Chapter Fourteen
Agood five miles outside of the Quaker town they passed the tent saloon sitting alone on the tall grass prairie. It wasn’t much by anyone’s standards. A banner shot full of holes declared the quiet place to be the Wildcat Saloon. Seemed kinda odd out by itself but from all accounts it did a fair business with the cowboys from nearby ranches frequenting it. It was no place for Heath.
He kept them moving past at a brisk pace. Rachel frowned and stared but was silent. He could almost see her thoughts turning, likely picturing her father striding into it. Or her so-called uncle.
They finally arrived in Estacado and as they rode slowly down the dirt street, Rachel’s head swiveled from side to side, taking in the row of buildings in need of whitewash on both sides. Strolling people on the sidewalks were all dressed in somber black, and the women wore white caps on their heads while the bearded men opted for flat-topped, wide-brimmed hats. Everyone nodded to them.
“They’re sure friendly here,” Rachel murmured.
“I’ve always found them to be most welcoming.” Heath tipped his hat at a group of Quakers. “Keep an eye out for those strangers, Rachel.” He glanced at the horses tied to the hitching rails. A lot of good that did him since he hadn’t seen the intruders.
“Do they have a telegraph office?” she asked.
“Everything but that. It would sure solve the dilemma about the strongbox though if they did. I’m sure a telegraph won’t be far behind though.”
They pulled up in front of the Stringfellow and Hume General Merchandise store and dismounted.
The town was built around the Llano House, a two-story hotel. There were two general merchandise stores, a two-room office occupied by Judge Swink, the county judge, and a half dugout that housed an attorney’s office. At the end of the street stood a tall white church, its value evident by the flawless state of the building.
A public water fountain sat on the town square. And nestled around these six buildings were homes made from sod in addition to plenty of tents.
Rachel stood for a long minute taking it all in. Some bearded men in hats walked past with long hair curled on the ends. Heath wondered what she thought about everything.
He looped their horses’ reins around the hitching rail, took her arm, and ushered her into the mercantile where she stood in shocked silence.
“What’s the matter?” Heath asked.
“There’s so many things I can’t see it all. I’ve never seen such an assortment of goods.”
A clerk approached. “Can I help thee?”
While Heath inquired about some colorful yarn for Sally, Rachel wandered to the yard goods and ran her fingers across some soft, pink flannel. The price said ten cents a yard. He watched her count the coins from her pocket and her face fell. She put the cloth back and went to look at other things, carefully looking at the prices.
A woman clerk wandered over to him. “Your wife has a good eye for fabric.”
“She’s not my wife…yet. But soon if I have my way about it.”
The woman’s eyes twinkled, adding color to her drab clothing. “I see.”
“Can you measure out two yards, ma’am?”
“Yes, I’ll be happy to measure it for thee.”
Heath leaned against the counter to watch Rachel staring wide-eyed at everything. He took advantage of the moment to speak quietly to the clerk again, handing her some bills before wandering to look at the bonnets.
Before he knew it, the heels of Rachel’s boots struck the planked flooring like bullets from a rifle. Fire shot from her eyes eliciting a groan.
“Mr. Lassiter, the clerk said you paid for the fabric,” Rachel whispered in clipped tones.
“I don’t see the problem. It’s my first installment for renting your bull.” He kept his voice calm and even. Pleased with his handling of the situation, he smiled. “It’s your money.”
“Oh.” She blinked, the wind leaving her sails. “In that case, I guess you’re right.”
“See? All it takes is logic.” He took her arm and guided her to the knitting yarn. “Do you mind helping me select two or three skeins for Sally? I have no idea what colors to choose.”
They ended up with some brown, blue, and dove gray. Heath added new knitting needles, a box of cartridges, and some peppermint candy.
After telling the clerk he’d stop back for the purchases before he left town, he paid and turned to Rachel. “Do you want to check out the other mercantile?”
“Do they offer anything different?”
“I think it has mainly household and farm items.”
At her nod, Heath offered his arm and, weaving around the horse-drawn wagons, they crossed the busy street, their boots bringing up little clouds of dust. It seemed everyone from the surrounding countryside was in Estacado.
Inside the other mercantile, Rachel removed her hand from the crook of his arm. She walked slowly around looking at everything. Heath loved the look of awe on her face and was happy to be able to give her this new experience. He’d give her the world if she’d let him. Problem was she drew the line more often than not on accepting things from him.
