Part Two: Maggie

by Paty Jager

 

Spring 1874

Portland, OR

 

One

 

It couldn’t be?

Maggie swallowed the lump of fear in her throat. She glanced at the hotel room door, placed the dust rag on the bureau, and reached a finger out to skim over the cool lavender stone in the locket on the bureau top. Lora Beth would never part with their mother’s locket. This had to be a different one.

Her hand shook reaching for the silver trinket. The cold metal mimicked the dread in her heart. Had something happened to Lora Beth? Would she never see her sister again? She’d spent ten long years dreaming of their reunion. Trembling fingers worked to spring the latch.

Frustrated, she chewed on her lower lip. “Danged thing. I don’t remember it being so contrary before.” It couldn’t be their mother’s locket, the one she gave Lora Beth after Indians ambushed their wagon train and killed their parents.

The locket sprung free.

Her blood froze.

Eight-year-old Loralei Elizabeth and ten-year-old Magdalena Ruth Holmes stared back at her just as Maggie remembered she and her sister looking before their family set off with the wagon train.

The snick of a key in the lock to the hotel room rang through the silence like a gunshot from the Silver Horn saloon on a Saturday night.

Maggie faced the door. She didn’t care if she lost her job for snooping. If she hadn’t noticed the locket while cleaning his hotel room she could have wasted more years trying to find Lora Beth. She had to know why this man had something that should have been in her sister’s safekeeping.

Maggie clutched the jewelry in her hand. The door swung open, and a man, nearly the height of the doorframe, strolled into the room. A self-satisfied smirk stretched across his handsome face. His light blue gaze landed on her, and he stopped, his grin tilting into a seductive smile.

“Well, what have we here? Were you sent as a congratulatory gift?” His gaze swept the length of her, and he stopped three steps away, a frown arched his dark brown brows. “You don’t look like a sporting lady.”

His slow drawl had a relaxing quality until he called her a sporting lady.

“Because I’m not. I clean the rooms in this hotel, not allow men to use my body for their pleasure.” Not only a gambler but a womanizer as well. How had her sister come to know this man?

She dangled the locket in front of her. “Where did you get this?”

“That’s mine.” His quiet, smooth tone belied the hand whipping out to snatch the chain. But she was quicker, pulling the item behind her back.

“I could have you fired for digging through my things.” His slow deliberate words were as irritating as the smirk on his handsome face.

“It was sitting on top of your bureau, in plain sight. Where did you get it?” She wasn’t about to back down. She’d lost touch with her little sister years ago and wasn’t giving up on her one chance to find her.

“I won it in a card game.”

Maggie sucked in her breath. Was Lora Beth in such despair she had to sell the trinket to survive? Her fingers clutched the locket. No, she refused to think of losing her last family member.

“Where and from whom?” She took a step closer to the man. He smelled of cigars, whiskey, and something clean and earthy.

“Why do you want to know?” He walked away from her and slid his arms out of his jacket, revealing a deep blue vest. He loosened the cuffs of his fine linen shirt.

She drew in a deep breath. This man had her family’s possession and he asked her questions? She’d been reprimanded more than once for speaking her thoughts, but right now she wanted to find her lost sister. Be damned with propriety.

“I asked you where you won this if that is what you did. Answer me.” She marched over to him and tipped her chin up to meet his gaze. It irked her to see the corners of his lips tip into a smile, and his eyes crinkle with mirth.

“I could have you thrown in jail for stealing.” He chucked her under the chin. “I’ll not tell you a thing until you explain why you think that belongs to you.”

His touch silenced any rebuke she could muster. No one, either male or female, had touched her so intimately in ten years. The casualness of his contact and the humor in his eyes stole her wits.

He turned away, rolling up his sleeves, and walking toward the washbasin. Maggie shook her head. How could he just wash up while she stood in the room accusing him of having her mother’s locket? The nerve of him! He’d not dismiss her so easily.

She grabbed his arm swinging him around. “The last time I saw this locket I handed it to my sister before we were taken in by different families. I haven’t been able to find her. Where did you win this?” She shook the necklace in front of his face. Panic squeezed her chest. She didn’t like having to rely on a stranger. It was as if the past ten years had faded away, and she stood in the middle of the wagon train parentless and bewildered all over again. Lora Beth’s tear-stained face staring back at her as the wagon rolled away. Worry and loneliness had been her shadow for so long she didn’t know if any light, even knowing Lora Beth’s whereabouts, could brighten her life.

“Shh…“ He reached out to her, and she backed away. “Why do you think that is the locket you gave your sister?” He crossed his arms over his wide chest, his muscled forearms revealing defined ridges.

Maggie held the locket next to her face. “This stone is the color of my eyes, my mother’s eyes, and my sister’s. It was a gift from my father to my mother.” Her fingers trembled again as she worked the latch loose.

Opening the locket, she held it out with shaking hands. “This is my sister, Loralie Elizabeth, only I call her Lora Beth.” She took a deep breath and pointed to the other side. “This is me. These were taken before we set out with a wagon train for Silver City, Idaho.”

Ty Bancroft stared at the woman’s shaking hands as she recounted who the likenesses were in the locket. He had to admit the stone was a dead ringer for the color of her fascinating, feline-shaped eyes. The girl in the locket appeared thin with her hair in braids. He studied the likeness, then peered at the young woman not three feet from him. She had dark curly hair pulled back in a haphazard bun at the back of her head. No longer a thin child, her curves filled out the work dress quite nicely. She didn’t carry an extra pounds but rather curvaceous in all the right womanly places.

“Why were you headed to Silver City?” By showing interest she might concede he believed this was her locket. But he wasn’t letting it go until he had the full story. The wariness in her eyes and the fear for her sister pulled at what his grandmother called his stray dog illness. He had a penchant for helping those in need. And from their encounter so far, this young woman proved worthy of at least his attention.

Her head snapped up from staring at the locket. “Our father was a minister. We were heading there to save the miners.” The righteous lilt to her words and the vindication in her eyes almost made him laugh. Would she shine that righteousness on him knowing what he did for a living?

“I see. And what happened to your parents?”

Pain briefly cloaked her eyes before rage smoldered in their depths, darkening the color and slanting the edges even more.

“They were slaughtered by Indians. My sister and I were taken in by different families.” She ran her finger over her sister’s likeness. “The woman, Mrs. Freeman, who took me tried several times over the years to help me find Lora Beth. Her family never settled in Silver City either.”

He’d make some inquiries on her behalf. He remembered where he’d won the locket. The man he’d won the trinket from had also offered up his daughter. Could that have been this woman’s sister? If so, hard telling where the sister might be now. Someone may have taken the man up on the offer. He couldn’t, in good conscience, send this woman off on a wild goose chase. He’d wait to give her any information until he knew if the sister still lived there.

“The only thing I do know is I haven’t been to Silver City, Idaho in over a year. Other than that, I’m not sure where I won the locket.” He hated lying especially witnessing the sadness pulling on the woman’s pretty face.

Her hand clenched the locket, narrowed eyes met his. “Then we’ll have to sit down, and I’ll write down all the places you’ve been, and I’ll start looking for her.”

He glanced at her worn brown dress, work reddened hands, and thread bare men’s boots on her feet. She couldn’t afford to travel all the places he’d been the past six months.

“I have a meeting tomorrow and need my sleep. Good night, Miss—”

“Holmes. And you can’t just toss me out without telling me where to find my sister.” She put her hands firmly on her hips and glared at him. Miss Holmes had a cute air about her when miffed. Her small nose turned up a tad at the end, and her dark curls sprung out from her head in a just-had-a-romp-in-bed appeal.

“I assure you I can set you out of my room.” He captured her arm, tugging her to the door.

“You can’t do this. I demand to know where my sister could be.” The woman dug in her heels, and he looped an arm around her waist, drawing her body against his to lift her feet off the floor. The moment their bodies made contact and her round firm backside pressed against him, desire jolted like a flash of lightning—quick and earth shattering. Her underlying scent of roses induced light-headedness. He jerked the door open and deposited her on the wool runner in the hall. Before she could spin around, he slammed the door shut and locked it.

Ty leaned his back against the cool wood and drew in a long breath. He quivered with desire. “Damn.” The last time he reacted to a woman that quickly his grandmother paid the woman to take an extended holiday. He frowned. If Jeannette could be paid off that easily, he was well rid of her, but he’d never forgive his grandmother for that and many other unethical deeds.

He crossed the room and pulled the signed contract from his jacket pocket. Ainsworth, the owner of the Oregon Steam Navigation Company, contracted him to run the gambling salons on his sternwheelers traveling the Columbia River. Ty’s face ached he grinned so wide. This partnership was a huge step in the right direction. He’d prove legitimate gaming tables could make a profit. He didn’t have to sink to his grandmother’s level to become wealthy or put politicians in his pocket.

Scuffling and a curse seeped in from the hall. Ty dropped the contract on the bureau and opened his door. He stepped through the threshold and kicked something. Confusion leapt to annoyance when he looked down.

“What are you doing?” He reached down to grasped Miss Holmes’ arm. She jerked out of his grasp and curled into a tighter ball.

“I’m sleeping here and following you around until you give me the list of places you’ve been.” She folded an arm under her head and closed her eyes.

“You can’t sleep in the hallway. Go home.” His frustration slowly mounted into anger and fear for her. The emotions burned in his chest. She couldn’t sleep in the hallway all night. Some drunk could come by and think she was selling her body.

“I’m not letting you out of my sight. You could slip away, and I’d never find you again.” Her lids raised and those striking eyes stared into his. “You’re my best hope of finding my sister.”

Ty glanced away. Her beseeching eyes and forlorn downturn of her rosy lips tugged at his gut.

“You can’t sleep in the hallway, someone may think you’re a sporting lady and take advantage of you.” He reached down. “If I promise not to leave town will you go home?”

She shook her head.

As much as her denial annoyed him he couldn’t fight the admiration he had for her tenacity to find her sister. He wiggled his fingers. “Then I guess you’ll have to sleep in here.”

She tucked her hands behind her body and shook her head.

“I’ll not have you sleeping in the hallway, it’s either my room or I send for the sheriff and have you locked up for stealing. That way I know you’ll be safe.”

Her eyes rounded and her mouth opened, revealing a pink tongue and one crooked tooth on the bottom row. He used her shock to grab her under the arms and lift her to her feet. Ty propelled the woman into his room keeping as much distance between them as he could. He shut the door, and she spun to face him.

“This is not a game.” Her eyes sparked with animosity. Her clenched fists hung by her side.

“It feels like a childish attempt to get my attention.” He walked to the washbasin to finish his nightly routine.

“Childish attempt! Why you insufferable…”

“Kitten, ”—she did resemble a kitten all puffed up and spitting and he realized with glee, the name added to her ire—“you’re the one sleeping in the hall when you could go home and come back to talk with me tomorrow.” He faced her. “You don’t have to spend the night in this room. I’d prefer you go home. I won’t leave town, at least not for a few days. I just picked up a contract and have people to hire and goods to purchase, so I won’t be running away anytime soon.”

Maggie twisted her hands in front of her. She didn’t want to spend the night in jail or this room. And she’d grudgingly admit, she might be acting a bit churlish. However, he happened to be the one and only person who knew where to find Lora Beth. She’d spent ten long years planning how to find her sister other than traveling to every town between here and where they were split up. This man could shorten that list and the cost immensely.

She studied his eyes. He appeared sincere. But could she trust a gambler? He was her link to Lora Beth, so she didn’t have a choice.

She put her hand on the door knob. His body tensed.

“I’ll go home. But tomorrow, I want a list of the places you might have won this locket. I’m not giving up. I promised Lora Beth I’d come get her, and I don’t break promises.”

Maggie slipped out the door and leaned against it. The smile and light in his eyes tickled her ribs like a feather duster. She sauntered down the hall searching for a flaw in the man’s appearance. He dressed impeccably, his shirt had clung to his torso, revealing wide shoulders, narrow waist, and when he rolled up his sleeves, muscled arms. His trousers seemed to go on forever his legs were so long. And his face—Eyes bracketed with laugh lines, high cheek bones, square chin, full lips, and a slender nose all framed by curly dark blond hair. She sighed. A true vision to study.

“Miss Holmes!”

