The Husband Hunt (Smoky Mountain Matches) (21 page)

Chapter Twenty-Three

N
athan smelled the bear before he saw him.

Resting his head against the tree—gently this time—he squinted against the early evening sunlight slanting across the forest. The scene was a peaceful one. Trees all around, a sloping mountain stream gurgling over moss-covered rocks, white and yellow flowers bobbing in the thick grass carpet. No clear sign of danger, but he knew it was there. Somewhere.

It didn’t matter if he sat motionless. The predator would catch a whiff of his scent, the sweat drenching his shirt and the blood from the head wound matted in his hair. And the fish. Black bears weren’t all that aggressive, but with a ready meal available, who knew what the outcome might be.

He prayed harder than he’d ever done before.

When he opened his eyes, his heart jumped into his throat. There, on the opposite bank, stood a massive animal. This was no youngster. This was a full-grown adult, his black eyes shiny, his nose bouncing as he sniffed the air.

Although it was a futile act, Nathan tugged again on the metal restraints around his wrists, wincing at the sting of skin rubbed raw. Even if he could get them off, he doubted he’d be able to free himself from the ropes securing him to the tree.

Sophie’s beautiful face drifted through his mind again, and he felt the sharp pang of regret. He prayed she was safe. That Landon’s threats had been empty, intended only to torment him.

Nathan must’ve blacked out, for the next thing he knew the beast’s rancid breath blasted his head. Looking up, he willed himself to stay absolutely still.

“Nathan!”

He jerked. Was he hallucinating?

“It’s going to be okay.” Sophie’s voice rang with promise.

There. To the left. He glimpsed her dear, sweet face, the pucker of determination on her forehead, the glint of the battered Winchester in her steady hands.

The bear shifted closer, his plate-size paws with razor-sharp claws about a foot from his feet. The metallic taste of fear entered his mouth.

“Uh, Sophie...” She loved bears. She wouldn’t—

Three quick reports of the rifle blasted through the forest. Again, Nathan jerked. The beast weaved on his feet before falling to the earth with a shudder. Nathan stared. It had been a clean shot, the second and third shots unnecessary. Guess she wanted to make certain...

Then she was there beside him, kneeling in the dirt, hands running over his arms and legs, checking for breaks. Blue eyes large and beseeching, she smoothed his hair, his cheeks. Her face lacked all color. Where she’d been cool and steady in the face of danger, she was now shaking like a leaf.

“No need to look at me like I’m going to disappear before your eyes,” he rasped, relief swamping him at the sight of her safe and sound.
Thank You, God.

“I’ll be right back.”

He got a little nervous when she disappeared into the woods. But she returned a minute later, leading her horse, canteen in hand.
Water.
Kneeling again, she lifted the canteen to his lips and helped him drink.

“Slow down,” she murmured. “A little at a time.”

Taking it away before he’d gotten his fill, she pulled out a knife and, going around to the other side of the tree, worked to free him.

“I’m sorry about the bear,” he said, knowing her actions would bother her later.

The tension around his shoulders and chest went slack as she cut through the last rope. He scooted upright. Coming around, she studied the fallen animal with a frown. “It was either him or you. Besides, it won’t go to waste. The meat and hide will go to a deserving family. You can help me decide who in town needs it most.”

Crouching behind him, her fingers skimmed his hair. When they encountered the knot, he sucked in a breath.

“What did Landon do to you?” Outrage and horror marked her words.

“Not as much as he could have.” Twisting, he studied her. “You haven’t seen him today, have you?”

Her brows winged up. “No. Why?”

He shook his head. “Never mind.”

Frown deepening, she bent to study his bound hands. “I can’t get these handcuffs open,” she lamented.

Nathan stiffened. “Did you hear that?”

“What?” Scrambling up, she skirted the bear and grabbed her rifle.

“Sounds like we might have company.”

Sophie helped him stand, then aimed her weapon in the direction he indicated, prepped for danger. When his brother rounded the bend, they both sagged with relief.

“Caleb!” Sophie lowered the rifle. “I didn’t know how long it’d take you to get here.”

Assessing gaze taking in the scene, Caleb dismounted and strode over. “You okay, Nate?”

