Rose was kneading dough with too much effort while she stared out the window watching her husband’s broad back flex as he worked on the fence. Daisy was playing on a sheep’s wool looking at a toy Cade had made her. Rose picked up the dough and slammed it on the wooden board. She was not interested in cooking today, and she certainly was caring less and less about that dang fence.
How did Cade expect to fix their marriage if he was never around her? Not that she wanted him to be around. She liked him gone, of course. And he was gone—all the time. Sheriff Ben was dragging him all over Tall Pine teaching him the locations, the trails, and leads to a few cases, especially the rustling of cattle that was becoming more prolific in Tall Pine and nearby counties. When Cade was not with Sheriff Ben, he was reading, or when he and Rose visited her family, Cade disappeared to have long, private talks with Jeffries. The rest of the time he was working on that awful fence.
She narrowed her eyes as she saw one of Beth’s arms reach up and brush something off Cade’s brow. Rose’s full lips pressed so tightly against each other that it hurt.
“Shameless,” she growled, “I don’t care if her husband is lazy and demanding. What kind of woman flirts wantonly after a married man?”
Daisy cooed in response and Rose thrust the dough into a pan and set it to rise. She looked over at the plate of cookies Beth had given to Cade the other day. Rose hated that they were delicious, fluffy, sweet, and delectable. She looked out the window again. Beth could be described as sweet and delectable. Perhaps Cade liked her company, enjoyed her overt affections. She was lovely, after all. Rose turned away from the kitchen and scooped up Daisy. Rose was pretty, too, as pretty as Beth—at least she used to think that.
Unable to help herself, she glanced in the mirror. Beth had popular beauty: youthful with a round face and rosy cheeks. Rose’s features were powerful; they demanded attention, but in no way expressed the nature of a docile woman.
“I lost my husband to gambling,” Rose told Daisy. “By no means will I lose him again to another woman.” She stared at the mirror. What was she saying? She did not really want Cade, did she? This was pride. Silly pride that some other woman was even thinking she could compete against Rose.
A feral grin spread across Rose’s lips. Cade could and would do whatever he wanted, but if he lost her to gambling again, or if he chose another woman, she would make sure he knew what he was losing. With a slight swagger to her step Rose walked over to the closet and pulled out her blue dress, the one with the square neck.
Rose was getting impatient by the time she saw Cade striding home. She’d dressed Daisy in a green dress that showed off her eyes, and on herself, she’d dabbed just enough rouge on her lips and cheeks to make them glow.
This was not for Cade, she told herself again. This was for her own pride. She would not have Beth flaunt her façade of cheerful innocence while Rose stood in the house and watched in a dirty apron.
“I am drawing a bath,” Cade shouted from the kitchen. She could hear his footsteps pause, probably looking at the table where Rose had taken extra care to make it look nice.
“I’ll be quick,” he added.
Rose checked the mirror one more time before sweeping up Daisy and walking out the front door to enjoy the cool breeze sweeping over the small crop of vegetables and the aspen trees surrounding their house. It would be beautiful in the autumn, when the white bark on the aspens began to peel and the leaves turned gold, casting a yellow light on everything.
She squinted against the setting sun to where the home of Beth stood proudly against a backdrop of flowered hills boring against a cascade of mountains. The home was at least a half mile away, but that darned fence stood out like a sore thumb. Why was he working so hard on it? There was really no reason to other than being neighborly.
Too neighborly!
The heavy trot of a black and white pinto caught Rose’s attention. She held a hand over her eyes to see the figure of a man riding towards them at a steady trot. He was too short for Jeffries or her father, and both of them rode large bays. She walked out to greet her visitor and lifted her brows when he took off his hat.
“Mr. Hugh,” she grinned. “What brings you out here?”
“A house warming gift, Mrs. Walker.” He slid off his horse and produced from a saddlebag a package wrapped in brown paper. “The best angus beef in the county. I know your husband only recently found work, and considering you are living in this old place—well, I am guessing he’s not building railroads.”
Rose smiled politely. “Well, thank you, please do come in.”
“Thank you. Mind you, I cannot stay long. I promised mother I would be home in time for dinner.”
