Texas Lonesome (28 page)

H
eady scents of roasted chicken and garlic swirled around Dustin as he made his way up the steep stairway of the Union Hotel, heading for Sidney’s room. She’d be home from Lily’s by now and plenty hungry, he suspected—or hoped.

He’d come to surprise her. The days they’d been apart had been the longest of his life, and he was longing for a few more kisses. They had been on his mind since riding away and leaving her in Rio Wells.

He knocked on her door, a million thoughts running through his head.

“Yes?”

“It’s Dustin.”

The door flew open, and in a rustle of petticoats, she vaulted into his arms.

“Hey, what’s this?” he asked, startled at her immediate reaction.

“I’m just happy to see you,” she said, holding him tight, her soft cheek pressed close to his. “Nothing has seemed real since you left here on Saturday. I can’t believe we spoke of marriage, and you actually braved telling your family. Your father.”

He stepped back so he could see into her face. “Just like you’ll be brave enough when the time comes.”

He studied the tight expression that had him a bit worried. This commitment was not set in stone. Cold feet could change her mind at any time.

“Right?” His heart thumped in his chest. “Sidney?”

“Of course. You know I will.”

He knew nothing of the sort. He knew what she wanted. He knew what she
thought
she would do once she was face-to-face with Jock Calhoun—but he couldn’t be sure.

“Good.” Nothing could be done about the situation with her father now, so he planned to enjoy this evening. She wore a new blouse with Madeline’s skirt. “That’s exactly what I wanted to hear. Now, gather up your shawl, because I’m taking you out to supper.”

“I thought that was tomorrow night, out at the ranch?” Her eyes narrowed a fraction. “Your father doesn’t want to see me.”

“Not true in the least.”
Pa didn’t say
those words exactly. He’ll soften to the idea by tomorrow. He’s stern, but he’s not heartless.
“I just couldn’t wait another night.”

Turning, he glanced around to be sure the hall was still vacant and then kissed her soundly, taking his time to show her just how much he’d missed her. After more than a few moments that would brand the kiss proper, he pulled back just far enough to see into her eyes.

“Are you complaining, Calhoun?”

A smile so beautiful blossomed onto her face that the sight almost stole his breath.

“Not in the least, McCutcheon,” she whispered against his lips. “I’m not ready. It wasn’t all that long ago that I returned from the shop. I’m a mess.”

His bride-to-be was the most stunning creature he’d ever set eyes on. “I didn’t know you were such a fibber. You look absolutely beautiful. I hope you haven’t already eaten. Are you hungry?”

“Actually, I’m starved.”

He knew that feeling all too well. Her gaze stilled on his face, and he had to stop himself from backing her into the room and closing the door.

“Good.” He corralled his thoughts back to where they belonged. “While we’re at supper, we’re discussing you moving to the ranch, where I can see you all the time, and I know you’re safe.”

Shaking her head, she placed a hand on his chest. “They aren’t ready to see me every minute of every day—not quite yet, Dustin. We need to warm into this.”

He hadn’t thought this would be easy. If she could trust that his family liked her and wasn’t against her, she’d soften her feelings about his father. He’d win her over, and she’d realize Winston wasn’t the type to bushwhack anyone, let alone a friend, no matter how much money was involved.

With his hands on her shoulders, he turned her and encouraged her forward. “There’s a pit in my belly that won’t let me think squarely. Get your things, and I’ll persuade you how wrong you are over a hot plate of food.”

She hurried into the room that was perfectly picked up. The indentation on the bed’s counterpane was the only indication she’d been relaxing.

“How’s Billy Burger?” he asked. “I’ve been so busy I haven’t had a chance to catch up on that issue at all. He healing?”

She’d gone to her dresser and was smoothing her hair with a comb and now pinching her cheeks, as he’d seen his sisters do on occasion. Such an intimate scene. A week ago, he never would have thought how much his life would change.

With her reticule and shawl, she turned toward him. “John says some time yet will pass before he walks without a limp. He’s grouchy, and has moved back to his own place.” She glanced into his eyes. “As bad as I feel about shooting him, I’d do it again if he touched Lily, or anyone else.” She passed into the hall, and Dustin pulled the door closed. “Where’re we going?”

“Can’t you guess?” If Dustin hadn’t already been walking on air from her passionate greeting, the excitement on her face would have put him there now.

“Lillian Russell Room?”

He nodded. “Our table awaits.”

Sidney picked up her glass of wine and took a tiny sip. She wasn’t accustomed to drinking, but Dustin had already ordered a fine bottle in celebration, and she’d not dash his good intentions.

The waitress had already taken their orders, so they sat in quiet conversation in a corner table in the cozy dining room. The soft light, made by a candle in the center of every table, almost brought the alluring paintings to life.