She stepped off the stairs and into the lobby. Mr. Buchanan, the owner, stood beside the registration desk. The registration clerk, Jarvis Finley, stood beside him his usual slimy smile pointed at her.

“Yes?” She walked up to Mr. Buchanan and ignored the clerk.

“You didn’t finish your rounds, and I’ve had a complaint. You can’t continue to speak your mind to the customers. I can’t have it. You only have this job as a request from Mrs. Freeman.”

Maggie’s belly clenched. She knew the man had only given her a job because of her late benefactress. She’d been employed many places over the years and always her quick temper and penchant for speaking before she censured ended up getting her fired.

“I’m sorry, sir. But today was my last day. I hope it doesn’t put you at an inconvenience that I’m leaving in such a hurry.” She’d made up her mind to gather her meager savings and find her sister the moment she touched Lora Beth’s locket. She’d hoped to have more funds by now, but Mrs. Freeman only left her a small sum and a room at the back of her sister’s dress shop. She’d lived meagerly to add to her “find Lora Beth” fund.

The man stared at her, and the grin on Finley’s face slackened.

“I’ll be by tomorrow to pickup this week’s pay.” She nodded and walked out the door. On the street, she raised the front of her skirt and scurried down alleys to the back entrance of the dress shop.

She entered the storage room, pulled her nightdress off the peg on the wall and shoved it in her satchel with the rest of her clothes. Maggie untied her boots and lie down on the cot. As soon as the sun rose in the morning she’d be back at the hotel waiting for the gambler. Once she had the list of towns, she’d grab her bag and catch the next stage to the closest town.

Maggie smiled. If all went well, she’d be staring into her sister’s eyes soon. Peace flowed over her like a soft spring breeze. This had been her dream since the day the wagons parted.

She shot into a sitting position. What if the gambler just gave her a list of towns he’d never even been to?

 

 

 

Two

 

Ty brushed his hands over his vest, smoothing out the wrinkles and shrugged into his black suit coat. He had a list of items and men he needed to acquire today. The cab he’d hired would be in front of the hotel in ten minutes. He placed his Stetson on his head and grasped the door knob.

Today would be a good day, he could feel it.

Whistling, he opened the door. His eyes locked on Miss Holmes. A shrill note echoed down the hall. The persistent woman sat on the floor across from his door in the same drab brown dress she’d worn last night.

“Did you even go home?” he asked, stopping in front of her and offering a hand. He had to admit he liked her tenacious spirit.

“Yes, but I came back here at first light. I didn’t want you slipping away without giving me a list.” She grasped his hand and rose to her feet. The top of her head came to his shoulder. She tipped her face to look into his eyes. “The list.”

She held out her other hand, and he realized he hadn’t let go of the one he used to pull her to her feet.

“Well, I’m still pondering where I’ve been. My mind right now is focused on starting up a new venture.” He released her hand and strolled down the hall. His hand tingled from holding hers. What was it about this rag-tag woman that reeled his senses?

“Where are you going?” She grasped his jacket and clung to him, matching his stride.

“I have a meeting, several in fact.” He pried her hand from his sleeve. “Tell me where I can reach you, and when I find the time to put a list together I’ll have it delivered.”

“Oh, no. You aren’t getting out of my sight. Not until I have a list.” She thumped down the stairs beside him.

“Miss Holmes.” Mr. Buchanan’s tone sounded like that of a parent reprimanding an errant child. “I have your pay.”

Ty watched the young woman’s face flush, wrinkle in concentration, and then go lax and her shoulders slump.

She peered up at him. “Would you wait for me a minute?”

“Why?” He wanted to reach out and push a wayward curl behind her ear, but restrained himself. He couldn’t let her see her vulnerability tugged at him.

“So I don’t lose you. I’m not letting you out of my sight.” The desperation in her voice tipped his lips into a smile, which in turn narrowed her eyes to angry slits.

“I’ve given you my word I’ll put together a list of places.” He spun away before he said something foolish like, tag along, I’d like to get to know you better.

“Miss Holmes, are you harassing the guests?” Mr. Buchanan took a step toward them.

Ty jumped to her defense. “No, we were just discussing the condition of my room.”

“That’s interesting since she no longer works here.” Mr. Buchanan smiled smugly, and Miss Holmes ducked her head.

“Mr. Bancroft, your cab is here,” announced the doorman.

Ty stood in the lobby his mind buzzing. Why did Miss Holmes no longer work at the hotel? How would she travel to find her sister if she didn’t have money? By her appearance she had little. The doorman held the door open. He had appointments to keep.

He tipped his hat to Miss Holmes. “We’ll carry on our discussion later.” He marched to the door and into the buggy waiting for him before her heartrending gaze weakened him.

Maggie stared at Mr. Bancroft’s back. She wanted to run after him, but needed the pittance she’d made this week to add to her funds. She faced Mr. Buchanan and held out a hand.

“I’ll take my wages now.”

He clinked six nickels into the palm of her hand. “If anyone asks it was your idea to quit. I’ll not have Mrs. Freeman’s family or friends thinking I reneged on our deal.”

Maggie rolled her eyes. “Why would I say anything other than the truth?” She slipped the coins into the pocket of her skirt and hustled out the door.

The doorman stood stoically at his post waiting to open the door for customers.

“Ray, where did Mr. Bancroft go?” The man had often shared guest’s destinations, overhearing their requests to the drivers.

“He was headed to the gambling district in Fulton.” Ray scanned her from head to toe. “Shouldn’t you be cleaning rooms?”

“Not anymore. Thanks!” How would she get the four miles to Fulton? Did she dare walk and hope she found him before he headed somewhere else? She couldn’t afford a cab or renting a buggy or horse. She’d start walking and catch a ride with someone headed that way.

****

Ty’s heart pounded and his palms sweat just like when he held a winning card hand. Only this sensation was better. He’d just worked out a deal with two of the most honest dealers in the area to oversee the gambling salons on the riverboats. He wouldn’t have to always be in this area, though it was growing on him. Not nearly as hot as New Orleans it had the same river town feel to it.

And he’d found more honest gambling houses here—A big difference from New Orleans and his family’s operations. Every last dollar invested in their gambling establishments and houses was tainted. He’d never go back. The dishonesty and palm greasing had never set well.

He shook his head, but couldn’t shake the grin making his cheeks ache. He hadn’t planned to enter the gambling world, but when he heard Ainsworth was looking for someone with a background in gambling to run the salons on his riverboats, Ty couldn’t let an opportunity like that slide. It would be easier than learning the hotel trade which he’d been trying to do for the last month.

He stepped out of the gambling establishment and his feet stalled. Leaning against the cab he’d hired for the day stood Miss Holmes. She was harder to get rid of than drawing a hand of aces.

“What are you doing here?” He hurried across the boardwalk and stared down at her.

“I told you, I’m not leaving you until I get that list.” She straightened her spine and stared back at him.

Damn. A flash of heat zipped through his lower body, jolting him. Her unusual eyes, tenaciousness, and belligerence affected him like no other.

Her fierce loyalty to a sister she hadn’t seen in years boggled his mind. He could care less to ever see his family again.

Ty nodded to the cab driver opening the buggy door.

“You better get in. I have several more appointments to keep.” He held out his hand to assist her in climbing into the vehicle. She tentatively touched the tips of his fingers and scurried up the steps and into the buggy. He smiled at the way she made a production out of spreading her skirt and taking up a good deal of the seat.

Ty sat beside her, scooting her skirt over, and getting close enough to once again be graced with her floral scent.

“Since we’ll be spending time together today, I’d like to know your given name.” He shouldn’t become so involved, but he couldn’t walk away from her plight—or her. His need to help would get him into trouble one day. He watched the woman beside him, and his heart picked up speed. Perhaps this was the time.

“Magdalena, but everyone calls me Maggie.” She stared at her hands a minute then raised her face to stare into his eyes. “What’s your given name?”

“Ty short for Tyrone.” He caught her stifling a giggle. “What’s wrong with Tyrone?”

“It sounds like a name for a king.” When he stared at her blankly she added. “You know, Tyrone, throne.” She blushed. “Oh, never mind.”

He laughed and she soon joined him. “No one has ever told me my name sounded like a king’s. I’ll have to remember that.”

The buggy stopped. “I’ll be in here an hour or more. Don’t stroll around this street. If you like, the driver can take you to a more reputable street and you can look around.” He didn’t want some passerby thinking she was a sporting girl. This street held the gaming establishments and the brothels.

“I’ll wait right here.” She crossed her arms and leaned into the corner.

“Suit yourself.” He stepped out of the buggy and whispered to the cab driver. “I’ll pay you extra to keep an eye on her.” The man nodded, and Ty entered the smoke-filled building. He needed one more overseer and the man he wanted worked here.

Maggie watched Ty strut into the gambling house. She’d caught up to him outside another gambling house. Was he collecting on debts owed him or did he flit around gambling like this? Either way she didn’t care. Gambling was a sorry way to make a living. Though he dressed well and stayed in a fancy hotel.

She leaned back in the corner and closed her eyes. She hadn’t slept well fearing she’d sleep late and miss him. Settled in his buggy and believing he couldn’t get away, she could afford a couple minutes sleep. She clasped her hand around the locket hanging about her neck and fell into a deep slumber.

****

Maggie woke with a start and moaned. Her neck had a crick in it. She rubbed her sore muscle and stared out the window of the buggy. The vehicle lurched, and she sat straight up. Where was the coach going and where was Mr. Bancroft?

“Stop! Stop!” She shouted and lunged to the door, flinging it open. The vehicle stopped. Her body fell out the door. She flailed with her arms trying to grasp the door, anything…

She stopped falling. To big hands held her arms, setting her upright and on her feet.

“Let go of me!” She tried to shake off the hands and glared at an unkempt man with bushy hair and missing teeth. Finally escaping one hand, she shaded her eyes and peered up at the driver. “Where were you taking me?”

“I was hungry and figured you could do with a meal as well.” The man’s head ducked down between his shoulders showing contrition, unlike the oaf still holding onto one of her arms.

Maggie wrenched her arm, trying to dislodge the man. “I said let go!”

“I like your hair.” The toothless man smiled and reached a large dirty hand toward her hair. Her stomach soured. She’d seen that look in other men’s eyes walking home alone late at night.

“Leave her be.” Ty marched up to the big lout and stood nose to nose with the man.

Her heart hammered in her chest. She couldn’t take her gaze from Ty’s set jaw and defiant eyes.

The man jerked her arm, slamming her against his side. “What’s she to you?”

Ty pointed to the buggy. “I left her in this buggy while I attended business.”

“Guess she got tired of waiting. She’s mine now.”

That did it. Maggie stomped on the lout’s foot. He yelped, and she jerked out of his hold.

“I don’t belong to anyone.” She rammed her fists onto her hips and glared at Ty. “If you hadn’t a need to gamble I could have that list and be out of your way.”

The shaggy man lunged for her. Maggie jumped back in fear and annoyance. Ty slipped in front of her, landing a fist in the man’s stomach, doubling him over.

“Get in the buggy.” Ty opened the door and motioned with a sharp wave of his hand for her to enter.

She huffed past him and slid to the far side of the seat.

“Take us to the restaurant at the edge of town,” he said to the driver and climbed in beside her. His chest rose and fell as he breathed deep and let it out. His twitching jaw worried her.

It wasn’t her fault the man grabbed her or that she fell out of the buggy. If he’d just write the list, she’d be out of his life and finding Lora Beth.

He shifted slightly on the seat next to her. His knee touched hers through her skirt and petticoats. The pressure and intimate contact filled her belly with squiggling sensations. Never one to back down, she raised her eyes and gazed into his irritated eyes.

“Why did you get out of the buggy? This part of town isn’t safe for women.” His voice reminded her of the many times her father scolded her.

“I didn’t plan to get out. I awoke, the buggy lurched, I moved to the door to ask the driver what was happening, the door opened, the buggy lurched again, and I fell out.” She brushed at her arm where the lout had grabbed her. “The man kept me from falling on my face, but other than that I didn’t want him handling me.”

“Why did the door open?” His gaze roamed over her face.

“I hit it by accident when I hurried to see why we were moving.” She felt foolish announcing it was her own clumsiness that caused the whole incident.

“And where was the driver going?” His soothing deep voice calmed her frazzled state.

