a peek every once in a while. Cole moved from the table and began taking the pans of hot water into the other room where the bathtub was, while McKenna cleared the table.

“I insist on doing the dishes,” Grace said. “Relax and speak with Bret.”

Bret stood. “I’m actually leaving. I’m going to find where I can get a bath, but I’ll wait until Grace is done and escort her back to the tent city. It’s not safe for a woman to be walking around by herself.”

“I’m used to it,” Grace told him. “And my sister Fanny wouldn’t care for a man walking me anywhere.”

“Okay then.”

Bret left and McKenna watched over Grace. “You know, if things go well when we open up the store, I’d like to keep you on. It sure would be handy to have a cook around.”

“Oh, that would be great, but I’d have to check with Fanny first. She doesn’t like it when we make our own decisions. She’s a little overprotective, you might say.”

“I can see that, but I’m sure your sister wouldn’t want to stop you from having a life of your own, or even meeting a man or getting married some day.”

“Married? That won’t happen for me. All I’d be able to find would be a miner, and that’s not the kind of life I want to lead. If I got married, it would be to someone who had a house at least, even a farm.”

“So, someone out of Nevada?”

“I suppose. Not any farms around here.” She laughed.

By the time Cole appeared, clean and refreshed, Grace had left. She did so by crossing the street instead of walking by the saloon, obviously a better choice.

“We should get the painting started,” Cole said.

“Aren’t you too tired to do that?”

“I am, but it needs to be done. I’m leaving to check on the stock I ordered with Bret tomorrow. Did you ask Ethel to stay with you while I’m gone?”

McKenna wanted him to feel comfortable and wasn’t sure if she told him that Ethel would only stop by and check on her, so she said, “I did, and Ethel said she’d be happy to.”

“Good. I’d rather not worry about you the entire time I’m gone.”

“I could always start the painting when you left. That way, I’d have something to do while you’re away.”

“That would be nice, but I really think I could help you get started at least. Unless you can think of something more fun to do upstairs tonight?” Cole asked with a wink.

“The painting will be fine.”

McKenna practically flew down the stairs to gather up the painting supplies. She really was drawn to Cole, but she wasn’t ready to consummate their marriage unless she was sure of how Cole felt about her. As for her, she could barely even think straight when he was in the same room. She even wanted to peek on him while he was taking his bath, for curiosity’s sake. She really hadn’t ever seen a man naked before. Although, her mama had described it in full detail, much to her embarrassment.

Cole came downstairs just as McKenna was looking over the supplies, as if she was a doctor contemplating her first operation.

He didn’t say a word as he opened the paint can and stirred it. “This is how you—”

“I’m no simpleton, Cole. I can figure it out.”

“Fine, go on ahead. I can’t wait to see this,” he said with a snicker.

McKenna picked up the brush and was about ready to stick it into the paint can, but Cole beat her to it. He put some paint on his brush, carefully wiping off the excess, and began to paint a shelf. Not to be outdone, McKenna did the same, but after ten minutes got a little frustrated with how it looked and began to saturate the brush more. She hardly even felt the paint speckle her arms.

McKenna laughed when Cole had a speck of paint on the end of his nose.

“What are you laughing about?”

“You have paint on the end of your nose.”

“Well, you have a glob in your hair.” He chuckled.

She felt her hair and came back with part of the offending glob. “Oh, so I do. I thought if I used more paint this would go faster.”

“We don’t need to get it all done in one night. As you said, you can work on it while I’m gone.”

“About that. Where are you planning to go exactly?”

“Carson City. It’s a few days from here. I’ll negotiate to have our stock brought in. Chastity’s father can’t control everything coming into Silver. I’ll speak to him directly if I have to.”

“That won’t go well.”

“Don’t you worry, McKenna. I’ll get our stock here if I have to haul it myself,” he promised. “I’m impressed at how hard you’ve worked to ready this place.”

“You and Bret worked hard, too, and don’t forget the girls from the tent city. I’d like to hire Grace as a cook and to assist with general cleaning. You know, to help her out.”

“She also has sisters she needs to help in the tent kitchen; don’t forget.”

“I know, but there has to be a way.”

“Did you ask her about this yet?” Cole inquired.

“Yes, and she told me she’d have to ask her sister Fanny. Now that’s one woman I’d like to meet. From the way Grace described her, she’s assumed a very manly role in their family after their parents died.”

“That’s understandable; someone has to step up. Not so sure about the manly part, though.”

McKenna rubbed her neck, and Cole moved in and began to massage it. The gesture was having quite an effect on her so she moved away. “It’s fine, really.”