One thing for sure and certain Rachel was as stubborn and exasperating as an Arkansas mule. It was a frustrating thing really, this independence of hers.
But would he want her any different? Secretly, he was proud that she tried to make it on her own. She was whip-smart and could usually find a way to solve whatever arose. He just wished it extended to the man claiming to be her uncle, yet she seemed to be coming around.
Gazing out the window of the mercantile, he found the Quakers walking past all wore such a peaceful expression. Thoughts of Rachel as she’d paid a visit to Alice’s little grave sprang to mind. She’d been awfully torn up. He said a silent prayer that he could help her regain her faith. If she could find peace inside for whatever was troubling her. It had something to do with those graves—Alice’s in particular. Why that one? Seemed rather odd behavior and he didn’t like the direction of his thoughts.
He turned from the window. A searching glance found Rachel’s lips pursed, peering intently at some sewing notions. Exasperation deepened the lines of her face.
He suddenly remembered that all her clothing had burned with her house. What she had on was what she’d been wearing the day she buried her little sister. Sally had given her a nightgown and a few essentials, and some of the rancher’s wives had thrown in some dresses but she needed much more. Not that he ever heard her complain.
Making up his mind to do something about it, he strode to her side. “Will you be all right for a few minutes?”
“Yes. Why?”
“I remembered something I need to do. I’ll be right back.”
Taking his leave, he returned to the store they’d just left. He made his selections and asked the clerk to put them with his other purchases. He’d collect them in a bit.
Rachel was waiting outside the store. “I don’t suppose you’d tell me what all that was about.”
Heath grinned. “Nope. Are you hungry?”
“A little.”
“Then we’ll eat. There’s a small creek behind the church that would make a nice place to have a picnic.”
A few minutes later they spread a blanket on a patch of grass and unpacked the lunch. Sally had sent some ham, bread, pickles, and two pieces of raisin pie.
It was a secluded spot and a breeze gently ruffled Rachel’s light blonde hair. Just perfect.
“Thank you for bringing me here, Heath. You don’t know how much I’ve enjoyed this.” Rachel lightly touched his hand.
“You’re most welcome.” He leaned toward her. He cleared the huskiness from his voice before he tried to speak. “I want to kiss you in the worst way. Would you mind?”
“In broad daylight?” she answered in a whisper.
“We’re shielded from view. No one will see.”
“Then I think I should like it.”
He lowered his head and slanted his lips across hers very gently. Then after tracing her lips with a finger, he slowly kissed her again and she returned it with surprising passion. This woman was making him crazy. Sure, she was beautiful, but it was far more. She’d become as much a part of him as breathing.
Heath pulled away. He was trying to be a patient man, but it was difficult being near her and not being able to tell her how very much he loved her.
A glance revealed flushed cheeks a becoming shade of pink. She lifted her fingertips to her smiling mouth, her breathing rapid but soft. The breeze lifted tawny tendrils of hair, laying it across her eyes, tracing delicate patterns on her face with the deft tips of a paintbrush. The sight mesmerized him and held him spellbound for a moment.
God, she was a stunning, gorgeous woman.
He swallowed hard and turned away. How could he ever measure up to that? They ate in silence then with a deep sigh he began putting the remains of their lunch back into the basket.
“I suppose we’d best gather our packages from the mercantile and head back.”
Rachel stood, smoothing her worn dress. “I’m anxious to get back to Eden.”
Their hands touched as they folded the blanket. Heath wondered if she felt the sparks or if it was just him.
“I hope we can do this again soon,” he said.
“I’d love to. It’s been a perfect day and I’ve had a wonderful time.”
“Me too,” he said drowning in her green gaze. “You don’t know what this meant to me.”
A flush rose to her cheeks and she turned to busy herself with Hondo. He helped her mount up then rode beside her to the first mercantile where he collected his purchases.
Rachel glanced back as they left Estacado. “Those people are quite friendly. I was a little afraid they’d treat us as outsiders. Do you come often?”
“About once a month or so. I can find more things here than the trading post.”
Outside of town they again passed the Wildcat Saloon. Heath rode a little closer to Rachel. While the place seemed peaceful now, the quiet was known to erupt into violence from time to time.
When they were even with the opening, three men staggered out.