She almost sighed at the softness and the curve of his full lips. Why did he have to be a gambler? And the one keeping her from her sister?

“He said he was going to get something to eat.” She glanced away. His intense stare quivered her insides.

“We’ll do the same. Then I’ll take you home and continue with my errands.”

His easy brush off lit her indignation. “You’re not dumping me anywhere until I get the list of places you’ve been. I’ve been waiting a long time to gain information about where my sister is, and I’ll not let my only hope of finding her dash away.”

“I can’t have you following me around all day. I promise, I’ll put that list together as soon as I get my business venture started.” He shrugged. “What can a few more days matter after all these years?”

Maggie stared at him. A few more days? Easy for him to say. She was so close to finding Lora Beth she couldn’t imagine waiting any longer. “I take it you’ve never been apart from someone who meant the world to you or that you made a promise to.” She willed the tears burning in the back of her eyes to go away. “I have thought of nothing else since the day I was put in a wagon and watched another wagon carry my sister a different direction.”

“Tell me about her.” He leaned back, watching her intently.

“We’re only a couple years apart. We did everything together, though Lora Beth was sickly when she was small. Mama, Papa, and I doted on her. She was pretty with such a sweet disposition.” Her heart ached remembering their parting after the Indian’s brutal attack. Lora Beth’s lost and frightened face still haunted Maggie. “I have to find her. We have to be together again. Mama and Papa would want it.” She fingered the locket. “I promised.”

The wagon stopped. She peered out at the classy restaurant then down at her shabby dress.

“I can’t go in there. I’ll wait here.”

“Nonsense. You need to eat.” Ty stepped out of the buggy and reached up offering a hand to help her.

“If you insist I need something to eat bring me a roll.” She didn’t usually let her appearance keep her from going where she pleased. After the way Ty stuck up for her earlier, she didn’t want to disgrace him. She owed him that much.

He scowled, spoke to the driver, and grasped her ankle, dragging her across the seat to the door. “If you want to make a spectacle, so be it.”

“Let go of me!” She kicked at him only to have his hands circle her waist, lift her from the buggy, and place her feet on the ground beside him.

He extended his arm waiting for her to place her hand in the crook of his elbow. The nerve of the man. But she couldn’t think of anything to do but acquiesce and hope she didn’t make a bigger fool of herself.

The minute her hand touched his arm a smile broke out on his face and he winked at her.

“See, it’s not that hard.”

“Ooooo.” She moved to pull her hand from his arm but he countered by pressing it to his body.

“Kitten, you wouldn’t want the doorman to think you don’t belong in this establishment would you?”

Rage singed the tips of her ears. He’d smirked the first time he’d called her that, and the merriment dancing in his eyes now said he knew just how she hated being called a kitten.

If she didn’t need him to find Lora Beth…

Ty couldn’t believe how exhilarating he found raising the hackles on the feisty woman on his arm. Her tirades and squabbles were the most fun he’d had in a long time. The gamble of whether or not she’d walk away or hang on to get what she wanted invigorated like holding a straight.

He knew her faded dress and patched shawl would raise a few eyebrows from the restaurant clientele, but he’d frequented the establishment enough in the past few weeks he also knew the owners wouldn’t mind her dining since he left generous tips.

Ty led her into the main room and all eyes followed them. He smiled at acquaintances and walked to his usual table. Maggie walked boldly beside him, her head up and her eyes daring anyone to make a comment. The woman had a lot of spunk.

He held out a chair. She glanced at him, and her boldness wavered in her eyes. She sat, fiddling with a fold in her skirt.

A waiter arrived at his shoulder. “We’ll have my usual,” Ty said, sitting opposite Maggie.

Her hands remained in her lap. Her gaze scanned the room eventually landing on him.

“You know these people?” she asked, her gaze once again taking in the room.

“Only as familiar faces. I’ve had meals here several times over the course of my stay.” He leaned back as the waiter filled their water glasses.

The man retreated, and Maggie’s unusual eyes glared at him. “So you spend your days down here gambling?” Her hand clasped the locket around her neck.

“Not gambling, scoping out business associates.” He didn’t know why he wanted her to understand he didn’t make a habit of gambling. He’d been raised in the gambling world, knew it, and happened to excel at it.

“You wish to associate with other gamblers?” She reached for her glass of water, her exotic-shaped eyes glistening with disdain.

The waiter returned, setting a plate in front of Maggie first and then himself. “Thank you.” Ty waited and wasn’t disappointed. Maggie clasped her hands and closed her eyes. He’d grown up in an area that worshiped anything from Satan to God and had wondered if she clung to her roots. Her dusky pink lips moved as she gave thanks for her meal.

He picked up his sandwich and heard her sniff. Ty raised an eyebrow and glanced across the table. Maggie held a pickle in her fingers, her eyes glistened with tears. What made the sassy woman cry over a pickle?

“Something wrong with your pickle?”

She held it up and peeked at him over the knobby top. “Lora Beth would do anything for a pickle, especially one soaked in dill brine.” Maggie set the pickle on her plate and pulled a tattered handkerchief from the sleeve of her dress and wiped at her eyes and then her nose.

Ty lost his appetite watching the sadness envelope the woman. “If you miss her that much why haven’t you found her by now?”

“I was too young. Then, Mrs. Freeman, who adopted me after our parents and her husband were killed, needed me. She had a small amount of money that kept us comfortable during her failing years, but when she died, what was left went to family. Her sister provides a place for me to sleep, and I’ve been saving every penny I get to travel to find Lora Beth.” She fingered the locket and narrowed her eyes on him. “And now I know where to start. That is if you ever give me a list.”

Ty heaved an exaggerated sigh and watched with pleasure as her little, bow-shaped mouth formed a straight, stern line and her dark eyebrows curved down toward her pert nose. He’d sent a telegraph off that morning to Timberland, Colorado. He wouldn’t give Maggie any information until someone in Timberland confirmed the sister was still there.

“I’m still trying to remember where I won that locket. I know I didn’t have it in Texas. I headed north and made my way through the Colorado and Montana territory.” He bit into his roast beef sandwich and chewed watching her eyebrows curve together and deep wrinkles form on her forehead as she contemplated his words. She was a pretty picture even in consternation.

She picked at the crust of the bread. Her small tongue flicked the crumb on her fingertip. He fixed his gaze on her motions and his body leapt to life. His trousers strangled his growing desire.

“When can I get a list of the places you traveled in Colorado and Montana?” Her softly spoken words seeped into the haze of need fogging his mind and holding his tongue.

He swallowed water and cleared his throat, shoving the images in his mind to the deepest corners. He came here to start a new life for himself and getting attached to this woman who cleaved to family like butter melting on warm bread wouldn’t distract him.

“I have more meetings today. Tomorrow I have to purchase goods. The day after tomorrow I’ll head up the Columbia River to man and set up the gambling salons on each ship.“

Fear widened her eyes before she narrowed them. “You’re not leaving Portland without giving me the list.”

“I’ll work on it tonight and tomorrow night and hand it over to you before I head upriver.” He hoped to have a reply to his telegraph by then. No way would he send a lone woman to Timberland if it proved a dead end. Especially one with limited funds.

“How do I know you’ll keep your word?” She shoved her plate to the center of the table.

At this rate she’d be nothing but skin and bones within a few months and no man would be willing to give her a home. Of course if she didn’t tone down her attitude the same could be said. Not many men found a woman with her sass appealing, except him.

Ty placed the sandwich on a cloth napkin, tying it up in a tidy bundle and stood. He paid the waiter and motioned for Maggie to stand.

She eyed him suspiciously but stood. He grasped her elbow, escorting her out of the restaurant and to the buggy.

Inside the vehicle, he handed the sandwich to her. “I’m dropping you off at your home, and then continuing with my business.”

She started to protest, and he raised a hand. “I promise. I’ll deliver the list to you before I leave. In the meantime eat and rest so you have energy to travel.”

She crossed her arms and stared out the buggy. He allowed her to remain silent, ignoring him until they arrived on the outskirts of Portland.

“Where do you live?”

She stared at him, her lips pressed tight together.

“Not telling me will only get you set out on any street I choose.”

He held in the chuckle tickling his throat as she glared at him. He’d never seen such a gorgeous woman even when mad. Her dark curly hair bounced around her head with the movement of the buggy, and her exotic gaze locked onto his. She squirmed under his scrutiny and broke the connection. Her cheeks blossomed a deeper pink, and she averted her eyes.

“Since you won’t tell me where you live you leave me no other choice.” He leaned out the window and called to the diver. “Take us back to my hotel.”

Maggie shot a glance toward Ty. He was too good looking and held too much esteem of himself. She didn’t mind that he planned to leave her at the hotel. She’d slip into his room and wait for him. He wouldn’t leave town without his clothes and valuables.

The buggy stopped at the boardwalk in front of the hotel. Ty jumped out and held his hand up for her. She didn’t want to touch him. The heat he radiated set off whispers of anticipation in her and caused her heart to pick up speed. But to not take his offered hand would reflect badly on both of them with the doorman and several passersby watching.

His fingers wrapped around hers, she placed a foot on the first step. The vehicle surged forward, throwing her into his arms. The security of his strong hold fuzzed her mind. Speech, standing, the ability to push out of his arms all abandoned her. She hadn’t experienced this strength and safety since her father’s death.

She glanced up into his face and found herself caught in his heated gaze. His blue-green eyes held her captive as securely as his arms.

“I’m sorry. A fool boy tossed a rock.” The voice of the driver weaved its way into her thoughts.

Maggie flattened her hands against Ty’s chest and pushed back. He held her a moment before letting her put space between them. She stepped back, swung around, and hustled down the boardwalk away from the heat of his body and the fire of his eyes. She had to think.

The sound of his buggy moving down the street drew her attention. She pivoted and stared after the conveyance. If not for his knowledge of where to find Lora Beth she’d walk away. Her father would never understand her consorting with a gambler. But consort she must. The gambler held her best hope of finding her sister.

 

 

 

Three

 

Ty slipped his key in the lock of his door and nodded to Ainsworth. “I have an excellent scotch inside.”

He opened the door and motioned Ainsworth to enter. The man took two steps into the room and stopped. Ty nearly bumped into his back stepping through the threshold.

“You didn’t tell me you were married,” Ainsworth said in a whisper and spun to face Ty.

Ty held his tongue until he caught a glimpse over the man’s shoulder at the woman curled up on his bed. Maggie. How did he talk his way out of this? Ainsworth was a family man. He wouldn’t understand how a woman came to be following him and so desperate she stole into his room.

“I didn’t think it made a difference in our dealings.” He tugged on Ainsworth’s sleeve, to guide him back out into the hall.

“It doesn’t other than I like knowing you have family values.”

Ty nearly laughed. He didn’t put much stock in family values. Not his family’s at least.

Ainsworth nodded. “I’d like to meet Mrs. Bancroft. Bring her to dinner tomorrow night.”

Ty stared at the man’s back as he strolled down the hall. He whipped his head back around to stare at the disheveled woman on his bed. In her sleep, her relaxed features appeared angelic. If only her disposition were so.

He shut the door with a thump. Maggie flinched and raised her head. Her long lashes fluttered as she searched the room. His chest tightened, and his body ignited with desire. She was breathtaking all in disarray.

Her body stiffened when he moved away from the door and stalked toward the bed. “Why are you in my room, my bed?” Frustration tinged his words with more bite than he’d meant.

She shoved her stocking clad feet into the mattress, scooting her body across the bed, and away from him. “I-I knew you wouldn’t leave town without your belongings.”

He sat on the edge of the bed and exhaled his annoyance. “Damn it, woman, I told you, I would get you the list before I left town.” He twisted his body to watch her slip her feet to the floor and stand.

Her hand extended across the bed. “I’ll take the list and be out of your way.”

He’d picked up a telegram from Timberland before meeting up with Ainsworth. He couldn’t send this woman on a goose chase. And he had to figure out a way to make her play the charade of his wife tomorrow at dinner with Ainsworth.

“We have a problem.” He patted the bed, hoping she’d relax and sit.

“What kind of problem?” She remained standing but drew her hand back to clench it tightly in her other one.

“While you were curled up all cozy on my bed I invited my new employer in for a drink.”

Her eyes widened, and her body plopped on the bed. “He saw me sleeping on the bed? He thinks…” She stared at the hands in her lap.

