The Bounty Hunter's Bride (18 page)

“I cut in, didn’t I?”

She huffed. “
That
was like dancing with my brother.” It hadn’t been, but that’s how she saw it now.

His eyes stayed locked on hers. “Is that how you felt?”

“No.” Her voice squeaked. “But no one else asked. Josh danced with me out of pity. You did it out of worry.”

“You’re wrong.”

She could at least be honest. “I know what I saw.”

“I know what you
didn’t
see.” He was still holding her arm, lightly, but she felt the warmth of his grip. “I was standing right behind you. If a man didn’t measure up, I gave him the evil eye.”

“You
what?
”

“I chased the men off—all of them.”

“You don’t have that right!” Not even her brother had been so high-handed. “Why did you do it?”

“I care about you.”

Her breath hitched. “You mean as a friend.”

“I mean—” He sealed his lips, then slipped his arms around her middle and held her gently against his chest. His lips brushed her hair, her temple. When she tilted her face up to his, he kissed her lips. The caress held all the restraint he’d shown in the kitchen, but this time his arms were around her. She felt…wanted.

Beau raised his face from hers, then tucked her head under his chin where she heard the pounding of his heart.

“You’re beautiful, Dani. Any man—”

“I don’t want any man.” The truth had to be told. “I want you, Beau. I love you.”

“Don’t.”

He’d spoken firmly but hadn’t let her go. Dani took it as a confession. “Why not?”

“I can’t love you back. At least not yet.”

He kissed the top of her head, then released her. Warmth filled Dani from top to bottom. Beau hadn’t denied his feelings for her. He’d gone to war with them. It was a battle he had to win for himself, but Dani intended to fight at his side. She looked into his eyes. “It’s because of Clay Johnson, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

“There are other ways to find him,” she said. “You could hire a detective.”

He shook his head.

“What about the law? Sheriff Dawes—”

“Isn’t much of a lawman.”

Dani’s heart sank. “The U.S. marshals?”

“They don’t care like I do.” Beau turned his back on her. “I don’t expect you to understand. What I feel goes beyond reason. Bringing Johnson to justice is something I have to do.”

“For Lucy,” she said.

Beau shook his head. “She’d call me a fool.”

“Then why keep going?”

“If I give up now, I’ve wasted five years.”

“You could waste five more.”

“I know that, but I can’t rest until Johnson’s dead.”

Dani felt as if she’d stumbled into a grave waiting for a body. The hole was deep and dark with slick slides. She didn’t know how to climb out. Beau hadn’t said he loved her, but his kiss had given her hope. She braided that hope with love and faith, then prayed silently that God would be merciful to this man who’d lost so much.

“What are you going to do?” she asked.

“Same thing as before. As soon as the adoption’s final, I’m leaving. You’ll have a farm and three little girls.”

Dani’s heart squeezed with loneliness. “You were right, you know.”

“About what?”

“I want more. I want a husband.”

He turned around but didn’t come closer. “I care for you, Dani. I won’t say how much because there’s no point. I’m leaving.”

“But you’ll come back.”

Beau shook his head. “It could be months, even years. I won’t ask you to wait for me. There are some good men here. Find one who’ll love you and the girls.”

Beau meant well, but she’d had it with his domineering ways. “Isn’t that for me to decide?”

“No.”

Dani’s temper flared. “It’s not for
you
to decide, either.”

“All right,” he said. “We’ll toss a coin. Heads you marry the rancher. Tails you waste the next five years of your life waiting for a man who’s so filled with hate he’s not worth knowing. Is that what you want?”

“You’re not filled with hate. You love the girls.”
Do you love me, too?
She didn’t need to voice the question. Beau could see it in her eyes. In his, she saw the answer but knew he wouldn’t say it.

He angled his chin at the schoolhouse. “Go dance with the rancher.”

She refused to budge. “Do you know what I think?”

“What?”

“You’re tired of the chase but too stubborn to admit it.”

“You bet I’m tired.” His voice shook with fury. “I want this fight to be over, but it’s not. That
almighty
God of yours let a killer get away.”

“I could be angry, too.” She’d lost Patrick, yet that suffering had brought her into Beau’s world and given her a new life. “We don’t always understand why things happen the way they do, but we can still trust God to know our needs.”

“That’s rubbish.”

“It’s true.” She set down her pride. “The letters from Patrick, do you know what I realized?”

“What?”

“He’s been reunited with Beth. He’s happy now.”

Beau sneered. “Tell that to the girls.”

“They’ve suffered,” Dani admitted. “But it’s just for now. They’ll see their parents in Heaven. I can’t explain the in-between times, but I know that love matters.”

Beau crossed his arms. “You don’t know squat.”

