The Ranger Takes a Bride (18 page)

Chapter Twenty-Two

Alejandra
gripped Edward's hand as he led her straight to Pepper. After Edward mounted, the Ranger named McLellan moved toward Alejandra. She shifted away from him, pressing into Edward's leg and the horse's side. Even though these men had just helped her. Saved her life. The instinct to flee from any man with a soldier’s badge would be hard to overcome.

"It's all right, love. He's going to help you up on Pepper." Edward's voice was quiet enough for her ears alone to hear.

Inhaling a deep breath, she allowed the man to help her mount behind Edward. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she snuggled in close, absorbing his heat and security. Edward's hand held hers firmly in place.

They started out at a walk, following behind the rest of the men as they wound through the woods. When they reached the road, the others turned left, but Edward reined his horse to the right. Toward home. And what a story she would have to tell.

"You up for a slow canter?" Edward's voice rumbled against her cheek as she pressed her face to his back.

She sat up straighter to speak into his ear, lest her voice be carried away by the wind. "Sì."

Pepper struck out into a rolling lope, and she tightened her grip around Edward as she tried to settle into the rocking motion. The horse was smoother than most, but she had the feeling if she didn't hang on tight, she would float right off the back.

A few minutes later, Edward slowed the gelding to a walk. Relief washed over Alejandra as her muscles relaxed. Her stomach took that opportunity to release a loud grumble. Heat flooded up her neck and into her face.

Edward twisted to look at her, and she caught the lines furrowing his forehead. "I'm sorry. I didn't think about whether you'd eaten. There's some jerky in that saddle bag behind you. Might be a peppermint stick, too."

She opened the flap where he pointed, and found the canvas bag she usually packed with food for him to take on assignments. The familiar sight sent a twinge through her chest. She'd be home soon. Inside were two slices of dried meat and a single white stick-like object. Was this all the food he'd planned to eat tonight? It wouldn't be enough for them both.

She held the meager supplies in her palm for him to take, but he closed her hand over the food, pushing it away. "They're for you. I've had about all the jerky I can stomach over the last week." He rubbed his flat midsection as he spoke.

Her stomach ached, and the threat of another loud noise kept her from protesting. "Gracias." Within minutes, the meat was gone. She held up the white stick, examining it in the fading light. She'd never seen anything like it, but she'd heard peppermint sticks were a kind of sweet candy. Edward would enjoy it later. Tucking it back in the canvas sack, she nestled the material in the saddle bag, then buckled the latch and slipped her arms back around Edward. Snuggled against him like this, she could ride all night.

~ ~ ~

"
Alejandra
, love. It's time to wake up."

The soft pillow beneath Alejandra's head shifted, and she clutched tighter to hold it in place.

"Alejandra."

That voice. It flowed over her like warm honey. Soothing and sweet. The pillow shifted under her cheek, and strong arms tightened around her. A familiar scent filled her nostrils, a mixture of man and nature.

Alejandra forced her eyes open, just as something soft and a little warm touched her forehead. She blinked. Then drew back. Edward sat beside her. A rakish grin touched the side of his mouth as he watched her.

She looked around, trying to sort through the fog in her brain. She sat…on a horse?

Then it all rushed back. The outlaws. Edward saving her. They'd been riding. Heat flamed into her face. She must have fallen asleep.

He slid from the animal's back, and she glanced around again. They were in some kind of building, with a wide open door to her back, and a hard-packed dirt floor littered with hay. Edward reached to help her down, and Alejandra complied.

"I've got a stall ready for the gelding." A baritone voice drifted from the shadows, loud and commanding.

She startled, and Edward slipped a hand around her back. "Thanks, Simon. I'll be back for him in the morning." Edward's tone was strong and steady, which helped settle the rapid beat in her chest.

He untied his saddle bags and the sling that held his rifle, then gripped Alejandra's elbow and escorted her toward the open doorway. "You think you can eat before we call it a night?"

Alejandra jerked her gaze to his face. They were going to sleep here? Where? Surely he didn't mean anything indecent.

A hint of a grin touched his face. "There's a hotel just across the street. I'm sure they'll have a couple rooms open for us."

A hotel? A trickle of unease tightened her stomach. She'd never stayed in a hotel before. They cost too much. Were they so far from home they couldn't make it tonight? But he was probably exhausted, too. He'd been away from the ranch for almost a week now.

With an exhale, Alejandra resigned herself to follow Edward's lead, and soon they entered a large room with several square tables surrounded by chairs. The aromas that wafted through the air started her middle rumbling again. She pressed a hand to her waist to keep it from growing louder.