“I’m fine, thanks to Sophie’s quick thinking.”

Caleb looked at the bear, then transferred his gaze to her. “How did you know to look here?”

“Because this is where Landon brought me that day.”

Remembering, Nathan felt fury burn in his gut. “We have to find him.”

Caleb grunted. “That ‘we’ doesn’t include you. You, dear brother, are going home and going to bed. As soon as we cut those handcuffs off.”

“I’m fine,” he protested.

Faced with their disbelieving stares, he insisted, “I’m just a little worn out, is all. And in need of a bath. After I get a fresh change of clothes and a bite to eat, I’ll be as good as new.”

His brother shook his head and strode to dig in his saddlebag for a pair of pincers. While he worked to cut him free, Caleb addressed Sophie. “Take him home. After I take care of this bear, I’ll meet up with Timmons and the men.” He clapped Nathan on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, we’ll find the louse and bring him to justice. We’ll make sure he doesn’t hurt anyone else again.”

Sophie caught his wince. “Doc Owens is going to be paying you a house call.”

“I don’t recall agreeing to this.”

They ignored him. And he wasn’t really in a condition to fight the issue. He was weaker than he’d first realized. Leaving Caleb behind, he and Sophie set off.

Halfway down the mountain, as dusk descended, he remarked, “You do realize you saved my life back there.”

The smile that had been absent too long transformed her face. “I guess.”

“I suppose it was your turn to be the hero, huh?”

“Me? A hero?” She laughed it off, carelessly shoving her ponytail behind her shoulder. “I don’t think so.”

“Oh, yes, you are. Your quick thinking, your skill and bravery, saved me. You are very much a hero in my eyes, Soph.”

She ducked her head, but not before he glimpsed her look of pleasure. “I couldn’t have done any of that without God’s help.”

He smiled at her humility and firm faith. If anyone had a reason to doubt, it was her. She was one amazing woman. Why had he waited too late to see it?

* * *

Sophie waited until Doc left to go upstairs to Nathan’s room.

“Your mom sent up another bowl of soup for you.” She hesitated beside the bed. “Do you want it now or should I put it on the table?”

Shifting beneath the blue-and-white quilt, he eyed the steam rising from the bowl. “I’ll wait for a bit.”

Upon their arrival two hours ago, he’d eaten two full bowls along with three biscuits slathered in butter and honey. His mother must be trying to make up for the meals he’d missed.

Sinking into the hard-backed chair that had been scooted close to the bed, Sophie folded her hands in her lap, unable to keep from examining him with her gaze. His hair and skin gleamed from a recent washing. Scruff yet darkened his jaw. The only visible signs of his ordeal were the bandages encircling his wrists.

“I’m fine.” His lips lifted in a smile meant to dispel her serious mood. “The only reason I’m in this bed is to avoid a fuss from you and Ma.”

“Just reassuring myself,” she quipped, grateful the sick, terrifying feeling was gone.
He was safe.

Josh appeared in the doorway. “I have news.”

“Spill it.” Nathan scooted up and settled against the headboard.

“I’ve just come from town, where they received a telegram from Sheriff Timmons. He has Landon in custody.”

Sophie squeezed her eyes tight. There’d be no more looking over her shoulder, no more worrying he’d return someday to wreak further havoc in their lives.

A warm hand covered hers. Looking up into Nathan’s familiar gaze, he gave her an encouraging nod. To Josh, he said, “Where did they catch him?”

“The outskirts of Sevierville.”

“I assumed he would’ve headed for North Carolina.”

“He may have needed supplies first.”

Mary’s voice drifted down the hall. Stepping inside the room, she smiled and smoothed her apron over her hips. “You have a visitor. Come on in.” She motioned.

Hat in his hands, Frank moved into their line of vision. Sophie froze. Could it be possible she hadn’t given a single thought to her fiancé in more than twenty-four hours? Reality came crashing in like a rogue wave, her brief happiness and relief slipping away.

His gaze fell on her and Nathan’s joined hands. “I, uh, heard about your ordeal, Nathan, and Sophie’s role in rescuing you. She’s something, isn’t she?”