“I know you’re living in the past.” Dani could scarcely believe her boldness, but Beau needed to hear what she had to say. “Lucy would be ashamed of you. She’d want you to live a good life.”

Beau stared at her with burning eyes. Dani ached to reach for his hand but resisted. She loved him and wanted to help him, but only God could soften his heart. Until he made peace with the past, the future glimmered beyond their reach. They were trapped in the present between hate and love. Dani didn’t like the tension between them. Believing love would win, she held out her gloved hand. “I’m sorry we argued.”

Beau looked at her fingers, cotton-white in the dark, then took her hand and squeezed. “I am, too. Let’s go inside.”

“I’d like that.”

She didn’t expect to dance again, but she could stand at Beau’s side. At least that’s what she hoped until they reached the front of the schoolhouse where he stopped in the yard. “Go on,” he said. “I have an errand to run.”

“Where are you going?”

“The Silver River.”

“Oh.” If he left, the rancher and others would ask her to dance. She didn’t want to dance with anyone but Beau. She squeezed his hand. “Could we go home instead?”

“I have to see Wallace.”

Before she could tempt him with cake, the doors to the schoolhouse opened and the crowd spilled into the yard. Ellie spotted Beau and ran up to him. “The fireworks are starting! Let’s get a good spot.” The child gripped her uncle’s hand and tugged.

Dani looked at Beau. His expression changed from a mulelike stubbornness to the way T.C. looked with a ball of string.

“Sounds like fun,” he said to the child. He turned to Dani, who’d been joined by Emma and Esther. “We’ll stay for the fireworks.”

With the girls clutching their hands, they walked to the field behind the schoolhouse, the one where they’d kissed in the pines. Someone launched a rocket that exploded into a giant star. It lit up the sky then faded to nothing. Beau reached for Dani’s hand and squeezed. The show lasted for ten minutes, with each burst of light soaring into the dark and filling the night with hope. The girls clapped and cheered. Even Beau had an air of joy as the manmade stars filled the sky with sulfur and smoke.

When it was over, Esther yawned.

Dani looked at Beau. “Do you still want to go to the Silver River?”

He glanced at Esther, then ruffled her hair. “The girls are tired. We’ll head home.”

Dani smiled her approval.

For tonight, Beau had put love ahead of hate. He made a good uncle. He’d be an even better father. She didn’t know what tomorrow held, but God did. Silently she prayed for a future with Beau, one full of stars and sleepy children.

W
hen Beau saw Trevor Scott driving his buggy into the yard, he knew the man had bad news. Tomorrow at twelve noon, he and Dani were supposed to sign the adoption papers in the presence of a judge. Something must have gone wrong to pull the attorney away from his desk. Dressed in a suit and a bowler hat, he’d come on a formal call.

Beau had been questioning the choice he’d made, to chase Clay rather than stay in Castle Rock, with every waking breath. Aside from his feelings for Dani, he’d lost more of his heart to the girls. He wanted to be a part of their everyday lives, not a favorite uncle who showed up once a year with presents. They needed a man who’d be a father to them. Someone who’d teach them things and chase away boys when the time came.

Once the judge signed the papers, Beau would be free to leave. Howie had agreed to work for the rest of the summer, and Josh had offered to help Dani with any hiring she had to do. The alfalfa had sprouted, and Beau had finished the silo. Two days from now, he expected to be riding into the heart of Sparrow Canyon.

“Hello, Morgan,” Scott called. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“What happened?”

“I’d like to speak in private. Is there a place—”

“This way.”

Beau led the attorney to the side of the barn where he sat when he couldn’t sleep. Dani wouldn’t see them. Earlier she’d lugged the washtub into the backyard and asked for his dirty clothes. Confident he and Scott would be alone, Beau indicated the only chair. “Have a seat.”

Scott stayed on his feet. “I received a letter from Harriet Lange’s attorney. She’s fighting for custody. Judge Hall put a hold on the adoption.”

Beau couldn’t believe his ears. “On what grounds?”

“She claims you’re unfit to be guardian.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

Beau didn’t drink, rarely cussed and treated women with the utmost respect. In Denver he’d upheld his badge with an integrity that still made him proud. Harriet Lange had slapped Emma for touching a teacup. The woman had a fight on her hands and it wasn’t with a little girl. Beau tucked away his temper and focused on Scott. “What’s she saying?”

“The things I mentioned before.”

“The Silver River?”

Scott nodded.

“I haven’t been since we spoke.” But he’d wanted to go. Badly. Not visiting Wallace after the dance had left Beau twisting in the wind. Late at night, he imagined Johnson watching, waiting for him. Only his concern for Dani had kept him from making a late-night ride.

“There’s more,” Scott said. “Miss Lange doesn’t believe Miss Baxter will provide a secure home for the children.”