"Ya'll sit anywhere you like." A lady with dark ebony skin flashed them a perky smile as she filled mugs for a group of four men.

Edward guided Alejandra to a table in the corner. She reached for a seat, but he tugged her elbow toward the chair he pulled out. Despite the fact she'd been sitting all day, Alejandra sank into it, relishing the comfort of the padded cushion.

When he moved around the table to settle into the seat across from her, her arm felt alone without his touch. His gaze settled over her, drinking in every nuance of her features. Alejandra's hand crept to the braid that hung over her right shoulder. What must she look like after such a long, harrowing day? She probably had wispy hairs flying every direction, dirt streaking her face, and who knew what else.

Edward's lips tipped as his brown eyes darkened. He leaned forward on his elbows, shrinking the table between them. Stretching a hand, he stroked her cheek with the tips of his fingers. "You're beautiful." His voice came out deep, raspy. As if the emotion were so strong he couldn't speak it.

Their gazes locked, and she fought the urge to lean into his touch.

The dark-skinned woman appeared beside them. Edward pulled his hand back, holding her gaze for a moment longer before he turned to the woman and gave her a smile that would melt any woman's heart. But she didn't spare him a glance as she set two mugs on the table and poured steaming coffee. "Miz Myra's makin' fried chicken, and fried steak. Take yer pick."

Edward quirked a brow at Alejandra, but must have caught confusion on her face. He leaned forward and ran a finger over the top of her hand. "Miss Myra's a fine cook, so I’m sure they're both good. She makes fried steak and gravy like Anna does. It's one of my favorites." The sparkle in his eyes said it was better than good.

Alejandra's mouth curved. "I'd like to try it."

Edward turned to the woman holding the coffee pot. "Two fried steak plates, ma'am. And can you ask Miss Myra to add extra gravy, please?"

The woman bobbed her head and hurried away, and Alejandra nibbled her lower lip. "Speaking of Anna, they might be worried at the ranch. Do you think we should try to get home tonight?"

Edward leaned forward on his elbows again. "I planned to send a telegram as soon as I get you settled in the hotel. It's still another five or six hours to the ranch, so I think it'd be better to get a good night's sleep first." Twin lines appeared between his brows. "Unless you want to leave now."

Heat crept into Alejandra's chest, leaving a warm cozy feeling there. Edward was so accommodating. His exhaustion was plain from the creases at the corners of his eyes and the shadows under his lower lashes. But he still offered to ride another six hours just because she wanted to. "We can go tomorrow."

The lines between his brows softened. "Would you prefer to ride home in a buggy or on horseback?"

A buggy? The ache in her legs proclaimed how long it had been since she'd ridden a horse all day. Sitting on a leather seat would surely be easier. But then her mind brought back the memory of being snuggled behind Edward, safe in his shadow. Not much could compare to that. "I'd be happy to ride with you. Like today." Flames crept up her neck, spreading through her cheeks. How bold she was being with this man.

Edward's mouth tipped in a rakish grin that flashed his dimple, his eyes twinkling. "I was hoping you'd say that."

Footsteps sounded behind Alejandra, and the dark-skinned
camarera
appeared at their table with two plates of steaming food. A rich, comforting aroma drifted from the dishes as she studied the contents. A sizeable chunk of beefsteak and a mound of fluffy potatoes, both smothered in brown gravy like the kind Anna had taught her to make for Christmas. Some sort of a wet, green leafy food filled the remaining section of the plate. Interesting.

Edward thanked the woman, and she bobbed a curtsey before moving to another table. Alejandra looked up to see what Edward would do next. His mouth tipped on one side, and his hand stretched across the table toward her, palm up. "Shall we say a prayer?"

Tension fled from her shoulders and she reached out her own hand. His fingers hid her small hand in his strong one. "Sì." She had much to thank God for.

Edward's rich voice calmed the last of her nerves, as he thanked the Lord for the food before them. "And, Father, thank you most of all for keeping Alejandra safe. And bringing me to her…and her to me." His voice cracked on the last words, and his grip tightened around her hand.

Alejandra wanted nothing more than to snuggle in his arms, and feel his love and security wrapping around her. But the table stood between them, so she settled for squeezing his hand.

After a pause, he finished the prayer with "Gracias, Dio. Amen." When he opened his eyes, they shone with the same emotion that laced his voice during the prayer. Edward cleared his throat, then loosened his grip, rubbing the pad of his thumb over the back of her hand as he released it. "Shall we eat?"