“Let’s stop for the night. I need to get some sleep for the trip, so no hugging and kissing on me.” He winked.

McKenna shook her head. “I’ll do my best to leave you alone, but you’re very irresistible.” When Cole gave her a look, she added, “I’m just kidding, of course.”

“I’d be careful if I were you. It’s not wise to toy with a man like that. I’d like nothing more than to make you my proper wife, in every sense of the word.”

* * *

McKenna disappeared upstairs while Cole washed the paintbrushes. Bret came back and said, “Is the little lady in bed yet?”

“Yes, and I will be soon, too.”

“Is she still barring you from the bedroom?”

“No. We share the bed, but sleep is the extent of it.”

“I don’t know how you do it, sleeping next to her every night without being allowed to even touch her.”

“I don’t know what else I can do about it right now. I’ve gotten to know her much better, but she’s playing the ‘marriage in name only’ to the hilt.”

“That’s what you get for making the arrangement like that. You didn’t need her to start a business here in Silver. You have plenty of money to do that by yourself,” Bret admonished.

Cole knew he was right. They had inherited a large sum when their uncle had died, but they were careful with how much they spent.
It’s never wise if anyone knows you’re worth a might more than they suspect.
He had to protect not just himself, but McKenna, as well.

“I know you can’t understand it, but I really wanted to get married again. When I overheard how McKenna’s uncle had taken the business from her, I had to help her out. A marriage in name only seemed a good idea at the time. I knew the only way it would work was if I make her think we were partners, but I have no intention of letting her go.”

“Have you discussed that with her?”

“I’ve left a few hints, I think, but I know I have to bide my time until I know she feels the same way for me as I do for her.”

“So, you’ve fallen in love with her and are keeping it to yourself?”

“I’m a coward in that respect, yes. I just won’t be able to handle it if I tell her and she rejects me.”

“I’ve seen how she looks at you, brother, and there is no way that will happen.”

“Perhaps when we get back from Carson City. I’ll tell her then,” Cole stated.

“Do you think she’ll be okay by herself while we’re gone?”

“Yes, she’s asked Ethel Braxton to come stay with her.”

“Good. She shouldn’t be alone.”

Cole wandered up the stairs to see if McKenna was sound asleep, or he thought she was. He yanked off his clothes and joined her in bed, all the while wishing he could draw her near and kiss the worry from her face. He had to make the most of this business. It was his promise to her, after all, and he refused to let her down.
He only hoped that, in the end, McKenna would soften her heart toward him and allow him to become her husband proper.

Cole and Bret left at first light, and her husband gave her a kiss on the brow before he left. McKenna wasn’t quite awake when she got up and made coffee. She had promised Cole that Ethel Braxton would be there later. Should she worry that she was alone when the men left? She refused to believe it and would busy herself with painting. There was no reason to leave since she had all the food she needed, and she wouldn’t use the outhouse, which was only ten feet from the back door. She’d use the chamber pot instead, but without Cole there, she’d have to dump it herself—not something she looked forward to.

Once McKenna was dressed and went downstairs, she saw a man slowly walking by. It was the same man she had seen Chastity speaking to just the other day. All the hairs on her arms stood at attention. When the man’s eyes met hers through the window, he disappeared back across the street in a real hurry.

She pressed a hand to her chest and jumped when someone knocked on the door. It was Grace, and McKenna happily let her in.

“I’m so happy to see you. I had quite the fright.”

“What happened?”

“That man was looking inside the store, the same one I saw Chastity talking to. Do you think they’ll try something while Cole and Bret are gone?”

“Well, I’m not sure. He might have been checking to see if anyone was here, especially if he saw Cole and Bret head out of town.”

“He said it’s two days to Carson City, so that will be two more days back.”

“Okay, so that’s four days or longer, depending if they can find someone to bring the supplies back to Silver for the store. You can last that long. I’ll stay with you, but I should go back and speak to Fanny about what’s happening. If only she wasn’t so busy mining. If she came here, there’d be nobody bothering you.”

“So, how is the mining going?”

Grace giggled. “Well, Ethel made good on her suggestion that she’d have her husband talk to Fanny. He pointed out a rock formation on her claim where she should concentrate her efforts.”

“He can tell just by looking?”

“It appears so. We’ll have to wait to see if he knows what he’s talking about. I sure hope he does, for all our sakes. We need a little good news for a change.”

“Are your other sisters okay that you’re here with me?”