Beau fought to stay calm. “That’s ridiculous.”

“Is it?” Scott asked. “Miss Baxter is young and single. What will happen to the girls if she marries?”

“Dani loves them. That won’t change.”

“But surely you can see the concern.”

Beau had shared it. He still did but for different reasons. He wanted to marry her himself. “Like I said, Dani’s loyal.”

“That may be true,” Scott said. “But what matters is the judge’s perception. As things stand, Miss Lange and Miss Baxter are both single women. Miss Lange is a blood relative, has a small but stable income and family members who’ll provide moral and financial support. Miss Baxter is young, unemployed—”

Beau frowned. “She runs this place.”

“Again, Mr. Morgan. I’m talking about
perceptions.
”

The attorney spoke as if he were in court, planting seeds that would grow into thoughts. Beau had used that trick, too. “What are you getting at?”

“If you and Miss Baxter were to marry—”

“Marry?”

The attorney held up one hand. “Hear me out, Mr. Morgan.”

Beau didn’t know whether to cover his ears or hang on to every word the man said. Marry Dani? But what about Clay Johnson? Beau had spent too many years to give up now.

Scott laced his hands behind his back. “As I was saying, if you and Miss Baxter were to marry, Miss Lange’s case would be significantly weakened. The girls would have a mother
and
a father.” The attorney looked Beau in the eye. “What happens after the legalities is no one’s business but yours. An annulment—”

“I know what you’re saying.” Beau had taken vows. He knew what made a marriage real. “When do we have to decide?”

“The sooner, the better.”

“I’ll let you know.”

The attorney tipped his hat and walked back to the buggy, leaving Beau alone behind the barn. His mind spun with the possibilities. If he and Dani took vows, the adoption would be settled. He’d be free to leave, but Dani wouldn’t be free at all. She’d be tied to him until he came back or she had the marriage annulled. They wouldn’t consummate the union. He wouldn’t even kiss her again.

Once he found Johnson, he’d come home. He’d be free to make the marriage everything Dani dreamed it would be. Cozy talks and morning coffee. Children of their own…Beau stopped himself from going down that road. If he thought too long about loving Dani, he’d go to her and drop to one knee. He’d ask her to marry him for real, then regret it every time he saw the color pink. Tonight he’d tell Dani about Scott’s suggestion. If she agreed, he’d make arrangements for the ceremony. A judge would marry them without questions, but Beau wanted Josh to do it. This would be a marriage in name only until he caught Clay, but the vows mattered to him.

Before he spoke to Dani, he wanted to clear the plan with Josh. He headed for the barn to saddle his horse. T.C., well fed from milk and hunting mice, lay asleep in a pile of straw. Beau envied the cat to the point of sinfulness. The feline had a soft bed, food in his belly and four females who scratched his ears. Beau liked living on the farm. He had a reason to get up in the morning and went to bed satisfied with a day’s work. What more could a man ask? Nothing…except peace of mind.

He saddled his horse, led it into the yard, then went to find Dani. He didn’t like leaving her alone on the farm, but more than a week had passed since he’d ridden with Dawes. He felt certain Johnson had either left to sell the stolen horses or holed up somewhere to plan another raid. Even so, Beau wouldn’t be gone long. He’d have a word with Josh, visit Wallace and be home by supper.

He found Dani behind the house, scrubbing the collar of his shirt with a vengeance. The dirt didn’t stand a chance. Neither did Beau’s heart. With wisps of hair sticking to her neck and her cheeks flushed, she couldn’t have been prettier. Beau surveyed the yard and saw Emma hanging a pinafore on the clothesline. In the garden he saw Esther digging in the dirt and Ellie pouring out a bucket of rinse water.

The girl had a sly look in her eyes. Before he could speak, she touched her finger to her lips, signaling him to stay quiet. Being fond of mischief himself, Beau winked at her.

Tiptoeing, Ellie snuck up behind Emma and splashed the dregs of the bucket on her older sister.

Emma cried out in shock.

Ellie dropped the bucket and took cover behind Beau. Showing no fear—a fact that warmed him—Emma grabbed a second bucket, the one at Dani’s feet, and charged at them. Ellie had been armed with a cup or so of water. Emma had two gallons and wanted revenge. She got it by dousing Ellie. Beau got caught in the crossfire.

Dripping wet, he laughed. “You’re going to regret that, young lady!”

Emma grinned. “Now you don’t need a bath!”

“No, but Esther does.” Beau indicated the little girl in the garden. “I think she’s eating bugs.”

Groaning, Ellie and Emma went to fetch their sister. Beau turned to Dani. Her eyes were focused square on his chest. Her expression made his heart pound.