Tearing her gaze away from Edward, she focused on the food cooling on her plate. The aroma renewed the hunger tightening her stomach. Alejandra gathered a slice of meat, potatoes, and gravy onto her fork. The moment the food touched her tongue, her senses sprang alive. Warmth spread through her mouth, as the spicy gravy blended with the hearty flavors in the meat. The beef was breaded with something rich and crunchy, adding the perfect mix of textures. Her eyelids drifted shut as the flavors collided in her mouth, then slid down her throat.

When she opened her eyes again, Edward watched her. That lone dimple pressed into his cheek as his mouth tipped in a grin. His own fork hovered over his plate.

"Good?" Both eyebrows rose to accentuate his question.

"Es increíble. You said Anna knows how to make this? I wonder if she'll teach me."

His eyes creased into a full smile. "Now that she's up and around, I'm sure she'd love to. This was one of my favorite dishes she made when we lived in South Carolina."

That sealed it. If this was Edward's favorite meal, she'd ask Anna the first possible chance when life settled down again on the ranch. And maybe there were other foods he liked that Anna could teach her.

As they ate, Alejandra's midsection ceased it's rumbling, and her eyelids grew heavy again. She forced herself to sit straight with her shoulders back, lest she fall asleep right there at the table.

"I think it's time to get you to the hotel." At Edward's deep voice, Alejandra's eyes flew open, and she jerked her chin up. Had she actually dozed? Or just let her eyes drift shut for a second. She couldn't remember.

Edward stood, tossed some paper money on the table, and eased her chair out. Inhaling a deep breath, Alejandra summoned the last of her strength to stand. He slipped her hand in the crook of his arm, and she leaned on it as he escorted her to the door.

When they stepped outside, night had fallen, bringing with it a cold breeze that slipped under her collar with icy fingers. She shivered, and Edward pulled her closer.

"We're just going next door." His voice was a husky whisper, his breath warming the side of her cheek.

When they stepped into the hotel, Alejandra was struck by the elegant décor. Even in the dim light of the lanterns mounted on walls, the rich burgundy of the curtains and rug gave the room a sophisticated air. Edward guided her to a large desk that lined one wall, behind which a tall, lean man stood, with ebony skin like the woman who'd served their food at the café. His black uniform was spotless, with gold buttons marching down the front of his coat. Buttons like those worn by the French soldiers who killed her mother.

Alejandra's hand crept to her scar before she realized it. She forced her muscles to remain still, not shrink into Edward and hide. This was a hotel clerk, not a soldier. She inhaled a shaky breath.

Chapter Twenty-Three

"
Of
course, Mistuh Stewart," the clerk was saying. Alejandra forced herself to focus again on the conversation between Edward and the dark-skinned man.

He fumbled with some keys hanging on nails behind the desk, mumbling something too low for them to hear. The lines on his forehead deepened, and he glanced up with his mouth pinched. "If you'll excuse me, sir. I'll be back in a minute to show you to your rooms." He disappeared through a door behind the desk.

Alejandra's eyes were drawn to the rich mahogany of the desk, with roses carved into the upper portion of each leg. The same gleaming wood lined the top of the walls where they met the ceiling, with the same roses carved on either side of the corner seams. Whomever had built and outfitted this room had cared about every detail.

She glanced at Edward, and her gaze fell into his. "It's beautiful. I've never stayed anywhere so elegant."

His free hand settled over hers, where she still gripped his elbow. "You deserve much finer than this." His thumb stroked the tops of her fingers. "I wish I could give you the very best."

Those chocolate eyes never left her face, but their intensity deepened. He meant those words. The very best. Somehow, just being with Edward made everything feel like the very best.

Wood scraped behind them, interrupting the moment. Edward's focus cut to something behind her, and Alejandra turned to see the lanky man stride around the desk, keys jangling in one hand and a lantern in the other.

"If you folks'll just follow me, we've got your rooms ready."

The stairs were too narrow for them to traverse side by side, so Edward ascended behind her.

"Ya'll from around Texas parts?" The man leading them turned as he spoke, the glow of the lantern illuminating portions of his face and casting others in shadows.

"Near Seguin, in Guadalupe County." Edward matched the man's conversational tone.

"Nice place, I hear. I know you said you only need the rooms one night, but we'd be happy to have you longer." They reached a landing and the man strode down a hall lined with doors on both sides. "San Marcos is a nice little town. Good people."

"I'm sure it is."

Their escort stopped at a door marked with the number three. "I think the lady will like this room." He turned the knob and pushed the door, stepping aside for her to enter.