“He assumes you’re my wife.”

“Wife!” She shot to her feet. “Didn’t you tell him different?”

“You want me to say ’no, she’s just a crazy woman who follows me around and breaks into my room’?”

Her mouth opened and closed a couple times before she snapped it shut. The knuckles on her clenched hands turned white.

“I thought not. Better he thinks you’re my wife. He invited the two of us to dinner tomorrow.” Ty tossed his hat to the chair in the corner of the room. “Go home and come back tomorrow morning. I’ll have to buy a dress for you to wear to dinner.”

She leveled her gaze on him. “I can’t have you buying clothes for me, the next thing you’ll expect…” Her words trailed off, and her cheeks darkened a hue to rival the reds on the bed cover.

Ty quickly shoved thoughts of how she could repay him behind the fact he had to tell her there was no way to find her sister.

“All I require from you is to act like my wife for one meal. And let me do all the talking.”

Maggie shot Ty a glare. What made him think she would even help him? He wasn’t making any strides in helping her.

“You seem to have this backwards. You require me to help you keep a job.” She held out her hand. “I would be more obliging if you handed me the list.”

To her surprise, he slapped a paper in her palm. Excitement skittered up her arms and squeezed her chest. Finally, a chance to be reunited with Lora Beth. She unfolded the paper and blinked.

It was a telegram not a list.

She glanced at the man who handed it to her. His sad eyes reminded her of a hound dog she fed behind the dress shop. An ache started deep in her chest. She rubbed it with the heel of her hand and read the telegram.

Baumbartner dead stop

Daughter gone stop

Maggie crumpled the missive and stared at Ty. “What does this mean? You knew all along where she was and now she’s gone? Gone where?” She threw the paper at him and glared. Her body shook with rage. Anger was better than the despair slowly creeping into her thoughts. How could he have kept her sister’s whereabouts to himself? Why did he?

Ty strode around the end of bed, stopping in front or her. His arms reached out, but she backed away, hugging her body with her own arms. So close. She’d come so close to finding Lora Beth. To regaining her family.

“Why? ”

He ran a hand through his curly hair and stared at her. His gaze comforted and held her hostage. She swallowed the acid words bubbling in her throat.

“I remembered where I won the locket and under what circumstances.” He glanced away then caught her gaze again.

This time the anger smoldering in his eyes and the tenseness of his body almost made her take a step back.

“When I won the locket, the man, Mr. Baumgartner, also offered his daughter. I refused to play. He stormed out of the saloon and I left Timberland, Colorado the next day.” Ty stepped forward, his hands cupping her shoulders. “I sent the telegraph to find out if your sister was still there before I told you where to find her. I didn’t want you to travel there to find her gone and no way to get out of that place.” His eyes traveled from her face to her toes and back. “It isn’t a fit place for a lone woman.”

Tears trickled down Maggie’s face. She couldn’t have stopped them if she’d wanted. All the years dreaming of being reunited with Lora Beth crumbled into heart-rending emptiness. She’d never see her sister again. A sob expanded her ribs.

Strong arms wrapped around her as she wept for the loss of a sister, her last tie to her family.

The sobs subsided. A warm, solid hand continued to make circles on her back while another hand held her head against a solid chest clothed in fine linen and scented with the outdoors.

Her body warmed and hummed with new energy. Unsure what the new feelings meant, she placed her hands on the hard plane of his chest and pushed. His arms slowly opened, and she stepped back, wiping at the wetness on her cheeks and keeping her eyes averted. What did he think of her outburst?

He cleared his throat. “Are you feeling better?”

His hoarseness intrigued her. She glanced at his face catching a glimpse of softness before he masked his eyes.

She shook her head. “I can’t believe I was so close to finding Lora Beth. Now…” Maggie couldn’t think of never seeing her again. It hurt too much.

“If you pretend to be my wife tomorrow night, I’ll send a telegram to the local mercantile. The owner knows everything in that town. He probably knows where she might have gone.” He boldly held her gaze.

“You expect me to parade around on your arm to get information I can now obtain on my own?” The nerve of the man.

He smiled, slow and seductively. Her heart rammed into her ribs.

“You owe me for sending the first telegram, for your lunch, and for not turning you over to the sheriff.”

“Why you no good—”

“No name calling. I can still have you thrown in jail. You have in your possession my locket.” His gaze fell on her mother’s locket dangling on the chain just above her breasts.

How could she have just wept in his arms? Had thought he had an ounce of compassion? She wiggled her stocking clad feet.

“Will you come back tomorrow morning so I can buy you a dress?” He moved to the other side of the bed and held up her boots.

There was no way she’d masquerade as his wife. He might have sent a telegram and bought her lunch, but he owed her. After all, it was her locket he said she stole.

She crossed her arms and glared at him.

“Fine. You can spend the night, and we’ll get you outfitted in the morning.” He tied her boots together.

“Outfitted! Why you… you jacka—”

“A lady, especially one married to me, doesn’t use that kind of language.” He hung her boots from the curtain rod.

She stared at her footwear out of reach without climbing on something. Her gaze darted to the door, but before she could make a break, he moved to the door, locking it from the inside with a key and shoving the key into his trouser pocket.

“This is kidnapping. I could scream and bring everyone pounding on your door.” She sucked in air, preparing to let loose a blood curdling scream.

Before Maggie could let her rage fly, he lunged for her, shoving her onto the bed and placing a hand over her mouth as his body completely covered hers. Stunned, she didn’t fight or scream. Her body melded to the mattress under the weight of him. His hard thighs pressed against her thighs. His solid chest mashed against her breasts, his face hovered inches above hers. His coffee laced breath warm as it puffed, lifting wisps of her hair.

“You are one stubborn woman. I’m doing this to help you. If it also helps me, all the better.” His deep voice rumbled in his chest vibrating against her already sensitive breasts. The sensation triggered aftershocks in her womanly areas.

Maggie sucked in her breath, unable to shake the awareness coming to life in her body. The pressure of his body had to be what made her feel lightheaded. It couldn’t be the heat of his body or the way it molded so perfectly to hers.

“H-how is this helping me? You’re pushing all the air out of me.”

He rolled off her. “Sorry. Just promise you won’t scream. I’m doing this for both of us. Just hear me out.” He reclined on his side, his arm slung over her waist.

When she started to roll away to sit up, he held her in place. The intimacy of his hold and the heat of his body against hers made thinking, let alone being mad, hard.

“I’ll listen. It doesn’t mean I’ll agree, though.”

“That’s fine. Just listen and don’t interrupt.” His arm relaxed, resting on her middle.

The weight and heat, not to mention his warm breath fluttering across her face, conjured up intimate thoughts she’d never held for a man. Thoughts a good woman didn’t think about.

“I need you to pretend to be my wife. I don’t need this job as a means of support, but I want this job to prove to my family there are ways other than by dishonesty to get ahead in this life.”

His words caught her attention. She forgot the arm resting so intimate on her person and locked onto his eyes. His family had caused him pain.

“All I need from you is to allow me to buy you a nice dress and attend dinner tomorrow night. I’ll send a couple more telegrams to Timberland to see if we can determine where your sister went.”

He had the means to help her locate Lora Beth. She calculated the meager money she saved and knew it would get her to one point and no farther. She’d have to work for a while to make enough to move on and continue her search.

The sincerity in his eyes and the memory of his strong arms holding her as she cried, told her to trust him. What was one dress and one dinner? She could do this. Pose as his wife for one meal and then have the information she needed to reunite with Lora Beth.

“All right. I’ll come back in the morning.” She picked up his arm, removing it from her middle and stared pointedly at her dangling boots.

His eyes lit up, and he dropped a quick kiss on her cheek. “Thank you, kitten. You won’t regret helping me, I promise.” He bounded off the bed and reached for her boots.

Maggie tentatively fingered the burning sensation on her cheek where his lips had touched. His endearment didn’t raise her hackles so much anymore. The way he drawled the word kitten gave it a seductive lilt.

Ty knelt at her feet and slid her boots on. He placed a foot on his thigh and laced up the boot. “Your dainty feet shouldn’t be hidden in men’s boots.”

His gaze held her as solidly as his thigh anchored her foot. Unnerved by the surrender and desire swirling and heating in her body, she dropped her foot to the floor and stood.

“What time tomorrow do you want me to return?” This was strictly a business deal. Nothing more. Once he found Lora Beth, she would say good riddance and join her sister.

“Arrive at ten. We’ll purchase your dress and discuss what we should know about one another over lunch.”

Maggie glanced over her shoulder. Her stomach fluttered at the sight. His disheveled hair and rumpled clothes gave the air of an unkempt boy. His dark, glistening eyes hooded with arched brows and a seductive smile caught her breath.

She grasped the door knob and twisted, only to have the contraption hold tight.

“Allow me.” Ty stepped to the door. Her gaze followed the path of his hand into his trouser pocket and back out with the key between his long sturdy fingers.

The snick of the key springing the lock promised freedom. Freedom from the emotions this man stirred in her and freedom to find Lora Beth and start a new life.

Her heart pounded in her ears as he pulled the door open and motioned for her to exit.

“Tomorrow.”

His deep voice slipped around her like warm bath water, steamy, relaxing, and sinful.

She nodded and ducked out the door, scurrying to the back stairway hoping no one saw her. If word she’d been frequenting a gentleman’s room made it to her landlady, she was sure to lose her free room. What had she been thinking when she snuck in his room?

Lora Beth.

She would do nearly anything to find her sister. She narrowed her eyes as she ducked into the back alleyway and headed to the dress shop. Blazes! How was she to explain a new dress and a dinner invitation to her landlady? There were other dress shops but it would make more sense to have Ty purchase a dress form her benefactor to help out.

Maggie slipped into her back room and threw herself across the small cot she’d called home since she and Mrs. Freeman moved in with the woman’s sister. She clasped the locket in her hand. Ty had to help her locate Lora Beth.

She’d attend dinner with Ty to save his job. She thought about his comment of wanting to prove something to his family. With his feelings toward family so negative, why was he helping find her sister? His desire darkened eyes and the weight of his body flashed in her mind. Her body quivered, and she knew why.

 

 

 

Four

 

Ty strode down the street toward the dress shop. He couldn’t wait to see Maggie in the dress they’d bought that morning. She’d been bashful and reluctant, but he’d purchased the perfect dress for her to wear while dining with his employer.

He’d stopped by the telegraph office on the way over on the off chance there hadn’t been a boy around to deliver the return message from Timberland. No word back yet.

He entered the dress shop ringing the string of bells dangling from the doorknob.

Mrs. Spacker, the proprietress he’d dealt with that morning, scurried out of the back room. Her smile of welcome dwarfed her diminutive stature.

“Mr. Bancroft, Maggie is just about ready. I’m so happy she’s finally going out. She spends far too much time alone in that room.” The tiny woman motioned to the chair he’d graced while deciding on which dress Maggie should wear tonight.

He smiled remembering the way Maggie had timidly tried on the dresses, blushing under his perusal and making excuses why the dress wouldn’t do. He’d realized by the third dress she was trying to find a way to keep him from purchasing her a dress and avoid the evening.

“I agree. It’s about time she got out and socialized.” He smiled warmly at the woman which garnered him a spinster’s titter.

“I’ll go hurry her along.” Mrs. Spacker disappeared behind the curtain separating the shop from the work area.

He liked the widow. During the hour they’d spent deciding on a dress that morning, she’d filled him in on every aspect of Maggie’s life since her arrival in Portland. She’d worked hard to help make ends meet and make her adoptive mother comfortable as her health failed.

His newly gained knowledge had raised Maggie’s hackles at lunch. He frowned. She’d also dug close to things he didn’t plan to reveal to her or anyone about his family. This needing to know about one another so Ainsworth wouldn’t realize they were fooling him upset both of them.

The curtain wiggled. He stared at the calico cloth, holding his breath, his heart hammering in his ears.

Maggie stepped out.

His heart stopped. The air rushed out of his lungs. The dress had looked good on her earlier, but now with her dark hair swept up in a tangle of curls on her head, her dainty, creamy neck and shoulders exposed, he couldn’t drag his gaze from her graceful curves.

Her skin flushed. He urged his gaze upward and heat struck his body as fierce and quick as lightning. Her steps faltered. Her exotic eyes were wide and anxious.