“Should I be jealous?” she asked softly, gazing up at a dark-haired beauty in a bed of burgundy silks that had momentarily caught his attention. The young woman in the artist’s rendition held a small cluster of green grapes in her left hand, and her right hand was placed behind her head. Her smile was sweet, not seductive.

“Never, my love. You’ve captured my heart and soul.”

His gaze was so intense, she had to lower her lashes. How had this happened? Her world changed in a heartbeat. She’d been thrust into this enchanted fairy tale where a handsome prince was captured by her love. The circumstance didn’t seem possible. She feared she’d soon awaken to find herself back in her New Mexico bedroom, rising to gather cattle. Was that what would happen when the time arrived for Noah to go home?

He reached over and stroked her cheek. “You look unhappy.”

“Not unhappy, just . . .”

“Worried? Don’t be. Tonight is supposed to be a celebration. I’ve cleared the way for things on my end. I’ll help you do the same with your family.”

The waitress arrived, pushing a small tea cart. She uncovered their dishes of basil-roasted chicken, mashed potatoes drizzled in mushroom sauce, and creamed peas.

Sidney hadn’t dreamed of eating something so decadent and delicious in this small rugged town.

A moment later, the waitress came back and refilled their water.

Dustin smiled at Sidney, and her breath hitched. She’d marry this man. She didn’t know when, but she hoped the ceremony would be soon. She wouldn’t miss Santa Fe, or her father, but she would miss her brothers and Carmen.

They gazed into each other’s eyes as the food disappeared from their plates. Other diners were beyond her realm of consciousness. Her man was the most intoxicating human being on this earth.

He finished first, setting his knife and fork across his plate. “I can’t remember when I’ve enjoyed a meal as much as I have this one,” he said, stretching back. He reached for the bottle of wine and leaned to pour into her glass.

She smiled and shook her head.

He nodded, filling his own halfway.

“I agree. Chef Bernard has truly lived up to his reputation. Now I don’t have to just imagine the foods that make those aromas drifting into my room. I’ve experienced them.”

“Are you full? Did you get enough?” he asked when she placed her utensils across her plate.

“I couldn’t eat another bite. Everything was absolutely wonderful. Thank you, my love.” Embarrassed when the endearment slipped passed her lips as naturally as if she’d been saying them every day for ten years, Sidney jerked away her gaze.

“No, don’t look away.”

His voice was a soft plea, and she complied.

“I’ve been pining away for you in my heart, even before we met. Almost in despair that I’d never find you. Now that I have, I’m parched for your love.”

“Dustin.” That was all she could say. Living with her surly father and her brothers who were men of few words, she never dreamed she’d hear such endearments from a man—let alone one who was as rough, hardened, and competent as Dustin McCutcheon.

He leaned toward her, his forearms on the table. “Yes? It’s all true. And there’s more, but I struggle to find the words to bring them to life. They’re more a feelin’ in my heart. It’s so full, it’s almost painful.”

She looked into his eyes. “I know what you mean.”

The waitress cleared her throat, and they both gazed up.

“Would either of you care for dessert? We have dry apple pie or persimmon crumb cake.”

Dustin gestured toward her. “Sidney? It’s up to you.”

“I couldn’t, although they both sound delicious. Will you please give Chef Bernard our compliments? Everything was beyond my expectations.” She would tell him herself sometime tomorrow when she saw him as well.

“Yes, Miss Calhoun, I’ll be happy to.”

“How about a walk around the town?” Dustin asked. “I need to stretch my legs and let all this food settle. Maybe a stroll down to the hot springs is in order.”

She nodded, taken again by what a handsome devil Dustin was. She recalled her first impression in San Antonio that had captured her interest, and she’d toe-tapped out a little nervous beat in time with her heart. Then they’d spoken face-to-face in the hotel after the courthouse meeting, and his audacity had her gritting her teeth.

“What’s so funny?” he asked as he pulled out her chair. “You’re smiling.”

“I’m just thinking about when we met. How self-assured you were, and how angry you made me.”

He placed his hand on the small of her back and they proceeded toward the door into the hotel lobby.

Enjoying his closeness, she pulled her shawl around her shoulders.

“I’m still self-assured,” he said. “If I see what I want, I go after it.”

She glanced up into a satisfied smile. “Yes. I think I know that now all too well.”

Tonight felt like a fairy tale, but she had to remember she still had her family’s reaction to contend with. Her father was stubborn, but so was Dustin.

She thought back on the grasshopper. She didn’t want anything to happen to Dustin because of her. Was she putting him in danger?

B
uster Drier, the lamplighter, was just making his rounds when Dustin and Sidney stepped out of the hotel. Tucking Sidney’s hand into the bend in his arm, Dustin smiled at the paper-thin bachelor as he lowered his torch. Reaching over his head, the man closed the glass door, hooked the latch, and started for the last street lamp in front of the stage office.