Alejandra couldn't stop a gasp. "Es muy bonita." White lace curtains hung from a canopy bed dominating the center. The same lace draped the window, its wood frame accenting the rich walnut of the dresser and wardrobe that spanned the remaining walls.

"Please let me know if you need anythin' else, miss. I'll be happy to fetch it."

Alejandra turned to the man, keeping her focus on his face, not his uniform. In her clearest American, she said, "Thank you, sir. This looks fine."

His face spread into a wide smile, white teeth sparkling against the dark of his skin. Turning to Edward, he said, "Your room is here at the end of the hall, Mistuh Stewart."

But instead of following him, Edward eyed Alejandra. "I've asked Mister Sampson here to send a telegram to Anna and Jacob. Is there anything else you need for the night? I'm sorry you don't have a trunk or anything. If you need something, I might find a store open. Clothes to sleep in or…er, personal items." Even in the dim light she could see his face had reddened.

She stepped close enough to touch his arm, nibbling her lip against a smile. "I'm fine Edward. This is more than enough."

His gaze lifted to search hers. She released her lip and allowed the smile to bloom. "Go get some sleep."

But as he turned away, her heart pulled with him. And when she watched him trudge down the hall behind Mister Sampson, her chest squeezed with a longing she'd never experienced.
Lord, thank You for bringing me such a wonderful man to love.

Forcing her mind away from those strong, broad shoulders, she filtered through the events of the day. When she started with a simple ride to the river, who would have thought her day would end like this? 

~ ~ ~

It
was lunchtime the next day, when Edward reined Pepper off the main road and toward the farmhouse nestled in the distance. Home.

Alejandra shifted behind him, her head lifting from where her cheek had lain warm against his back. "We're home." Her voice was a groggy murmur, shooting warmth through his chest.

He'd never enjoyed a six hour ride so much as this trip home with Alejandra snuggled in behind him. He really should have rented a buggy. But they could move faster on horseback, and nothing felt so good as her arms wrapped around his waist.

"They'll be glad to see you safe." And no one could be happier than him that she was mostly un-scarred from her ordeal with those no-account snakes-in-the-grass. But he fought the urge to tighten his reins, to slow Pepper down and delay the upcoming reunion. They'd fawn over Alejandra, for sure. Probably wrap her in hugs and sweep her away into the kitchen to feed her. And maybe she needed that.

But after so much special time alone with Alejandra, it would be hard to hand her over to anyone else. A sigh escaped before he realized it.

When they rode into the ranch yard, all seemed quiet. Until a little high-pitched yap sounded from inside. Seconds later, the door burst open. Mama Sarita flew out, with Emmaline and Anna close on her heels.

He gripped Alejandra's arm as she slid off Pepper, and then she was enveloped in a flurry of hugs. As he dismounted, the women laughed and cried and embraced like they'd been separated for years.

Juan appeared at Pepper's head. He offered Edward a hand shake and an understanding grin, as his eyes flicked to the hen party in front of them. Edward wasn't sure what to say, so he just shrugged. As Juan led the horse away, Jacob strolled up with little Martin laying against his shoulder.

"Look, dear. Alejandra's finally home." Anna reached for her husband's arm, pulling him into the fray.

He nodded to Alejandra. "Awfully thankful you're back. We had a posse searching until Edward's telegraph came through. Good thing the Lord was looking out for you."

Alejandra's eyes took on a shimmer. "Yes, He was caring for me. And He used the right man to save me." Her gaze found Edward's.

He swallowed, heat crawling up his neck. What did he say in front of all these people?

Anna saved him the trouble by hooking a hand through Alejandra's arm. "Let's get you inside. I'll bet you're hungry." She shot Edward a beady-eyed look. "And that puppy's about to jump out of his skin, he's so excited to have you back. He didn't know what to do with himself with you both gone last night."

Edward trailed behind with Jacob as the women ushered Alejandra inside. When the front door opened, the puppy's high yapping bark sounded louder, although still muffled. Anna cracked the door to the parlor, and a tan fur ball darted around the edge. The little guy flung himself into Alejandra's waiting arms, and she scooped him up. She cuddled him close as he plastered her chin with puppy lick-kisses. It was hard to get a good view of her face from where he stood, but no doubt happiness shone there.

And then Alejandra turned, her eyes searching the faces for his. When she found him, her eyes lit, sparkling with a joy from within. The sea of people around her seemed to part, making way for her to come to him. As she stepped close, she held up the puppy. It was hard to pull his gaze from hers, but he finally forced himself to greet the animal with a scratch behind his ears. "Hey there, niño."