He stood and extended a hand. She approached him with hesitant steps, placing her hand in his.

“I’m proud to escort you to dinner.” His chest swelled at the thought everyone would believe she was his wife, and he could rain attention on her all night under that premise. Every head in the restaurant would turn the moment they entered.

Her blush deepened.

Mrs. Spacker rushed forward draping a lacy shawl over Maggie’s shoulders, hiding their perfection from him. The draped garment also concealed the way the lavender satin hugged her body in all the right places before gently flaring at her knees. The slight bump in the backside of the dress only added more allure to her tiny waist and full bosoms that strained seductively at the square neckline trimmed in purple velveteen.

Maggie clutched the shawl together, hiding the very attributes he wished to study more.

Ty offered his arm. She placed a hand in the crook of his elbow, and he nodded to Mrs. Spacker. “I should have her back by nine.”

“Don’t hurry on my account. She has a key to get in.” The old woman winked.

“Mrs. Spacker!” Maggie huffed and drew her hand from his arm.

“You’re a grown woman who should have been married by now.” The older woman crossed her arms and stared at Maggie.

“I agree.” Ty captured her hand and resettled it on his arm. He’d show Maggie a good time tonight and treat her with the respect any woman deserved. Especially, someone as vibrant as she.

Maggie left her hand on Ty’s muscled arm and followed him to the door. She didn’t like how much skin showed above the low neckline. Both Ty and Mrs. Spacker said it was the fashion. She preferred her work dresses that covered her to her chin. Heat still lingered from the scorching stare Ty gave her when she walked from behind the curtain.

He held the door, and she glided over the threshold. Ty had even purchased her new fancy kid slippers. They were so lightweight compared to the boots she’d been wearing her body floated.

The door shut, and he repositioned her hand on his arm. They strolled side-by-side down the board walkway. She kept her eyes straight ahead, but she found it hard not to notice the people watching them pass. Ty presented a fine figure in a black suit, white linen shirt, and blue paisley silk vest. A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. She had this handsome man’s attention for the evening.

“Are you ready for this?”

His softly spoken question intruded her thoughts. The challenge of pretending to be something neither one wanted to be—married—had begun.

“What if he figures out we aren’t married?” Guilt picked at her conscience. This deception only really hurt them, but it still didn’t feel right.

“Just smile and don’t flinch if I put my arm around you.” He slid his arm down, circling her back, and squeezing her side with his hand.

She leaned into his side and would have sighed had she not caught herself. His touch would be easy to handle.

“That’s the way.” He slid his hand up to the center of her back and guided her to the doorway of a fancy restaurant.

Maggie’s feet stalled when the doorman opened the door and the inside sparkled with crystal chandeliers.

“You’ll be fine.” Ty whispered in her ear, moving her with pressure from his palm still resting on her lower back.

The heat and pressure mixed with the warmth of his whispered words on her ear and neck convulsed the area between her legs and sent shivers of desire dancing along her skin. The sensation pushed a gasp through her parched throat.

Ty looped an arm round her, drawing her to face him. “What’s wrong?”

She couldn’t glance at him for fear he’d see the desire in her eyes. Instead, she shook her head, avoiding his gaze.

He placed a finger beneath her chin and forced her to glance up. His searching eyes peered into hers, and she couldn’t hide. The flash of recognition in his gaze darkened to desire.

His head lowered slowly, his eyes holding her in a trance.

His lips brushed hers, once, twice, and settled.

The sound of waves whooshed in her head as his soft kiss touched her deep within her soul.

“Ahem!”

Ty’s head jerked up, his lips leaving hers wet and scorched. His arm drew her tight to his side as he turned them as one. Light-headedness made the man standing in front of them fuzzy. She blinked and willed her wits to come back to her.

“Mr. Ainsworth,” Ty said brusquely and out of character.

Maggie glanced up at Ty, watching the color drain from his face. Their kiss in a public place and his arm banded around her like an iron hoop on a barrel didn’t help her dizziness.

“Mr. and Mrs. Bancroft.” Mr. Ainsworth didn’t say any more. From the reprimand in his tone he didn’t have to. He pivoted and entered the restaurant behind the waiter.

Ty led her in the man’s wake. She wanted to touch her lips to savor the kiss and run hide. The conflicting emotions of elation and mortification banged around in her chest. How could she face Ty, let alone, Mr. Ainsworth after that wanton display? How could she face herself for that matter?

Ty squeezed her hand when they approached a table. She glanced up and found Mr. Ainsworth standing beside a woman seated in a chair.

“Mr. and Mrs. Bancroft, I’d like to present my wife, Mrs. Ainsworth.” Mr. Ainsworth laid a hand on the woman’s shoulder. He smiled down at his wife. “Nancy, this is Ty and, I’m sorry I don’t know your wife’s name.”

“Maggie,” Ty said, pulling out a chair.

Maggie sat and smiled at Nancy and then Mr. Ainsworth. She reached out a hand to the other woman. “I’m pleased to meet you.”

“Likewise,” Nancy squeezed her fingers gently and then fiddled with the napkin on her lap.

Ty took the seat to Maggie’s right, and Mr. Ainsworth sat to her left.

Ty captured her hand and squeezed. “About—”

“There’s nothing to explain.” Mr. Ainsworth cut Ty off. His gaze wandered to his wife, and he smiled affectionately. “There are times it’s hard to control your feelings, but you must work harder when in public.”

Maggie nearly choked on her sip of water. There wouldn’t be any more displays because after tonight she’d have fulfilled her commitment, and Ty should have more information for her.

Ty patted her back and started the heat simmering in her once more. She leaned forward to sever his touch and stop the heat coursing through her, but she caught both the Ainsworth’s watching her.

“This is a lovely restaurant,” she said, moving the conversation to safe ground.

Mrs. Ainsworth jumped into the conversation and by the time the waiter cleared their plates everything from the weather to what Mr. Ainsworth expected of Ty as the contractor of his gambling salons had been discussed.

Maggie had to admit she’d never thought of gambling as a business, but listening to the men talk about honest dealers and games of chance she had gained a new perspective.

“I’ve decided you and Maggie should use my quarters on the ships as you set up the salons.” Ainsworth’s statement took a minute to settle in her food induced stupor.

She shook her head and stared at Ty. This marriage wasn’t real. She had to find her sister not travel on steamships up and down the Columbia.

“Maggie planned to stay in Portland with family while I’m working.”

Ty’s unemotional response helped calm her nerves. He didn’t want to be on a ship with her either.

“Nonsense, we’ll be on the first leg of the trip, and Nancy would love to have company.” Ainsworth patted his wife’s hand resting on the table. “We’ll set you up in the stateroom next to ours.”

“I’d enjoy getting to know you better,” Nancy said watching her.

A groan bubbled in Maggie’s throat. “But I promised my sister—”

“I’m sure she’d understand.” Ty captured her hand and drew it to his lips. “You could visit her later.” His eyes pleaded with her to acquiesce.

How dare he? They couldn’t live together… Her insides quivered. Could she remain untouched being around him every day and night? And what about Lora Beth?

She shook her head. This was wrong. The whole charade was wrong. She wouldn’t be a part of it any more. Couldn’t. She had to find Lora Beth. It was becoming clear Ty couldn’t help. She needed to move on.

Maggie tugged her hand from his and stood. Ty shot to his feet, grasping her elbow.

“Excuse us. We need to talk. I’ll see you in the morning.” Ty shot Ainsworth an apologetic smile and maneuvered her to the door.

 

 

 

Five

 

Ty didn’t want Maggie’s sour disposition to influence what Ainsworth thought of him. He wouldn’t lose this chance to prove he was better than his family. He’d figure out some way to make it all work. One thing was certain, he wasn’t about to let Maggie Holmes out of his sight for very long. The brief kiss they’d shared before dinner struck him like a bolt of lightning. The zing and heat of that innocent kiss had awakened more than carnal thoughts. He wanted to protect this woman and keep her.

“Let go. You don’t have to pretend anymore.” Maggie yanked her arm from his grasp and spun to face him. “I can’t pretend anymore.”

“Let’s make it real.” The words slipped out of his mouth before the thought even formed in his head.

She took a step back, her eyes round and worried. Her hand clutched the locket. “We barely know one another. I have to find Lora Beth.”

Her astonished expression didn’t change the thoughts bouncing in his head. Marriage was perfect. He could keep her with him and help find her sister. His gaze slid to her hand clutching the locket as if it would conjure up Lora Beth. He slid his gaze to her bare, enticing shoulders.

“Mrs. Bancroft”—Ainsworth stepped out of the restaurant dangling Maggie’s lacy shawl—“you forgot this.”

Ty groaned inwardly, hoping the man hadn’t seen the discourse between them.

“Thank you.” Maggie fisted her hands on the corners of the shawl and whipped it around her shoulders, wrapping the garment and her arms around her like a shield. Her lips barely curved into a forced smile.

“I didn’t mean to cause a tiff between the two of you, Mrs. Bancroft.” Ainsworth tipped his head to Maggie. “But I would appreciate you considering my offer to travel with my wife and me. She hasn’t been doing well lately, and I’d feel better knowing she has someone near her when I’m busy.”

Maggie’s expression softened, but her body remained rigid.

Ty took the opportunity to slip her hand into the crook of his arm. “We’ll discuss it tonight and get back to you tomorrow.”

Ainsworth nodded and strode back to the restaurant.

Ty marched her down the street before she could throw another fit in range of the Ainsworths.

“Why aren’t you taking me to the dress shop?” Her clipped tone made him smile.

“We need to talk somewhere private.” He knew of a park not far away.

She dug her heels in and pulled at his arm. “I’m not going anywhere alone with you.”

“You’re making a scene.”

Maggie’s curls bounced on top of her head as she peered left and right.

Ty grinned and tipped his hat to the two frowning women who watched.

“There’s a park about two blocks this direction. We’ll be out in the open.” He captured her hands, drawing her gaze. “We need to talk.”

She shook her head, but allowed him to lead her the two blocks and seat her on a bench under a street lamp. The sun’s fading yellow glow muted the evening sky. A man carrying a ladder and whistling a jaunty tune walked to the lamp post.

“Evening.” He placed the ladder against the street lamp and climbed up, lighting the lamp. He tipped his hat. Picked up the ladder and continued to the next one.

Ty took the time to clear his mind and decide the best course of action with Maggie. The picture was clear to him, but he wasn’t so sure she’d see it the same way. He had the means to help her find her sister. She had to stay with him.

He cleared his throat. “I’m your best shot at finding your sister.” He held up his hand when she started to speak. “Hear me out. I have the money and means to help you. And I am and will continue to help you, but I need you to marry me—”

“I’m not—”

He placed a finger on her lips. Soft flavorful lips he remembered well from their one brief kiss. “Hear me out. We’ll get married, I’ll buy you a wardrobe, and you’ll travel with me up the Columbia while I set up the sternwheelers with gambling salons. When we reach Wallula, we’ll get off the ship and continue looking for your sister.” He withdrew his finger. The simple act of touching her so intimately fuzzed his thought process. “Or we can part ways here with you knowing just as much as you did when you met me and no funds to track down your sister.”

Maggie stared at Ty. Her body shook with apprehension. He was right. He was her best means of finding Lora Beth. But having him purchase her clothes and treat her like his wife—her senses reeled at the thought of the payments of intimacy he’d expect in return. She couldn’t let him into her heart and risk having it shattered again. Everyone she cared about had been taken from her. Her parents, Lora Beth, Mrs. Freeman.

She fisted her hands, wrapping the shawl tighter around her. “I’ll only marry you if we don’t consummate the marriage and we go our separate ways when we find Lora Beth.” If she could keep her distance from him during the marriage she’d keep her heart whole.

Something flickered in his eyes before he lowered his lids. He held out a hand. “I’ll agree, but if you change your mind, I won’t hold it against you.”

The mischief dancing in his voice heightened her resolve. He dared her to keep the marriage one in name only. She’d prove to him he was nothing more than a means to find her sister. She had to keep it that way. If she loved him and lost him—she couldn’t even think of anymore loss in her life.

“Let’s go.” He captured her hand and drew her to her feet.

“Where?”

“To find someone to marry us. We might as well get it done tonight. We have a lot to do tomorrow to be ready to travel.” He led her out of the park.