Nathan’s expression closing, he smoothly removed his hand. “Yes, she certainly is.”

“I’m glad to see you’re both all right.” He smiled nervously at Sophie. “Mother doesn’t care that your actions were honorable. She doesn’t think you should’ve involved yourself in what was a man’s responsibility. However, I think she’ll cool off by Saturday.”

Sophie couldn’t think of a single response. Saturday. Only four days away.

“Bonnie is a fool.” Nathan’s demeanor turned frosty. “And so are you, Frank Walters, if you allow her to soil your relationship with Sophie. This young woman is a treasure. You ought to treat her as such.”

Sophie gaped. Josh cleared his throat, suppressing a smile. Mary shifted from one foot to the other. And Frank? Not surprisingly, he didn’t take offense.

“You’re absolutely right.” Coming forward, he settled a hand on Sophie’s shoulder. “I’m very fortunate she agreed to be my wife. I’ll do my utmost to be a good and faithful husband.”

She had to get out of there. Before she shook off his too-familiar touch and announced she didn’t want to marry him. That Nathan was the only man for her.

Bolting to her feet, she edged toward the door. “I, um, have to get going. Will is no doubt tired and ready to return home.”

“I’ll escort you.” Frank took a single step.

She put up a hand. “No, thank you. I’m tired, too. I need to go home and clean up.” Avoiding looking at Nathan, she said, “Goodbye, everybody.”

And then she fled, desperate for solitude.

* * *

Sophie was getting married tomorrow.

The fact dominated his every waking moment, weighing him down, making him feel like a man condemned.

Lugging a crate full of crocks to be washed, he turned the corner and smashed into Caleb. The crate slipped from his hands and crashed to the barn floor.

“Why don’t you watch where you’re going?” he demanded, crouching to inspect the damage. He lifted a jagged piece. “See what you made me do?” he huffed, hurling it down, impatience humming through him.

Caleb thumbed his hat brim up. “What
I
made you do? I was minding my own business when you came out of nowhere.”

Pushing upright, Nathan’s fists clenched. “You could’ve warned me you were there.”

Caleb’s eyes narrowed to slits. “You’re being unreasonable. What’s with you? I know you had a terrible ordeal, but these past few days you’ve been a bear. Even Ma doesn’t wanna be around you, and that’s sayin’ something.”

Nathan grimaced as shame swept through him. Caleb was right. He’d been grumpy and short with anyone and everyone who’d crossed his path. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have taken my foul mood out on you.”

Righting the crate, he began to gather the pieces strewed across the straw.

Caleb bent to help. “You didn’t answer my question. What’s bothering you? I’ve never seen you this unsettled.”

That’s because he’d never had his world upended before.

“Is it what happened with Landon? He’s in jail awaiting trial. He’s never coming back.”

“No, not that. It’s this whole wedding fiasco. Sophie shouldn’t have to marry if she doesn’t want to.”

Caleb frowned. “I agree. But what can we do?”

With the crate in his arms, Nathan walked back to the counter and plunked it down. “I did the only thing I could think of—I offered to marry her myself. She chose Frank instead.”

Caleb rocked back on his heels. “
You
proposed to Sophie?”

“Yeah.”

“I can’t believe it.” He huffed out a rusty laugh. “You’re in love with her.”

Nathan, hand poised to toss a shard into the waste bin, stilled. Stared at his brother. “No, I am not.”

“Oh, yeah.” Caleb nodded, grinning infuriatingly. “You most definitely are.”

Laying the shard on the counter, Nathan jammed his fists on his hips. “Just because Sophie’s happiness is important to me doesn’t mean I love her.”

“Her happiness is just as important to me, brother, but that doesn’t mean I’m prepared to make her my wife.”

“You’re wrong.” Seizing his hat from the counter, he smashed it on his head. “I’m going out for a while. Not sure what time I’ll be back.”

Caleb kept right on grinning. “Tell Sophie I said hi.”

Chapter Twenty-Four

“I
don’t wanna move to Frank’s.” Will slumped onto the bed stripped of linens, his narrow face sullen and wan, blue eyes brimming with accusation. Watching his home being dismantled was upsetting him as much as it was her.