Sol answered the greeting by gnawing his hand. Sharp points dug into his skin, and Edward stifled a wince. "This boy's getting some teeth."

"I'll fill your plates while you two play with the puppy. But don't be long. I have apple pie." Something about the way Anna said "play with the puppy" caught Edward's attention.

He met her gaze in time to see a sassy quirk of her eyebrow. Then she turned with a toss of her head, and strolled down the hall to the kitchen.

"Guess I'd better get this boy to bed so he can get a decent nap." Jacob was already striding down the hall with his babe as he spoke. Although little Martin didn't seem to have any trouble sleeping perched against his father's shoulder.

"And I'll go help Anna." Mama Sarita patted Alejandra's shoulder, then turned toward the hall Anna and Jacob had just traversed. "I whipped some sweet cream earlier, so that will be good with the pie."

She paused after a few steps and looked back at them. Her eyes crinkled at the edges as she surveyed Alejandra. "I'm so glad you're home, mija." And then her gazed moved up to Edward, pinning him with intensity. "And you, son. Good job."

"Thank you." He swallowed past the lump in his throat.

Then she was gone, and he had Alejandra all to himself again. Slipping an arm around her waist, he pulled her close and pressed a kiss to her soft black hair.

She tipped her face to his, a smile touching her lips. "It's good to be home."

"Yes." His gaze dropped to those lips, so soft.

The puppy in his hand reached up and planted a lick-kiss across her chin. Alejandra jerked back, a giggle slipping from her.

Edward leaned down to let the puppy jump from his arms to the floor. "Get out of here, you rascal. That's
my
woman." He straightened to face Alejandra, not giving her a chance to react to his words. Just tightened his grip around her waist, cradled her cheek with his other hand, and brought his lips down to hers.

She was sweeter than he remembered. Her lips soft and supple, tasting of the strawberry jelly they'd eaten with biscuits on the trail. She responded to his kiss, loosening the feelings he'd held back over these two wonderful days with her. His fingers crept into her hair, pulling her closer. Closer. She wrapped her hands around his neck, and he deepened the kiss. A little moan escaped from the back of her throat, sending his heart into a frantic gallop.

A door slammed somewhere in the back of the house, barely breaking through his awareness. Nothing could stop the magic of this kiss. This woman. She pulled away, and he followed her.
Don't stop.

She slid her hands down to his chest. "Edward." Her whisper was breathy. Half call, half reprimand.

"Alejandra." He kissed her cheek. Her jaw. She was amazing.

"Edward." That breathy call again, and she took his jaw in her hands. "They're waiting for us."

He dropped his forehead to rest on hers, soaking in deep breaths. This woman was intoxicating. He had to clear his head, although that was the last thing he wanted to do.

~ ~ ~

"
Look
how little they are."

Alejandra smiled as Emmaline wiggled her fingers through the wood slats of the chicken coop. She bent down next to the girl. "They are tiny. Just hatched this morning." A nice surprise when she'd gone to gather eggs. Definitely a better way to start the day than with her kidnapping two days before.

"Can I hold one? Please?" Emmy turned her liquid blue eyes on Alejandra first, then up to Edward who stood behind them. The setting sun framed his profile, casting shadows on his face.

He chuckled, then ambled to the door of the pen. "I guess so, if you're extra careful."

After scooping up one of the little fluff balls, he slipped back out of the coop. "Easy there, Emmy-bug." Squatting down for the girl to see, he stroked the chick with a single finger. "Just run your hand lightly like this."

As Emmaline followed his instructions, the chick "chirp, chirped" loud enough to make her jump. She snatched her hand back, then gazed up at Edward with wide eyes.

"She's talking to you. Saying 'Cheep, cheep. Hi, Emmaline. Cheep, cheep.'" His voice rose as he mimicked the bird.

Emmaline giggled, then stroked the chick, leaning close. "Hi, chicky."

After a few minutes of coddling, Edward put the fluffy animal back in the pen. "He needs to go back to his mama now." He latched the door, then turned and tweaked the end of Emmaline's nose. "And you should probably go check with your mama. She said she wanted you in the house early for bed tonight."

She scrunched her nose, shoulders slumping and arms dangling loosely. "All right."

Alejandra reached for the child. "May I have a hug, niña? Dulces sueños."

Emmaline wrapped her short arms around Alejandra, burying her face in Alejandra's red shawl. "Sweet dreams to you, too. I love you."

That now familiar ache tightened Alejandra's chest. "I love you, too." The words rasped past the emotion clogging her throat. Love for this little girl and her family had buried itself so deep in Alejandra's heart, she wouldn't ever be able to extract it.