“We should wait until tomorrow. It would be rude to ask someone to marry us at such a late hour.”

“Oh, no. We made a deal. We’re getting married tonight, and you’re not leaving my sight until we’re on that ship and the Ainsworths see us.”

“I said I’d do it. I won’t change my mind.” She studied Ty as they walked. “Why is this job so important to you? As you said you don’t need it.”

His brows met in the center of his forehead, and his jaw clenched. “My family has a reputation. Not a good one.” He stopped and faced her in the growing dusk. “I want people to respect me for who I am and what I can accomplish without resorting to my family’s tactics.”

“Where is your family? Don’t you miss them?” She didn’t understand not wanting to be near his family. Once she found Lora Beth, they’d get a place together and make up for the lost years.

“New Orleans. No, I could care less if I ever set my eyes on them again.” He continued walking. “There’s a church ahead, we should be able to get married there.”

Maggie dug in her heels and yanked her hand from his. “No. I can’t get married in a church, not when it isn’t a real marriage. My father…” Her chest ached, and she tried to breath. Panic paralyzed her. What would her parents think of this sham of a marriage and of her using a sacred union to find Lora Beth? Would they understand?

Ty pulled her into an embrace, shushing and holding her head against his chest. “If it’s that important to you I can find a justice of the peace. We don’t have to get married in a church.”

His strong arms held her so gently, and his soothing voice warmed her like bright summer sunshine. He made her feel cherished something she hadn’t felt since losing her parents. It wasn’t like she was marrying the first person who came along just to have a means to find Lora Beth. If that were so, she could’ve married the old man who asked Mrs. Freeman twice for her hand. She would’ve had all his money at his death and access to lawyers to help her find Lora Beth. Thankfully, Mrs. Freeman had turned him down. And there was no one left for Ty to ask for her hand. No one except Lora Beth. Wherever she was.

Ty had proven time and again he did care for her well-being and truly wanted to help. And he would get something in return. A chance to redeem himself. Though she believed he only needed to redeem himself in his own eyes. No one she’d witnessed treated him with anything other than respect. She inhaled deeply and thought of the end result. Finding Lora Beth.

“This is fine. Mama and Papa would understand why I’m doing this. It’s to reunite their daughters.” She glanced up. The concern in Ty’s eyes hitched her breath, her heart pattered in her chest. There were indeed worse people in this world she could marry.

He kissed her forehead. “You’re sure? I can find someone else.”

Her heart swelled at his kindness. “Yes. I’m sure.”

He gave her a quick squeeze and leaving an arm draped around her shoulders walked to the parsonage next door and knocked.

The door opened. A large woman crowned in a circle of blonde braids and a round pleasant face filled the threshold. “How may I help you?” she asked.

“We’d like to see the preacher about getting married tonight.” Ty smiled down at Maggie.

Her heart thumped against her ribs. They were going through with it. The weight and warmth of his arm on her shoulders comforted and drew her body to his.

The woman scowled. “And why are you needing to marry this night?”

“I have to travel out of town on business, and Maggie hasn’t any family to rely on so we decided to get married and she can go with me.” Ty continued to gaze straight into the woman’s eyes.

It wasn’t really a lie. He did need to travel, and she didn’t have any family here. She smiled at the woman and nodded, willing her to not dig any deeper. Her straightforward approach to all things made her a lousy liar.

The woman studied her carefully, scowling at her low neckline and tsking. “Come in and take a seat. I’ll get the reverend.”

Ty escorted her into the small sparsely furnished room, directing her to an upholstered settee. He sat next to her, placed his hat on his knee, and drew both her cold hands into his warm ones.

“Your hands are like ice. Are you sure you can do this?” The warble in his voice drew her gaze to his face.

“Are you having second thoughts?” If he wasn’t confident, she couldn’t go through with the marriage. His confidence bolstered her own.

“No. This is the best solution for both of us.” He rubbed her hands between his. “You do look like a bride in that dress.” He fingered a curl. “And your hair up.” He traced her cheek with a finger. “You’re beautiful.”

Her insides quivered, and her body warmed at his sweet words and gentle touch.

“My sister says you wish to be married.” A male voice boomed from across the room.

Maggie jumped, her gaze fastening on Ty. There wasn’t another she would marry under these circumstances. He cared for her and would help her find Lora Beth.

Ty stood, pulling her up beside him. “Yes, we’d like to get married tonight.”

The man studied them a moment before he motioned for them to follow.

Maggie’s feet stalled stepping through a door into the church. Memories of her father standing at the pulpit capturing the attention of even the smallest child with his words and enthusiasm warmed her, and at the same time left her hollow. She clutched her middle, doubling over in grief.

“What’s wrong?” Ty blocked the sight of the room with his body.

“Memories of Papa preaching… I haven’t stepped into a church since…I tried.” Tears of grief burned in her eyes and throat.

“Is there a problem?” The preacher’s voice filled the small building, resonating from the walls like the words of God.

“Her father was a preacher,” Ty said over his shoulder and drew her into his arms once more. “Is this another reason why you didn’t want to be married in a church? The memories?”

She wiped her nose on the shawl and shook her head. “I didn’t know I’d react this way. I’m sorry. I-I’m a mess. Are you sure you want to put up with me?”

“Yes. This will work out for both of us. You’ll see.”

Ty released her and holding her hand led her to the reverend.

The reverend studied her and smiled warmly. “If your father was a preacher then you know this is not something to take lightly. If you are agreeing to marry this man it must be God’s will.”

Maggie glanced at Ty. He smiled warmly at her. Was this God’s will, too, and would he not leave her like everyone else she’d loved?

She balled her fists in anger at God—fear drained her heart—a hidden inner resolve surfaced in defiance. She wouldn’t let God rob from her again.

 

 

 

Six

 

Maggie pinched herself. She was now Mrs. Ty Bancroft, in name only. She wore a fashionable, yet conservative dress as she stood on the deck of the sidewheeler Oneonta watching the supplies and cargo be loaded.

After the brief nuptials the night before and a peck on the cheek, Ty had been a gentleman collecting her personal belongings from her room behind the dress shop, and then getting her a room adjoining his for the night at the hotel.

They’d spent today purchasing her clothes, telling the Ainsworths she would travel with them, and packing. After an early dinner, they boarded the ship. Ty had settled her in their large compartment and left, telling her to make herself to home and not worry about him as he’d be up all night taking care of business. The gleam in his eyes as he set out to his duties made her smile. He was a man who committed whole-heartedly to his missions. Her breath caught. He’d also committed himself to helping her find Lora Beth.

“Mrs. Bancroft, I’m so glad you decided to join your husband.” Nancy Ainsworth stopped beside her at the railing.

“Please, call me Maggie.” She liked the woman and her husband. How fortunate and lucky for Ty to have found employment with a vital organization.

“Only if you call me Nancy.” She pointed to the dock. “I see your husband is one to get in and do his part.”

Maggie peered at the dock and ogled “her husband” lifting a crate. She was married. It still hadn’t seeped in. Gazing at him she wondered if she would be able to keep it a marriage in name only. His rolled-up sleeves revealed bunched forearms. Taut trousers clung to the bulging leg muscles as he picked up a crate with the help of a dock worker. Her breathing quickened watching him work. What would it feel like to run her hands over those bunched muscles? Her palms itched and heated.

“That’s one of the reasons my husband hired him.”

“W-what?” Maggie dragged her gaze back to the older woman standing beside her.

The woman smiled knowingly. “I remember watching John when we first met.”

“Oh, I wasn’t… really, I was…” She couldn’t think what to say and her face grew increasingly warm.

Nancy laughed. “It’s okay to admire your husband. Just don’t let him catch you admiring other men. Then there could be trouble.”

“Oh, I’d never look at another man.” She hadn’t been looking for this one when he entered her life.

“That’s good to know because you’ve been getting quite a few admiring glances from the crew. I’m sure once we have nearly five hundred passengers aboard, you’ll be getting lots of attention.” Nancy stepped from the railing. “Let’s spend some time in the Ladie’s salon. I feel like sitting for a while.”

Maggie hurried to her side. She didn’t want anyone noticing her. She hadn’t had to worry about it dressed as a pauper. The only men who thrust their attention on her were drunks she encountered in the streets when she worked late.

Her sharp tongue kept most men at bay. All except Ty.

They visited in the salon until Mr. Ainsworth retrieved his wife and escorted Maggie to her cabin.

“Your husband is an excellent worker. I hope he gets some rest tonight before the passengers arrive.”

“He told me not to expect him until morning. He plans to have everything set up and running by the time the gambling salon opens.” Maggie entered her cabin and nodded goodnight to the couple.

“Lock your door if you’re going to be alone. Unfortunately, when loading it’s hard to keep the riffraff from coming onboard and causing trouble.”

Maggie heeded his words and slipped her key in the keyhole, clicking it locked once inside. The slap of water against the sides of the vessel and gentle rocking brought her thoughts to the voyage. Her first trip on a boat. She planned to savor and enjoy the experience.

She lit the kerosene lamp and began the arduous task of getting out of her dress, four petticoats, and the corset Mrs. Spacker insisted she wear with her new dresses. She tried to scrunch her body forward to loosen the buttons on the corset and slip them from the loops. Mrs. Spacker had tied the laces in the back to form the hard heavy contraption to her body. She hated wearing it but didn’t want anyone to realize her true identity, a preacher’s daughter who cleaned for others.

Marriage to Ty made her as good as the people she cleaned rooms for at the hotel. She had to dress the part. And get used to wearing a corset. The torture the garment rendered, it most certainly had to have been designed by a man.

She draped the dress over a chair, kicked the corset into a corner, and donned the frilly nightdress Ty had insisted they purchase. He insinuated he’d like to see her in it. She scanned the small, though larger than most, cabin. She’d have very little privacy if he slept in here with her.

Shivers of anticipation and fear tickled her arms. She thought of the intimate kiss he’d bestowed on her at the restaurant. Her fingers touched her lips. The drugging effect he’d had on her mind and the fireworks he’d set off in her body with that one innocent kiss gave rise to thoughts of what it would be like to have his hands caress her bare skin.

Her breathing quickened. Heat swirled in her middle, and she ached for something unknown to her.

“Blazes!” Maggie fanned her hands in front of her face. This would never do. She had to keep those kinds of thoughts out of her head.

Heavy steps stopped at her door. She doused the light and hopped onto the cot. Ty walked light on his feet. These footfalls didn’t belong to him. The handle shook. Thankful she heeded Mr. Ainsworth’s suggestion to lock the door, Maggie pulled the covers up to her nose and quietly waited for the steps to leave.

****

Ty nodded and scanned the gambling salon. The tables for faro, euchre, and poker were ready. All three of the men he’d handpicked to oversee each leg of the river had helped setup and now toasted their new jobs.

“How about joining us Bancroft?” Ralph Edmonds, the man who would oversee the gambling salons on the first section of the river, asked. He’d be in charge of the three boats that serviced the leg from Portland to the Cascade. Edmonds had the equipment for the other boats in this section of the river and had free rein at hiring help on each ship. As did each man Ty had handpicked for each leg of the river.

“I’m tempted but with your help, I’ve finished earlier than I expected, so I think I’ll just head to my stateroom.”

“We got a gander at the reason you’re so quick to turn down a drink.” Walter Dickens, the overseer of the second leg of the trip from Cascade to The Dalles winked at the other two men.

“What do you mean by that?” Ty leveled a glare on the three.

“Just that wife of yours is a looker, and I could see why you’d be wanting to head to bed.” Dickens’s face glowed red.

“I hired you to tend to the salons and make sure it all runs on the up. I’ll not have you gawking at my wife or talking to others about her.” Ty grabbed his coat from the back of a chair and stormed to the door. He whipped around and stared pointedly at each man. “I mean it. If she wanders in here looking for me, I want you to treat her with respect and not let any of the customers treat her any different. The gambling salons on Ainsworth’s ships will all be respectable. No cheating and no disrespect to anyone.”

They all nodded, and he spun out the door. He stalked to the deck and breathed in the fishy stank of the crowded harbor. The men’s comments shouldn’t bother him. His wife was a looker. He couldn’t stop other men from wishing they had her. Happiness swirled in his chest. She belonged to him and from her actions so far, she’d not stray to another. Confidence renewed, he listened to the bustle of activity on the dock.