“Oh, yes. Betsy is now making bread, which is normally my job. Roslyn moved up to food preparation such as cutting up vegetables, and Irma is learning how to make gravy.”

“She doesn’t know how to make gravy?”

“Well, she does, but it’s different when you have to make such a large batch.”

“I have hard enough of a time making a smaller batch,” McKenna admitted.

“I’d be happy to show you how, but it looks like you have another project for today.”

“Yes, I need to paint shelves.”

“Great. I’d love to help you.”

McKenna and Grace began painting and McKenna didn’t even think about stopping until hunger pains hit her. They went upstairs and while Grace made gravy with the leftover soup, McKenna cleaned the paintbrushes. There was no sense in painting all in one day. They sat down and had the gravy over the bread, which Grace had made just the day before. It tasted good, but she was missing Cole already.

Ever since that teasing comment she’d made the previous night, she could tell he really wanted her. She wanted to be with him in that way, too. If he didn’t tell her how he felt when he came home, she’d never be able to admit that she loved him. How could she not be madly in love with him when he was so kind to not just her, but everyone he met? She’d never known a man like him or even thought one existed. If she had, her life might have taken a very different path. But if that happened, she wouldn’t have ever known Cole. What kind of man helps out a woman he barely knows, even if a marriage needed to happen first? Yes, she felt fortunate in many ways, but she couldn’t help but wonder if he ever needed her money since he hadn’t taken any of it. There was something mysterious about that, and she’d certainly ask him when he came home.

* * *

A few hours later, a wagon piled with items made its way into Silver.

“Let’s check to see if any of that is ours,” McKenna said to Grace.

She locked up and they went over, approaching a stout man. “Hello, sir. I was wondering if you have any items on this delivery that we ordered. It’s for Cole Winters.”

The man eyed up McKenna and then Grace. “Sorry, I was told not to fill that order.”

McKenna’s hands went to her hips. “And exactly why not?”

“Because we control everything coming into Silver,” Chastity said as she walked over to them. “I told you there was no sense in opening another store in this town.”

“That’s silly. There is plenty of business for both of us. What are you afraid of, that we’ll do better than you?” McKenna challenged her.

Chastity’s face reddened. “That’s ridiculous, and I’m not about to stand here debating this further.”

McKenna watched as her opponent left.

“That one is a real firecracker. I’m afraid she has convinced her father not to fill orders unless it’s through her,” the burly man said.

“I wonder if he knows what she’s doing.”

“Probably not, but she’s turning a huge profit, which trickles down to her father Warren. He’s a fair man, though. You might need to have your husband speak to him directly. I’m sure something can be worked out, and it would benefit many in Silver, for sure. I’m really sorry about the delivery, but I was only following orders.”

“I see. Well, I can hardly blame a man for that. We all need to make money some way.”

McKenna left with Grace in tow. She didn’t bother to say anything; what was the point? She just hoped Cole would be able to get supplies into Silver and soon, before they were expected to open.

When they were back at the store, a very tall man was standing there. At least, that was what she thought until Grace said, “Fanny, I see you finally made it off your claim.”

“I had to. I wanted to meet the woman you’ve been talking nonstop about.”

McKenna smiled up at Fanny. She was wearing all men’s clothing, and McKenna would have never even known she was a woman at all.

“Please, come inside,” McKenna offered. “I have tea.”

“I was hoping for a whiskey actually, but tea it is.”

She led the way inside and when McKenna locked the door behind them, Fanny asked, “Why did you lock the door?”

“We’re not open yet, and there was a man lurking around this morning.”

“He’s also been seen with Chastity,” Grace quickly added.

“And your man is out of town?”

“Yes, and I’m quite worried about it.”

“It’s probably good to worry about it, but do you have a gun? Even a woman in Silver needs to learn to shoot.”

McKenna wrung her hands. “I don’t know. Guns make me nervous.”

“Women need to protect themselves, and there’s no better way than to arm yourself. I carry my gun everywhere I go.”

It was then that McKenna noticed the gun belt Fanny had around her slim hips. “I don’t mean to sound rude, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a woman wear men’s clothing before.”

Fanny smiled, revealing dimples. “I hear that all the time, or I used to, but the men in town have learned to leave me alone, and my sisters. Actually, I’ve never been one to wear dresses. Our father didn’t mind me dressing like that since we were working the farm and hardly anyone came out there. I saw no reason to change when our parents died.”

“What happened to the farm?”

“Our father wasn’t good with finances and we lost it when they died. About then, the gold rush started happening. We were headed to California until I found out gold’s been found here, but I haven’t been able to find any at all. Not gold, at least. I found a few chunks of silver today, though.”