Sophie wished she could make this transition easier. Carefully placing Granddad’s folded quilt into the shallow trunk at her feet, she went to sit beside him. “I know you don’t, but Frank’s mother can’t take care of their farm all by herself. It makes more sense for us to live with them. Eventually our animals and things will be moved over there.”

Sam O’Malley had promised to care for her animals until Frank finished the barn addition.

The pitiful way Will looked at her, like an abandoned puppy, broke her heart. “Do you have to marry him?”

“We’ve been over this already,” she reminded him gently, looping her arm around his shoulders. “It will take a little time, but we will adjust. We’ll learn to make the best of the situation.” They had no other choice.

He scuffed the floor with his shoe. “I guess it beats leaving Gatlinburg. I’ll still have my friends.”

“That’s true. You’ll go to the same church. The same school.” She hugged him close. “I like Frank. Don’t you?”

Will scratched his head. “He’s okay, I guess, but his ma’s an ole sourpuss.”

Sophie stifled a startled laugh. “You mustn’t call her that.” She searched for the right words. “Some people are hard to get to know at first.”

“Like Aunt Cordelia? She used to make me uncomfortable, but now I sort of like her.”

Sophie glanced through the open bedroom door, unable to see Cordelia or the Lamberts as they packed up their belongings. Hopefully they hadn’t overheard that last bit.

“Yes, like that,” she murmured. Although she suspected the outcome wouldn’t be the same with Bonnie, she had to encourage Will to treat her with respect. Their lives would proceed more smoothly if they all got along. “You never know what’s going on in a person’s life to make them the way they are. We’ll have to pray and ask God to help us be patient and kind.”

“I suppose.”

A heavy footstep on the stoop alerted her to a visitor. “I’ll go see who that is.”

Cordelia, who’d been stacking pots in a crate, reached the door first. “Nathan.” Over her shoulder, she shot Sophie a significant look. “Come in.”

Hat in his hands, he hesitated just inside the door. Sophie drank in the sight of him. His brown hair was a little on the shaggy side, and he hadn’t shaved in a day or two, if the dark stubble on his jaws and chin was anything to go by. The fact that he looked a bit of a mess, and a whole lot distracted, made him that much more appealing to her.

Foolish girl. He doesn’t want you. He told you so to your face. His near-death experience hasn’t changed a thing.

Poised beside the cold fireplace, Sophie twisted her hands, hating that, despite everything, she still longed to throw her arms around his waist and hug him tight.

“You’ll have to excuse the disorder,” Cordelia said into the strained silence. “We’re helping Sophie ready her things for the move to Frank’s.”

She winced. Did her aunt have to phrase it that way?

His molten gaze burned into Sophie’s. “I stopped by to see if Will might like to come fishing with me.”

Will shot out of the bedroom. “Of course I wanna go. Do you mind, Sophie?”

“Not at all.”

She recognized this for what it was—a sort of farewell outing. While their move would take them across town, their relationship with the O’Malleys, Nathan in particular, wouldn’t be the same.

Selfishly, she wished she could go along. That she could have one more carefree afternoon with him.

Nathan greeted Will with his usual smile, yet there was a sadness in his eyes he couldn’t hide. He silently waited as her brother located his shoes and hat.

Cordelia resumed her place in the kitchen.

“I packed snacks in case he gets hungry,” he told her. “We may be gone a couple of hours.”

Like a moth drawn to a flame, Sophie drifted closer. “Take all the time you need.”

“I’m ready.” Grinning with anticipation, Will plopped his hat onto his head and swung open the door. “Let’s go.”

With a halfhearted wave, Nathan turned and left, closing the door softly behind him. Sophie moved to the window and watched them go. Walking side by side, Nathan’s hand resting protectively on Will’s shoulder, her heart stuck in her throat. The pair could almost pass as father and son. At the very least, brothers.

Tomorrow would mark the beginning of a new life for her and Will. Mindful of everything she was turning her back on, she wondered if she was making the biggest mistake of her life.

* * *

Their outing proved to be a bittersweet experience. For the sake of the boy, Nathan put on a brave face, teasing and joking as he had in the past, chatting about nothing of consequence as they waited for the fish to bite. Inside, he was wondering how his and Sophie’s lives might have turned out if Tobias hadn’t died. If Cordelia hadn’t interfered.