It wouldn’t be long and the passengers would start boarding. He could stand at the rail and watch the flurry of activity, but knowing Maggie slept in that frilly nightdress he’d picked out, he wanted to at least get a glimpse of her and figure out their sleeping arrangements. She hadn’t asked where he would sleep when he escorted her to the cabin. He hadn’t brought it up not wanting to spoil her eagerness to see everything.

He headed back into the hallway running down the middle of the ship. Their stateroom sat at the far end of the narrow dark passage. His feet stalled noting a shadowy movement. He quietly, crept up on the shadow lurking by their cabin. A man worked feverishly at the lock on their door.

Maggie! Fear ripped through his chest a second before anger propelled him forward.

Ty rushed the man, lunging and wrapping his arms around the thief’s legs, tackling him to the deck.

“Omph!“

The intruder swung arms and fists, connecting with Ty’s chin. His teeth clanged. Pain shot through his jaw.

He grabbed the intruder’s throat and slammed his head into the deck.

“What’s going on?” Someone shouted as running feet grew louder. The man under Ty squirmed and lashed out more.

Ty barely held on until reinforcements grabbed the intruder’s arms, hauling the suspect to his feet.

“This man was trying to break into my cabin,” Ty said, catching his breath and checking his jaw.

A deck hand ran up carrying a lit lamp and shined it in the captured man’s face. He wasn’t familiar.

“Who are you, and why were you picking the lock on my door?”

The man stubbornly clamped his mouth shut.

“The captain will deal with him.” The ship’s mate shook the stranger and glanced at Ty. “Do you want to come along to tell your side of things?”

“I’d rather check on my wife. I’ll talk with the captain in the morning.” Ty heard his door click behind him.

“I’ll tell the captain to expect you in the morning, then.”

“Thank you.” Ty watched as the stranger struggled to get away, but the two shipmates clung to his arms proving the greater strength.

Ty walked to the door, tried the knob, and found it unlocked. “Maggie? Maggie, are you all right?” He pushed the door open, and Maggie sprang at him all curls and white ruffles, the key dropping from her hand. Her arms wrapped around his waist, and her head buried against his chest.

He shuffle-walked moving them into the room, closed the door with a kick of his foot, and turned up the lamp.

“Everything’s fine. I’m here now.” He smoothed the mass of curls out of Maggie’s face and peered at her. Her eyes scrunched closed. He ran a hand up and down her back. Her shaking body subsided. He inhaled her sweet spicy scent and kissed the top of her head.

“W-why was he trying to get in here?”

Her shaky voice made him wish he’d had more time to do damage to the man.

“I don’t know. He wouldn’t tell me. I saw him at our door and jumped him. The shipmates took him to the captain to see if they can figure out what he wanted.” He smoothed her hair out of her face and gazed into her eyes. “I’ll be here the rest of the night, no one will get in.”

She nodded, but her arms didn’t loosen around him. For being so tough all the time she was showing him a vulnerable side.

He grasped her arms and pried them from his middle. “Go get back in bed. I’m going to wash up, and I’ll be right there.”

Her eyes widened, and her mouth opened slightly in an expression of shock. Cute.

“W-what do you mean you’ll be right there?” Fear no longer lingered in her exotic eyes.

He’d been around her long enough to know the signs of her temper flaring. “I’ve put in a long day and I’m tired. We’re going to share the bed.”

Her head moved from side to side, her hard stare never leaving his face.

He slipped his jacket off, unbuttoned his shirt, and pulled out the tails.

Ty glanced at Maggie standing in the middle of the room, seething and watching his every move. Fine by him if she stood there displaying her angelic form in that feminine, frilly nightdress.

He poured water in a bowl set in a hole on the small stand, replaced the pitcher lid, and stored the pitcher. He draped his shirt on a hook beside the stand and lathered up a cloth, cleaning his upper body. The cot creaked and he smiled. She’d finally crawled into bed.

Ty rinsed, combed his wet fingers through his hair, and faced the bed. Maggie’s body curled toward the wall. He turned down the kerosene lamp, sat on the edge of the bed, and removed his boots and socks. He stood to shuck off his drawers and a soft gasp whispered from the depths of the covers.

The sound shot heat to a region he dared not think about. She’d stated clearly there’d be no consummating this marriage. The minute the words came out of his mouth to marry her, he’d decided this marriage would not be broken.

He’d go slow, and eventually, she’d come to crave him as he craved her. The kiss they’d shared and her fiery temper proved she had a passionate nature. When she loved, she would love with all her heart.

Ty slipped his pants down and laid them over the end of the bed. He raised the covers and slid in beside her. The bed quivered from her shaking.

“Shhh… There’s no need to be scared. I’m here. No one is going to hurt you.” He rolled to his side and gathered her into his arms, drawing her backside against his front and nuzzling through her hair to kiss her soft neck. Her sweet scent invaded his senses, and he nibbled on her neck.

She sighed, then her body stiffened against his.

 

 

 

Seven

 

Maggie melted at the first touch of Ty’s lips on her neck. His arms, embracing her, wrapped her in safety. Then his hardness pressed against her backside.

She stiffened and rolled to her back, trying to break the hold. Her elbow whacked the wall, and her body wedged between the wall and Ty. His arm rubbed across her breasts. Jolts of sensations shot from her nipples to her pelvic area. The vibrations echoed through her body.

“Hold still. There isn’t much room in this bed.” Ty helped her roll to face him. Which was worse. Her nose nearly touched his. In the dark, she barely distinguished the outline of his head. His chest pressed against her sensitized nipples, his arms remained banded around her, while one of his legs slid between hers, intimately resting against the throb at the juncture of her legs.

“This”—she licked her dry lips—“is not keeping the marriage in name only.”

“About that.” He kissed the tip of her nose and snuggled closer, pressing his rock hard ardor against her belly as his hand pressed her lower back. “I don’t believe in divorce or leaving my wife. So we might as well enjoy the benefits of marriage completely.”

“I’m not staying married to you. You’re a gambler. My father—”

“Your father would want you with a man who would go to great lengths to keep you safe and happy.” He nuzzled her neck, dropping kisses down to the dip where her collar bones connected.

Shivers of lust and anticipation rippled through her body. She craved his touch, and her mind lost focus. She placed her hand on his chest. The muscles moved and the sprinkling of hair tickled her palms. She spread her fingers, touching more, experiencing the strength she witnessed when he worked on the dock.

He lifted his head and captured her lips with his. The softness of his tongue intrigued. The tip traced the seam of her lips. A hand cupped her bottom and she gasped, opening. His tongue dipped in, exploring.

A moan crawled up her throat and eased into his mouth. The kiss. She’d never again think of the act as anything other than body inflaming and mind numbing. She ground against his leg. Tremors of silk ecstasy rose from the spot pressed against him and swirled through her like warm cocoa.

Ty pulled his head back, his hands gripped her head. “You keep moving against me like that Maggie, and I’m not going to be able to control my urges.”

“Then don’t.” She froze. Where had that come from? Wickedness had descended on her. She wanted the carnal knowledge of what a man and woman experienced in bed. She’d only heard snippets from the old women who visited Mrs. Freeman and the young women whom she’d come upon talking in the alleys behind the saloons. She was married. It wasn’t as though she was dallying with just any man. This was her husband.

“Are you sure?”

The deep intensity of his words rippled her insides.

Her head bobbed once, and she lowered her lips to his. She wanted to feel his passion and explore her own. He was her husband—it was her right. But heaven help her if she lost her heart to him—she’d never be whole if he left her.

He took control of the kiss. His hands slid up her body, pushing the nightdress up, until he broke the kiss and drew the garment over her head. Leaving her bare. The heat and smoothness of his skin on hers branded and ignited the yearning. Spinning her tighter.

His hands seared her skin traveling over her curves, cupping her breasts and—Blazes! He suckled like a babe, rooting and tugging until her body arched, and she lost all thought other than he had to take her soon or she would unravel like a burlap sack.

Ty couldn’t get enough of his sweet Maggie. She arched against his leg and whimpered for more as he suckled her perfect hand-full breasts. His ardor ached and twinged. He reached down to the juncture of her legs. The heat and moisture made him smile.

She was as passionate as he’d hoped. He would show her this was more than coupling. It was his commitment to many years of loving and being loved. He’d fallen for her the first night when she pleaded ardently of her need to find her sister.

Tonight, he would show her she’d never be alone, even if they didn’t find her sister, she’d always have him. He shoved his drawers down and kicked them to the bottom of the bed.

He rolled Maggie to her back. Her long curls spread out around her head, dark against the white sheets. He leaned down, kissed her, and pressed his tip against her wet center when she arched. Easing into her heat, he kissed her and teased a nipple.

He pushed deeper with one swift movement and held still.

Maggie tore her mouth from his. “It hurts! No one said it hurts.” She pushed at him but he held tight.

“Shh… Maggie, hold still, relax. Only the first time hurts. Relax and soon you’ll be back riding the waves. I promise.” He captured her lips, kissing, teasing with his tongue, massaging her breasts. Her body responded, moving, pressing, her hips arching to draw him deeper.

“That’s my kitten. Feel it all.” He moved with a rhythm that soon had him backing out. He didn’t want to be fulfilled before Maggie.

She grabbed his backside, pulling him tighter. He resumed his pace, and she cried out, her body convulsing around him as her arms clasp his head to her breasts. She fell back on the bed and he came, whispering her name as he captured her mouth in a kiss. He was completely lost to this woman.

His heart beat against his ribs like the pounding of a thousand horses. He pulled Maggie’s limp body into his arms and kissed her head. “Sleep and know I will always be here for you.”

“Mmmm… Promise?” Her head snuggled on his chest, and her arm gripped his middle.

“Promise.”

****

Maggie awoke, her mind raced with the events of the night before, causing her body to tingle. Strong arms held her tight against a hard warm body. She smiled. Her husband. She’d been falling in love with the man, but didn’t know now completely until she gave in to her body’s needs last night. Now in the light of day, she saw her demand to make the marriage a name only union had been fear. Her sated state was new and wondrous. Her breasts felt heavier, more sensitive. The juncture of her legs throbbed as she relived the sensations Ty introduce to her body.

“Mornin’ my little spitfire.”

His deep scratchy voice started tremors in her middle.

She rolled in his arms, witnessing his morning stubble, sleepy eyes, and the bruising on his chin. “What happened to your chin?”

“Last night’s visitor popped me a good one when I was wrestling him away from the door.”

She shivered in spite of the knowledge the man was contained.

“He won’t hurt you. I’ll find out from the captain what he was after.”

“When I heard him working the lock, I held the key in the keyhole. My hand was shaking, and I could hear him breathing heavy.” The memory of the man’s labored breathing and his unrelenting attack on the keyhole shook her from head to toe. She’d prayed someone would come along. Elation overwhelmed her when she heard Ty’s voice on the other side of the door. He wasn’t supposed to come back to the cabin that early.

She smiled. But he had, and what a wonderful night she’d spent in his arms.

“It is a good morning.”

The ship rocked, and he rolled on top of her with little effort.

“Are we moving?” Traveling by ship was a new experience just like the night spent in his arms.

“Yes. Would you like to amble around the deck before we go to breakfast?” He kissed her neck.

Warm fluttering sensations started in her middle and spread. She wrapped her arms around Ty’s neck and pressed her body tight against his. “I don’t know. You tend to make a wanton woman out of me with your kisses.”

“We could dally here and just head to breakfast when we’re done.” He kissed under her jawline and down to the shivery spot where her collar bones met.

“Mmmm… Yes, that works for me.”

His hands cupped her bottom drawing her tight against his hardness.

Sparks lit behind her eyes when he rubbed just so. “Oh! That’s nice.”

“I can make it even better.” He slid her legs apart and with aching slowness entered, taking her breath away and spinning her into the world of darkness, fireworks, and body-numbing sensations.

He whispered in her ear, released, and held her tenderly as he kissed her neck.

Maggie enjoyed his attentions. It was a heady feeling to be fawned over and loved. Mrs. Freeman had been kind and loving in her own way, but Maggie had yearned for arms to hold her and someone to confide in and love unconditionally. All these years she’d missed her close-knit family.

“What are you thinking?” Ty’s finger rested on the furrow between her brows.