The dry evening air reminded Dustin how much they needed a good rain to tamp down all the dust. Soon, he thought, the weather would change, and winter would be upon them. He stopped and pointed to the moon. The glowing orb appeared to sit on the tip of the small church steeple, a block and a half away.

“It’s beautiful,” she gushed. Her firm hold on his arm felt like gold.

“Let’s take the long way around to the hot springs. First, we’ll go down Church Street and see how Knutson’s new mercantile is coming along. Have you had a chance to venture over that way?”

“Just the one time to the barn last week. I’d love to get a better feel for Rio Wells . . .”

“Since you’ll be living here soon?” Maybe he should stop pushing so hard, but he couldn’t help himself. He needed to hear her firm commitment as much as possible. “Should we talk about when we’re taking the big leap?”

She pulled his arm playfully. “You make marrying me sound like a prison sentence. Maybe you’re getting cold feet.”

“Nothing of the sort!”

As they approached the corner, he saw Doc Bixby relaxing on the iron bench as he smoked a pipe. Lily’s white cat was curled in his lap.

“Evenin’,” the old doctor said, the smile in his voice evident to Dustin. “Out for a stroll?”

Dustin nodded. “That’s exactly right.”

“It’s a pretty night.” He gestured toward the church. “I’m just watching the moon rise.”

As they continued down the street, Dustin wondered if Sidney would object if he stole another kiss once they were alone. They turned on Church Street and headed toward the new mercantile. A half a block past the mercantile was the Knutson home, and the barn John was remodeling for his new business venture—
their
new business venture
.

A large buggy pulled out from the Knutson house and headed in their direction. As the conveyance got closer, Dustin recognized Mr. Knutson driving and his wife at his side. The passel of girls, as well as the nanny, were lined up on the two bench seats behind.

As they pulled alongside, he felt Sidney stiffen. He touched the brim of his hat, and Mr. Knutson smiled. The wife was a dour-faced woman who looked as if a smile was as foreign to her as it was to a prisoner at the hanging tree. As luck would have it, Rainey, the youngest—and as precocious as they came—was seated on their side of the buggy.

“Mr. McCutcheon,” she called out in a childish voice as the buggy went by slowly at a walk. “It’s almost dark out here.”

Knowing she was baiting Sidney, Dustin chuckled and smiled. What he wouldn’t give to tweak her cheek!

“Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Knutson,” he called, ignoring the pesky child’s taunt. “Beautiful night for a drive.”

“Absolutely, Mr. McCutcheon,” Mr. Knutson replied. “We’re enjoying our new home immensely.” He dipped his chin as he flipped the long reins.

As they pulled away, Sidney whispered, “I can tell by all the long faces. I wonder where they’re going?”

“I really don’t care as long as they take that little one far away.” He shook his head. “She gives me the chills.”

Sidney’s relaxed laughter brought a swell of pride to his chest. Things had happened quickly. They still knew so very little about each other, but he anticipated the learning.

They stopped in front of the mercantile, and looked through the window into the dark. The shelves were half full, and other merchandise sat around in no apparent order.

“Still a lot of work to do,” he said.

Sidney had become quiet, and he wondered why. Was she thinking of the uphill battle they had to climb?

Backtracking their steps, they turned onto Spring Street and headed for the hot springs, the twinkle of the street lamps creating a very fetching scene. He’d never beheld his hometown through eyes filled with love. He rather liked the view.

Now and then, a rider trotted by, or they’d catch a shout from someone celebrating a little too much at the Black Silk Garter. Life felt awfully good.

“Dustin, Miss Calhoun?” Cradle Hupton approached with his usual cup of coffee present. Dustin didn’t miss his look of disappointment at Sidney’s tight hold of his arm. “Good to see ya both,” he said.

“And you, Cradle. What’s new at the livery?”

The man shrugged, and then let out an ironic chuckle. “Not much happens there, Dustin. You know that.” His longing gaze traveled over to Sidney. “Patsy, my pony, somehow worked open the latch on my feed room and made a mess. I’m keepin’ an eye on her to be sure she don’t get colic.” He shrugged and looked around. “Your gelding has settled in fine, Miss Calhoun.”

“Thank you. You’ve been so helpful since our first meeting. I appreciate that greatly.”

Jealousy stabbed Dustin.

“My pleasure.” Cradle started forward. “I won’t keep you two any longer. Good evenin’.”

The three started off in opposite directions. They wouldn’t have time to stroll all the way to the hot springs, and be in before dark. As much as he hated to start back for the hotel, he knew they should.

Soon, he thought. Soon, we won’t have to go our separate ways—ever.

“Sidney Mayell Calhoun!” an angry voice rang out. “I’m ashamed!”

Sidney whirled before he could stop her.

In the dusky light, two horsemen approached, one hunched over with his left arm hanging at his side.