He wasn’t naive enough to believe Sophie would have remained single forever. She was too sweet, too incredible, for the men in this town not to have noticed, given enough time. But they were out of time, weren’t they? After tomorrow, she’d be Mrs. Frank Walters.

A strange sense of impending disaster spiraled through him, leaving him with the impression that if she went through with this wedding, his chance at happiness was lost forever.

Fanciful thinking again, O’Malley? You told her you didn’t care who you married.

He glanced across at Will lounging on the opposite bank, hair in his eyes and looking content for a change. Poor kid. He’d faced a lot of uncertainty and upheaval lately.

Frank better treat him right, or he’ll answer to me,
he silently vowed.

“It’s time for us to head back, buddy.”

Will’s brows snapped together. “Already?”

“Your sister will be wanting you home for supper.” Reluctantly, he gathered his pail and pole. “I didn’t have much success today.” He showed Will the three small fish he’d caught. “How about you?”

“Me, either.” He lifted his bucket.

“Just one, huh? At least it isn’t scrawny like mine.”

Will peered up at him with wide, somber eyes so much like Sophie’s it made his chest hurt. “Will you still wanna spend time with me after Sophie marries Frank?”

Nathan stopped in his tracks. Bent to his level. “We’re friends, right?”

He slowly nodded.

“Just because you’re moving to a new house doesn’t mean we can’t hang out. I still need a fishing buddy.”

An uncertain smile lifted his lips.

“And you know you’re welcome at our house anytime. Ma is continually baking up batches of sweets. Caleb and Pa and I need someone to help us eat it all so we don’t get fat.” He patted his stomach.

Will’s eyes lit with appreciation. “Miss Mary is the best cook around.”

“Listen, I want you to remember that you can talk to me about anything. Anytime you need to get something off your chest, come and see me. That’s another thing friends do. They help each other.”

“Okay.” Will appeared to be satisfied with Nathan’s answer.

“Good.” He straightened, taking note of the sun’s lowered position in the sky beyond the trees. “We’d better make tracks.”

When they approached the cabin, Nathan noticed the Lamberts’ wagon was gone and his cousin’s horse was in the yard. What was Nicole doing here?

As they stowed their gear in the barn, he hated to think of the Tanner homestead empty and abandoned, the buildings crumbling from neglect. Tobias and Sophie had worked tirelessly to keep the place up and running. It must be killing her to leave it.

Reaching the door a second before him, Will shoved it open and went inside to hang up his hat and wash his hands. Nathan followed closely behind. The girlish chatter ceased at once, calling his attention to the far corner of the room. He halted abruptly, jaw going slack at the sight that greeted him.

Framed by the window, the gentle light setting her hair to shimmering like burnished gold, Sophie stood modeling her bridal gown. His gaze skimmed over the details, soaking in the overall impression of pure, natural beauty. This wasn’t a fussy dress. Simple yet elegant, like the woman wearing it. The soft white material clung lovingly to her curves, the sweeping neckline affording him a generous glimpse of gently sloping shoulders and creamy skin, the short puffed sleeves revealing smooth, tanned arms, dainty wrists and graceful hands.

In a word, she was stunning.

Sophie should be my bride, not Frank’s. He doesn’t love her like I do.

Nathan’s heart knocked wildly against his rib cage.

What a crazy thought. This was Soph. His
friend.

The friend you’ve fallen in love with.

Sophie was watching him intently, head tilted to one side as if trying to decipher his reaction.

“You shouldn’t be seeing her like this,” Cordelia chided, arching that imperious brow of hers at him, intimidating despite her casual dress and lack of feathered creation atop her head.

Crouched at the hem, Nicole gave a dismissive wave. “It doesn’t matter if Nathan sees her dress. He’s not the groom.”

He’s not the groom.
The words struck him with the force of a horse’s hoof to the head.

The intensity of his feelings was wholly alien to him. Like a turbulent, roaring river overflowing its banks, it ripped away his reserve, those previously held notions that love and romance were for everyone else but him, that he would be perfectly content on his own, that he and his childhood friend would never, ever, suit.