Grace’s face lit up. She then clapped her hands in excitement. “So, William’s advice worked?”

“Seems to be, and I haven’t even gotten that deep yet. But keep it quiet before I have claim jumpers to deal with.”

“Would someone actually do that? Try to take over you claim?” McKenna asked.

“Yes, but I won’t stand for that. That’s when a rifle comes in handy.”

“I really like how you think, Fanny, and it’s a real pleasure to meet you.”

“Thanks. I can see I’ve worried for nothing with Grace being here, but who is Bret?”

“He’s my husband’s brother. Why?”

“Just wondering. I heard Grace mention his name is all. What kind of man is he?”

“He’s a hard worker and decent enough. I’ve never heard him ever treat a woman with disrespect.”

Grace’s face was beet red by that point. “I was just mentioning how he offered to walk me back yesterday, not that I’m interested in him.”

“I see. Well, I’m off for the saloon where I can get a whiskey,” Fanny told them.

“You’re going in the saloon?”

“Don’t be shocked. Men in town are used to me drinking alongside them. I’ve earned their respect since I’ve been here.”

“I’m glad you approve of Grace staying with me while my husband is away. I hope to give her work when the store opens, but I never meant to take her away from working in the kitchen tent.”

“Don’t be sorry about that. It’s about time one of my sisters found decent employment. I’m counting on you to keep her safe when she’s here.”

“Of course. You don’t need to worry about that.”

Fanny left and McKenna smiled all the way back upstairs. She was never so impressed that there was a woman who wore men’s clothing and didn’t care what anyone thought about it. With the men in town actually accepting her, it was very uplifting to know there was hope for women in the future.

* * *

That night was uneventful, as was the next. On the third night, however, Grace had gone back to the tent city and McKenna was left all alone. It didn’t bother her since she had grown more accustomed to being there. She even let her guard down. She was certain there wasn’t anyone who would be trying anything, and that had been a mistake.

McKenna first woke up when she heard voices closer than the saloon. She had been able to judge the distance of voices since they moved into the building, which was why she knew there was something wrong. She listened intently again, but it was deadly silent.

She slid out of bed and picked up a rifle in the corner, which she had no idea how to even use. It did make her feel somewhat more comfortable knowing she had something that might just frighten someone away if they saw it in her hand, though.

Yanking on her boots, she threw on her robe and made it down the stairs. She peeked out the front window, but there was not a soul in sight. That was when she heard a
whoosh
out the backdoor. She raced in that direction to check it out and two men were standing there, one with a match in his hands. On the ground was a small fire he’d started, the flames licking upward.

McKenna brought the rifle up and said, “Get out of here before I shoot the both of you.”

“She isn’t going to shoot anyone,” one man said.

They moved in her direction and she screamed as she fell. The pounding of feet were heard and Sheriff Milford shouted, “Somebody get a bucket! There’s a fire!”

“They started it,” McKenna stated, pointing at the two men who raced away, but were caught by a few miners who appeared around the corner. A large crowd formed and soon a bucket brigade began. The sheriff then helped her up and asked if she was okay.

“Yes, but we have to get this fire out.”

Most of the crowd were men and from the smell of the whiskey, she knew they had come from the saloon. Bella showed up and moved McKenna out of the way as the men continued to throw water on the fire. Within ten minutes, it was out.

“Oh, thank you, all of you.”

Bella ushered her back inside, the sheriff handing her back the rifle.

“Oh, Bella, I was so frightened. I just know Chastity set this up. I saw her speaking with one of those men before.”

“Not to worry. The sheriff will handle it, but you should get dressed so he can speak to you.”

McKenna went upstairs and came back down clothed as the sheriff was talking to Bella.

She then told him what she had just told Bella.

“I should have known Chastity would pull something like this. It’s so like her, too.”

“We can’t even get supplies into town on account of her. It’s just wrong the way she controls what comes into Silver,” McKenna told him.

“I agree, and I’ll be speaking to her father about that. I wasn’t aware that it was this big of a problem. Where is your husband?”

“In Carson City trying to get supplies here for our opening.”

“And he left you here all by yourself?”

“Not exactly. One of the girls from the tent city was staying with me, Grace, but she wanted to go back to get a few items.”

“Fanny’s sister,” Bella said. “Good choice. If you had asked Fanny to stay with you, those men would have been measured for coffins come sunrise.”

“She needs someone to stay with her while I sort things out,” the sheriff said. “I’m just glad we got the fire out. I’ve seen entire towns burned to the ground before.”