Looking down, she went back to scrubbing the shirt. “You’re as wet as I am.”

“Almost.”

Blotches of water had turned the white apron to a dull gray. Beau looked in the tub where he saw more of his clothes. Dani worked hard. She deserved the best life he could provide. That meant securing the adoption and settling his score with Johnson.

He rested his hand on the edge of the tub. “I have to go to town.”

She stopped scrubbing. “Why?”

He didn’t want to mention Scott’s visit. “I have to see Josh.”

She raised her eyes. “Is something wrong?”

“Not a thing,” he said. “Do you need anything from town?”

She smiled. “Butterscotch?”

Dani liked sweets. He’d buy a pound of the candy, maybe two. He felt generous these days, as if he couldn’t give her enough. He’d be leaving in a few days. That called for gifts for the girls, something special for Dani. They deserved more, but trinkets were the best he could do. After promising to be home for supper, Beau went back to his room to change his shirt, climbed on his horse and rode to the parsonage.

As he neared the house, he saw Josh in front of the church with a brush and a can of paint. Half of the front wall looked new. The other was weathered and worn from the sun.

Beau dismounted and called a greeting.

Josh looked over his shoulder. “Perfect timing. Grab a brush.”

“I can’t stay.”

“So what’s up?” Josh kept painting.

Beau felt like a louse for not helping, but the thought of whitewashing the church left a sour taste. In Denver, he’d pounded nails and hauled lumber. God might have noticed his efforts, but he hadn’t cared enough to save Lucy.

“Come on down,” Beau called.

“You come up.”

Josh could be stubborn. If Beau had to shout, so be it.

“Something’s come up with the adoption.” He told the minister about Miss Lange’s concerns about Dani. “I’m sure you can see the problem.”

Beau hoped Josh would put the pieces together and bring up marriage. Instead the minister dragged the brush up and down. To Beau, each stroke felt like a mile. He wanted to arrange the wedding and be on his way. Josh acted as if he had all the time in world. “How can I help?”

Beau tried to sound matter-of-fact. “We need a marriage certificate.”

Josh stopped the brush at the highest mark, then brought it down with a long swipe. He put it in the bucket, then faced Beau. “That’s an odd way to ask me to marry you and Dani.”

“It’s a marriage in name only.”

“I see.”

“This is the surest way to give Dani and the girls a real home.” Beau heard his pleading tone. He’d begged just once in his life—for God to save Lucy. The answer had been no and he’d never done it again.

Josh ambled across the porch and sat on the top step. “Has Dani agreed?”

“I haven’t told her yet.”

“I see.” Josh’s eyes drilled into him.

Beau widened his stance. “Will you help us or not?”

“I have a question for you.”

“Go ahead.”

“How does a fake marriage give Dani a real home?”

Beau should have seen the fight coming. Josh took marriage seriously, but he’d also been unpredictable. He made some couples wait a year for his blessing. For others he spoke the vows the same day. Beau didn’t need Josh’s help. He and Dani could go to the courthouse, but he wanted the minister to understand. For Dani’s sake, he wanted Josh’s approval.

Beau wished he’d picked up the paintbrush. “It’s a legal arrangement, nothing more.”

“What’ll you tell the girls?”

“Nothing.”

“What’s Dani supposed to say when men come calling?”

“She’ll say no.” Beau didn’t like the thought of other men at all. “We have feelings for each other. I’d stay if I could.”

“You can.”

“You don’t understand.”

“I think I do,” Josh replied. “You love Dani and the girls. You want to provide for them. Is that right?”

“Yes.”

“You also want to see Clay Johnson hang.”

Beau nodded.

“You’ve figured out how to have it all. You tie up the woman you love in an empty marriage, get revenge against Clay, then come home and expect her to be happy about it.”

Beau felt sucker punched. He hadn’t considered Dani’s feelings at all. “If she wants an annulment, I’ll give it to her.”

“And that will fix things?” Josh looked incredulous.

“It’s all I can do.”

“It’s flat-out stupid.”

Beau didn’t want to hear a rant, but he’d knocked on the door and Josh had swung it wide. The minister came down the steps, hooked his thumbs in his trousers and got in Beau’s face.

“This plan is so selfish I can’t believe
you
conjured it up! If you marry Dani in name only, you’ll break her heart. Both today and every night she goes to bed alone. You
know
what marriage means. Dani doesn’t, not yet. I’m not going to ruin her hopes with a big, fat lie.”

“It’s not a lie,” Beau said. “It’s an answer.”

“A bad one.”

Josh started to pace. “I’m not naive, Beau. People marry for all sorts of reasons. Not everyone’s head over heels in love. Sometimes marriage is born out of need and the love comes later. But what’s got to be at the foundation—always—is truth.”