Rachel gasped. “Those are the strangers I saw Uncle Zeb talking to.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely. I’ll never forget them.”
The slow pace allowed Heath to commit the faces to memory. The trio had such a hard time mounting up, they never noticed his stare.
“I think Uncle Zeb comes here,” Rachel said low. Her leg almost touched his when she moved her horse closer. “I don’t like this place.”
“Me either.” He narrowed his gaze, glad he’d worn his gun.
“If Zeb had a lick of sense he’d ride on and leave you in peace to raise the little princess.” Maybe he should talk to him. At least confront him about the three strangers.
“It’s started to bother me of late. And I’ve caught him digging a lot of holes. He’s looking for something.”
“Promise you’ll be on your guard until we figure this out. I can’t stress that enough.” Thank goodness they’d moved the strongbox to his barn. That helped.
“I will, Heath. I have more than myself to think about now. I won’t take risks with Eden.”
“Good.” Once they’d passed the tent saloon, Heath breathed easier, glad the strangers turned their horses toward open country.
“Do you think Eden’s missing me?”
He grinned. “Probably not as much as you are her.”
Rachel shot him a sideways glance and a blush rose to her cheeks. “Am I that obvious?”
“A little. But I give you credit for trying to hide it.”
“I’m being too protective of her, aren’t I?”
“It’s normal to want to love and protect your child considering your recent loss.”
“I’ve given some thought about what I want Eden to call me.”
“And?”
“I’m going to be her mother. I think of her as my child anyway and nothing would make me happier than for her to call me mama.”
Heath cleared his throat of the emotion suddenly blocking it. “I think that’s wonderful.”
“I don’t know what I’d do if anything happened to her. I don’t know how I’d bear it.” Pain clouded her green eyes.
“Nothing’s going to happen.” Not if he could help it. The child meant as much to him as she did to Rachel. He’d do whatever it took to keep the little darling from harm. “We’ll make sure Little Princess stays healthy and loved.” And her mama too, he added silently.
It was late afternoon by the time they returned. He stood back as Rachel ran into the house. Before he knew it, she’d snatched up Eden as though someone was about to plunge a dagger into Eden’s heart.
“I’ve missed you, Eden. Your mama’s home.” Rachel left kisses all over her face.
Heath’s attention went to the hurt filling Sally’s eyes. His sister quickly turned away and began fiddling with Eden’s things. He was glad he’d thought to get some skeins of yarn in Estacado for her. That would help smooth the wounded feelings.
“I guess you got Zeb all straightened out?” he asked.
“You better believe it. I kept that man busy all day.” Sally laughed. “He didn’t know what had gotten hold of him.”
“Good.”
“He’s still outside working.” Sally moved to the door. “He’s coming this way.”
When Zeb entered, Heath barely recognized him. His hair was standing on end, his eyes bulging.
“Keep that woman away from me! She tried to kill me!” Zeb yelled, scooting behind a chair.
“Stop whining, you big flea bag. I can work circles around you,” Sally scoffed.
Zeb dropped into a chair and took his boots off. “I don’t have the strength to lift a fork.”
Rachel glanced up. “Then maybe we’ll have a light supper.”
Heath left Sally and Zeb bickering and got the yarn from his saddlebags. Returning, he handed Sally the brown paper wrapped gift. “Bought something for you, sister.”
“For me?” she blared. “It’s not my birthday.”
“Just a little something for putting up with me.”
Her eyes lit up when she saw the pretty colors. “Well, I declare. It’s exactly what I’ve been wanting. Thank you, brother.”
Rachel tucked a soft blanket around the baby. “That little town has amazing things.”
Still smiling, Sally put the new yarn into a bag. “Yes indeed. Heath and I have gone a time or two.”
“Thank you for the picnic lunch,” Rachel said. “We found a stream behind the church, and everything was so delicious.” She touched Sally’s arm. “You’re going to have to give me the recipe for your pickles. And that raisin pie was heavenly.”
That perked Sally up to no end. “I’m glad. I’ll bring the recipes next time I visit.”
Heath watched the two women, his thoughts on the secret packages for Rachel. He didn’t know how she’d take what he’d bought. Now to find an opening to bring them in. But he didn’t have to work too hard. They all went outside and while Rachel was talking to Sally, he got them and hurried inside, putting them on the table.
He said a hurried prayer for a miracle and that she’d accept his gift.