Rose stifled a smile at the thought of Jessica Hugh’s reaction when Phillip told her where he’d been. “Does your mother know that I am, that my husband, is-—”
“Everyone knows. It is in the Tall Pine Weekly.” He held up his hand waving it through the air like wiping a window. “Railway Detective Cade Walker moves to Tall Pine for a new start with his adopted daughter, the niece of Rose Walker. One has to admire the generosity of such a family man.”
This time Rose did smile. “Well, Tall Pine will always think him a hero for stopping the railways from running through our valley.”
Phillip shrugged. “As a man who comes from a ranching family, I am grateful for that. However, it would have possibly turned Tall Pine into a small city, eventually, at least.”
Rose inclined her head. “Would you like that?”
He nodded his head. “Most men would. Cities mean more people.” He smiled slyly, “More beautiful women, although I think Tall Pine has plenty.” He looked pointedly at her, slowing his pace.
Rose met his eyes before lowering her head and looking away. “I am a married woman, Mr. Hugh.”
He nodded. “Sadly, you are. One, who I believe, sacrificed her own happiness for the good of that lovely girl you are holding.”
Rose stroked Daisy’s cheek. “Whatever I sacrificed, she is worth it.”
“Do you think there is a chance you could have both?”
Rose felt her heart skip a beat. She did not look at him, though she could feel his stare aiming right at her. “What do you mean by that exactly?”
They were nearing the house. Rose could see Cade leaning against the doorframe with his arms folded. That was a quick bath.
“I mean that sometimes a person settles because they feel they have no other option. I’m worried, Rose, that you have a fear of being alone and therefore settled for Cade.”
She pressed her lips together in a tight smile. “Have you ever thought I would be just fine without a man? I have. And I know I will be just fine if things do not work out between Cade and me.”
Phillip paused, and Rose took a step forward before turning around to face him. “Is something wrong?”
Phillip frowned. “I do not doubt your capability for independence and strength. You proved that when you marched into Tall Pine with a dark baby and a frail cook on your arm. But I truly hope, that should the day come when you can no longer put up with this...” he rolled his eyes, “charade, that you come to me, and let me help you.”
Cade’s eyes were locked on them. Rose could feel his eyes throwing fiery darts at Phillip. She glanced over her shoulder seeing him striding off the porch and towards them.
“You don’t truly know me, Mr. Hugh. Your admiration may be undeserved.”
He took a step closer. “Sometimes we need to trust feelings more than logic. Logically I should keep my distance from a married woman, but my feelings tell me I would be a fool to not, at least, get to know you.” His hand lifted hesitantly to brush a strand of her hair rippling in the wind against her face.
“I would ask you to remove your hand from my wife.” Cade’s voice drawled out in restraint, “And step back.”
Phillip smiled softly. “How perfectly primeval of you. Well, good evening to you, too, Mr. Walker. Angus beef to enjoy in your new home.” He nodded to the package. “And, fret not, I wasn’t going to eat her. No need to be so protective.”
Cade growled. “Keep your hands off my wife, keep your horse off this land, and keep that sugary smile out of my sight.”
Phillip folded his arms. “My, aren’t you a protective one all of a sudden? From what I heard in Denver, it was you who ruined the marriage.” He laughed when Cade glowered at him. Rose winced when she heard the crack against Phillip’s jaw. “Cade!” she shouted.
The lawyer dropped to the ground, clasping his cheek. He wiped away the blood on his lip chuckling as he did. “You know why I win so many cases? It is because I can get men to reveal their true selves. Men like you who ride into town parading their masculinity. Everyone falls for them, admires them, without realizing the weaklings they are.”
“You win because witnesses have a tendency to disappear in the cases you’re involved with.”
“Cade, please,” she crossed over to Phillip. “I am so sorry Phillip.” She offered to help him, but he shook his head.
“Thank you, Rose, but I can manage.” He stood up, brushing the dirt off with a smirk. “I am giving you a final warning,” Cade growled.