Lies. All of them.

He. Loved. Sophie. Laughing or arguing, he loved her. Happy or sad, dusty overalls or pristine skirts, he loved her.

“I want Sophie for myself,” he whispered the words out loud.

Strange, the sun didn’t fall from the sky. The buildings around him didn’t collapse into piles of dust. The ground didn’t open up and swallow him whole.

“What was that?” Cordelia asked. “Nicole was speaking. We couldn’t hear you.”

His fingers tightened on his hat, unknowingly crumpling it. “Nothing.”

So the world hadn’t stopped turning. There was just one problem—he’d come to the realization too late. She’d made her choice. Hadn’t he caused her enough trouble for one lifetime? Loving her meant he had to respect her decision. Loving her meant he had to do the right thing and let her go.

No matter how much it killed him to do so, he’d wish her well. And plead with God to help him get over her.

* * *

Nathan looked as if he’d been conked on the head with a milk pail. Not exactly a reaction to inspire a girl’s confidence.

Admit it,
an inner voice accused,
you harbored the hope that one look at you in this amazing dress and he’d fall at your feet and declare his undying devotion.

That hope died a swift death.

She fidgeted, earning a warning glance from his cousin, who was attempting to shorten the dress’s hem. “Stand still. I don’t want to accidentally poke you.”

“I need to talk to Sophie,” Nathan stated, serious and determined.

What now? she wondered frantically. Another argument? More hurtful truths?

“Go ahead,” Nicole murmured, black head bent to her task, “don’t let us stop you.”

Advancing into the room, Nathan set his hat on the sofa and slipped his hands into his pockets. “Alone.” His tone brooked no argument.

“We don’t have time for this—”

“I’m sure we could afford to give them five minutes of privacy,” Cordelia spoke up, surprising the other women. To Nicole, she suggested, “Why don’t we take a short stroll? I’m sure you could do with a bit of fresh air after the long hours you’ve put in. Besides, I’ve heard rumors of a boutique, and I’d like to hear your plans.”

“Oh.” Her violet eyes sparked with anticipation. Wedging the pin into the material, she stood and wagged a finger at Sophie. “Don’t move from this spot. Got it?”

“Got it.”

“Come along, Will,” her aunt called to the bedroom, “we’re going outside for a bit.”

When the trio had left them alone, the cabin walls seemed to close in on her, an undercurrent of urgency vibrating the air between them.

“How are you feeling?” she asked.

“My head’s a bit tender, but other than that, I’m as good as new.”

Nathan approached with measured steps. Coming very near, careful not to let his boots soil her dress, his hungry gaze roamed her face. “You look like a dream.”

Sophie commanded her heart to slow down.

Her disobedient hand lifted, lightly caressed the side of his head, his brown hair tickling her skin. “You’ve let your hair grow out.”

His mouth quirked even as he grasped her hand and, lowering it, held on tight. “I look like a shaggy mutt.”

With his warm, capable fingers clinging to hers, time slowed, her breathing slowed, her blood turned to sludge in her veins. His beautiful mouth was near enough to kiss.

“No, it suits you.” Her voice came out scratchy. “I like the stubble, too.”

He looked approachable, easy this way. Less forbidding.

You’re getting married tomorrow. Or have you forgotten?

Nathan gingerly tucked a curl behind her ear, silver eyes bright like the midnight stars. “All I’ve ever wanted was for you to be happy.” A frown tugged at his lips. Releasing her hand, he stuffed his deep into his pockets. “I wanted to tell you that no matter what happens in the future, I’ll always be here for you. We’ve been friends for as long as I can remember, and that’s not going away. Not ever.”

Her heart broke a little. What had she expected? Pressing her hands against her middle, she nodded, willed away the what-ifs, the broken dreams. “I know.”

“Don’t forget it,” he said with a fierce smile. “Promise.”

“I promise.”
Please, please go now. I’m not as strong as you think.

“Good.” With a slow pivot, he walked to the sofa and retrieved his hat. At the door, he stopped and looked back. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Then he left her. And she feared the words they’d just exchanged were nothing more than optimistic lies.