Rose snapped her head towards her husband. “Cade, you don’t need to-—”
“It’s fine, Rose.” Phillip held up his hands. “Have a pleasant evening Rose, Daisy.” He nodded at the two, mounted, and shook the reins of his horse.
Rose watched Phillip ride away until he was out of earshot before she spun around to face her husband. “What was that?”
Cade’s eyes pulled away from the fading silhouette of Phillip and rested on Rose. His eyes traveled slowly, deliberately over her, taking in every detail, every curve and line.
“First, you tell me what this is?” He jerked his head at her.
Rose frowned, cupping Daisy’s head as she began to nod off. “What do you mean?”
“I mean—” Cade stepped in close, his teeth clenched. “What are you doing out here looking like a darned siren.”
She arched an eyebrow. “A siren?”
“Beautiful, salacious,” his eyes lowered to her neck, her collar bone, her … “So edible.”
Rose swallowed, feeling the heat rise from within her blood to her skin. “Am I not allowed to look nice, Cade?”
He clicked his tongue, noticing a bloodstain on his shirt. “I have to get that boy’s blood off me.” He turned around and left.
Rose followed him. “I wasn’t flirting with Phillip, if that is what you think.”
He barked out a laugh striding to the room where he kept his clothes. Rose hurried to her room laying Daisy peacefully in the crib before returning to Cade who was pulling out another shirt.
“I know you weren’t flirting, but you sure as anything were enjoying it.”
She threw her hands in the air. “Well, that is natural. For over four years I competed with your habits; of course I am going to like having some attention being paid to me. I am a woman Cade, in case you hadn’t noticed.”
He paused, holding the hem of the bloody shirt before lifting it over his head and taking it off.
Rose found herself gaping. She and Cade had not seen each other intimately for some time. She’d forgotten what he looked like in his raw form. A broad back glided into a narrow waist with muscles that resembled a washboard. She remembered how it hurt, deliciously so, to be pressed tightly against his chest, while having his corded muscles wrap around her.
He tilted his head towards her, his longish hair falling over his eyes. “Oh, I noticed.” He slid his eyes over her again. “Don’t wear that dress in public.”
A fire sparked inside Rose. “You’re telling me how to dress?” Her voice strained at the forced calm.
He chuckled, and picked up the clean shirt before walking towards her. “I meant what I said to Phillip. I’ve lost you. I know that, and I know it was because of me.” He glanced at her neckline, letting his eyes rest there for a breath before sliding them up to her face. “I’ll fight for you, but I would appreciate you helping me out by not having every pretty-faced boy sniffing around you.” He shook his head and turned away.
“Cade,” Rose reached out placing her hand on his back. She felt a violent shudder in his muscles before his hand shot out grabbing her wrist. She froze, as did he, as he held her wrist for one, two, three seconds before inclining his head just an inch towards her.
“Don’t touch me.” The tone in his voice was low and raspy. He let go and quickly put on his shirt. “I need to go out.”
Rose threw back her head in surprise. “What? But I have dinner I—” I put on my prettiest dress. I made the table look nice for you. You just hit a man for me. And now you’re leaving?
“I’ll eat when I get home,” he said, his voice clipped.
Rose felt tears sting her eyes and she hated herself for it. “You’re leaving to go gamble, aren’t you?” She followed him out the door. “To go play the cards and leave me as you have always done.”
Cade shook his head. “No. I just need to go out.”
“Please, Cade,” Rose continued to follow him to the barn. “Please tell me the truth. I beg you to tell me. No more lies; no more secrets.” The words were sour in her mouth.
Cade turned around, his eyes dark and his hands gripping his belt so hard the knuckles were white. “I promise, Rose,” he said briskly before turning around and hurrying to the barn.
Rose sighed and walked back to the house. I promise.
She could not count the times she had been told that. So many times that she had lost count. So many promises had already been broken; tonight would be just one more to add to the list, she thought as she watched him ride away.
“I can trust You,” Rose breathed out slowly and looked up at the sky. “But I can’t trust him.” She turned away and walked back to the kitchen to eat dinner alone as she had done so many times. “Will I ever be able to trust him?”
He is my work. You can let go of him, because I have him.