“How much I miss my family.” She peered into his eyes. “How much I missed loving arms and someone who truly cares for me.” She drew his hand to her lips and kissed the palm.

“Did no one show you love once you were taken from your sister?” He rolled to his side, pulling her up on top of him.

She looked down into his searching gaze. “The woman who adopted me was kind, but she didn’t seem to have any love left in her after her husband died. She rarely touched me, never hugged me.” It saddened her to know the years she had worked so hard to be liked and help the woman had only given her a room in the back of a dress shop to live, and the hope to one day be reunited with Lora Beth.

“But you loved her.” Ty captured the tear leaving a wet track on her cheek.

“She was all I had.” Maggie bit back the bitterness and stared deep into his eyes. “I’ll never give up trying to find Lora Beth. If she’s lived without love as I, we have to be reunited.” She put a hand on his cheek. “Our love of our parents and one another is what has kept me going. It has to have been the same for her.”

“We’ll find her. Get dressed. We’ll breakfast and soon be landing at Cascades to portage around the falls and load onto another ship. Make sure things we aren’t wearing are packed.” Ty flipped back the covers exposing her bare backside to the cold morning air.

Her nipples puckered, and his eyes dilated with desire.

“Oh no, we’re not doing that again. I think I need time to recuperate.” Maggie hopped off and stood a minute admiring his adoration for her. “That is an impressive appendage,” she said and giggled at his smug smile.

****

Maggie grew more and more fascinated by the portage around the falls at Cascades. Everything and everyone going up river was unloaded to the dock and loaded onto a “pony” train. The train consisted of a small engine with covered cars to haul people and flat cars for the freight and baggage.

She walked beside Ty to the passenger car. He helped her climb aboard and carried the valises down the aisle to a seat.

“Hold me a seat. I’m going to make sure my freight is all loaded.” He kissed her cheek and left the passenger car.

Maggie leaned out the window watching the people scurrying to find a place in the covered cars. Ty informed her once the passenger cars filled the others would have to ride on the flat cars. She patted the seat next to her holding their bags. Ty would have a seat next to her.

“Excuse me, Miss, but if you’d move the bags I’d be happy to keep you company.”

She glanced up at a man in a fancy suit and bowtie. A bowler sat atop his round head. The condescending glint in his eyes and smug smile on his face brought out the devil in her.

“I’m sorry but I’m saving this place for my husband. He’s checking on his cargo at the moment.”

The man started to pick up one of the bags. “I haven’t seen a man near you since we started loading.”

She slapped his hand. “Then you’ve been staring and that only solidifies your rudeness.”

“I’m going to sit here. I can’t ride on the freight. A man of my caliber would be a laughing stock.”

Maggie squinted her eyes and sprung to her feet. “This seat is taken.”

“Maggie.” Ty’s voice caught her attention.

She pointed out the window and said to the man, “My husband.” She stuck her head out the window. “Yes?”

An older woman, bent and fragile stood beside Ty.

“Mrs. Oldham can’t ride on the freight. I’m giving her my seat.” Ty shrugged his shoulder in an apology.

Her heart squeezed with pride for her husband’s giving nature. “I’d love to visit with her. Bring her on up.”

She sat down on the seat. Her temper escalated from the heat of the man’s stare. He still stood next to her bags. “I told you the seat was taken.”

“Now see here, I can’t—”

“Can’t what?” Ty shuffled down the aisle behind the bent older woman shuffling ahead of him.

“This perfectly healthy man has been trying to wrangle this seat from me.” Maggie grabbed their valises, stuffing them under the seat in front of her to make room for the woman. She took the woman’s arm helping her settle on the bench seat.

The man backed away grumbling as Ty leaned over the older woman and kissed Maggie.

“I’ll ride with the freight and come get you when the train stops at the dock.” Ty grasped her hand, squeezed it, and sauntered back down the aisle as the train whistle blew.

Maggie settled down in the seat next to Mrs. Oldham. She held out her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“You have yourself a good man in that one.” The old woman said, pointing the direction Ty had disappeared.

“I know.” The smile she bestowed on the woman glowed all the way to her heart. She was indeed a lucky woman. Maggie clutched the locket hanging around her neck. If she found Lora Beth her world would be near to perfect.

 

 

 

Eight

 

Ty escorted Maggie onto the waiting sidewheeler, Idaho. “We’ll place the bags in a room, but don’t unpack. We’ll spend the night in The Dalles at the Cosmopolitan Hotel.”

She nodded, her gaze always scanning the crowd. He hadn’t asked, but he knew her eyes constantly searched for her sister. Hoping by chance they would meet.

He, on the other hand, watched for anyone who might know his family in order to make a hasty retreat. Other than his telegraph to his grandmother during his stay in Timberland, no one knew where to find him, and he liked that just fine.

They stored their bags, strolled the deck, and retired to the lavish dining area for a mid-day meal.

Pride filled Ty’s chest, nearly bursting his buttons, when he walked into the dining area with Maggie on his arm. All heads turned. Men gave her appreciative looks and the women must have sensed her lack of vanity for they also smiled warmly.

Maggie blushed ever so faintly and followed by his side. Much too demure for his liking. He appreciated and admired the feisty woman who stood up to him in his hotel room.

He held her chair, and she sat arranging the billowing skirt, giving it her full attention.

“What’s wrong?” He whispered in her ear and watched the pulse in the vein in her neck race.

“I can’t get used to the idea of dining in places like this.” She swept a hand over the fancy dishes and shiny utensils. “It was only a few days ago I cleaned the hotel rooms these people stayed in.”

“You look like you belong here.” He took a seat beside her capturing her hand, hoping to abate their coldness and trembles.

“I might look the part but I’m still the orphan of a poor preacher. The clothes you purchased haven't changed me.” She raised her mesmerizing exotic gaze to his. “Mrs. Freeman made sure I kept up my studies, but I’m sure she never believed I’d be more than a cleaning woman or wife so she didn’t bother teaching me proper etiquette.”

“Just do what I do, you’ll be fine. Now chin up. I want to see that fire in your eyes I so admire.”

Ty ordered their food. At the end of their meal he enjoyed his reward of watching Maggie sigh and lean back in her chair, placing a hand over her stomach.

“If I didn’t have to wear this awful corset, I could have finished off that last bit.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t the Freeman woman feed you? You’ve eaten more than me today. First with breakfast and now this meal.”

“We had to watch our pennies but I never went without like some of the children I played with.” Her eyes glazed over. “There was one little girl who reminded me of Lora Beth. She was sickly and after a couple of years she didn’t come out and play anymore. I don’t know if she became worse or…”

The compassion shining in her eyes brought a lump to his throat. “Did you ever go ask?”

“I was afraid if she had died—she looked so much like Lora Beth—I’d believe my sister had died, too.” Her eyes dilated to a thin circle of brilliant lavender. “If I believed Lora Beth dead, I had no reason to fight to stay alive and look for her.”

“I know she was alive last fall when I was in Timberland. I didn’t see her, but I know.” He pulled her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “If a telegram from my contact in Timberland arrived in Portland, I asked the telegrapher to send it on to The Dalles. It should be waiting for us when we check into the hotel.”

Her eyes sparked with determination. “Do you think your contact can help us find Lora Beth?”

“When I was in Timberland he knew everything about everyone. I’m sure he can send us in the right direction.” Ty stood and pulled Maggie to her feet. “Let’s take a stroll around the deck and check in with Dickens at the gambling salon. He should have it set up and running.”

Maggie nodded and slipped her arm though his. “When will we arrive in The Dalles?”

“Thinking about that telegram?”

She nodded, her eyes sparkling, a soft smile lifted the corners of her mouth. He couldn’t resist. He kissed her tempting lips with the briefest of touches.

“We should dock in The Dalles late afternoon.”

“And spend the night in a hotel with a large bed?” The sultry whisper meant only for his ears and the flutter of her breath on his neck jolted his senses as if she stood in front of him naked and begging.

“Yes. The best room in the hotel. We’ll call it our wedding night. I didn’t properly make you mine as I should have.” And she was his. He’d no sooner allow her to get away from him than he’d allow his grandmother to interfere with his life any longer.

****

Maggie walked into the gambling salon on Ty’s arm and gawked at the men sitting around tables, blowing cigar and cigarette smoke into the air. Most wore business suits, though a few sported cowboy denims and flannel. With a quick sweep of the room, she realized she was the only female. Heads swiveled and card games stopped. Heat rushed up her neck, flaming her cheeks.

Mr. Dickens, whom she’d met upon boarding last night, hurried forward.

“Bancroft, glad to see you made it in before the ship docked.” The man shook Ty’s hand, but his gaze lingered on her.

“Dickens, I believe you remember my wife.” Ty’s voice held censure.

She glanced at him. His jaw muscle twitched.

A commotion broke out at a table across the room.

“Damn!” Dickens’s face reddened. “Sorry ma’am. That man has been pushing all afternoon. I knew something like this would happen.” He hurried across the room.

Ty squeezed her hand. “Stay here. I’ll be right back.”

“I’d rather go with you.” She didn’t like being left in the middle of the room with all eyes on her.

“It may not be something you want to see or hear.”

“It can’t be any worse than walking in the alley behind the saloons at night.” She clutched his arm and started across the room. Ty grinned and shook his head, falling in step beside her.

They stopped at the table. Her gaze fell on the bossy man from the train. She groaned.

“What?” Ty searched her face, and she pointed to the man. Ty frowned.

“That’s the man who insisted I give up your seat to him on the train.”

The flicker in Ty’s eyes didn’t bode well for the man. “Stay.” He firmly squeezed her arm and marched forward.

“Sir. What seems to be the problem?” Ty squared up beside the man calling another a cheat. He didn’t like people who called others cheaters, and he didn’t like men who bullied women. Especially his wife.

“This man has won nearly every hand. He has to be cheating.”

The man’s round red face under a black bowler reminded Ty of a child’s balloon. He glanced at the man accused of cheating. “Are you cheating?”

The man had a crooked grin and the absurd glee of one too happy to have cheated. The man had fallen into a lucky streak.

“No, sir. This is only the second time I’ve ever played this game. I can’t believe I’m doin’ this well.”

Ty faced the bowler man. “It appears he’s having beginner’s luck. Why don’t you go on out and get some fresh air.”

“He’s cheating!” The bowler man stood and waved a finger at the lucky card player.

Ty couldn’t believe the arrogant fool. He glanced around the table at the other players. “Did this man cheat?” They all shook their heads. He faced the bowler man. “It looks to me like you need to just walk away. There wasn’t any cheating here, and we don’t condone it. If he’d been cheating, I assure you, we would deal with it. All I see is a lucky beginner.”

“And a sore loser,” one of the other men at the table said under his breath.

“Why you…” The bowler man lunged at the man. Ty grabbed his shoulder spinning him away from the other player. Ty positioned his fist to connect with the man’s gut, and a bottle shattered over the man’s derby.

Ty focused on who stepped into the fracas. Maggie stood behind the man holding the jagged neck of a whisky bottle in her hand.

The bowler man spun. “You!” He sprang forward, but Ty grabbed his suit coat, and Maggie flailed the jagged edge of the bottle in front of her.

“Do what my husband says and go outside.” Maggie ordered low and firm.

Whiskey dripped down the man’s hat and onto his shoulders and back. He reeked of the liquid.

“Dickens, escort this man to the deck where he can cool off.” Ty maneuvered himself between the man and his feisty wife. She’d just displayed the spunk he adored, but he wished it hadn’t been in such a volatile situation. His heart nearly leapt out his mouth realizing she smashed the bottle over the man’s head.

Once the man’s backside cleared the threshold, applause and hoots filled the air.

“That’s one feisty lady you got there,” a man hollered.

“I know.” A grin stretched across Ty’s face, and he couldn’t contain it. He was so damn proud his whole body had the jitters.

He wrapped an arm around Maggie and led her from the salon. Standing at the railing, staring out at the craggy rock cliff rising out of the river bank on the far side, he held her by the shoulders and stared into her eyes. “That was foolish. You could’ve been hurt.” His gut squeezed at the memory of the rage on the man’s face.

“Me. You were the one he was getting ready to hit.” She smiled and touched the old bruise on his jaw. “I didn’t want you getting hurt, again.”

“I can protect myself. It’s you I worry about.”

Her gaze scanned his face. “What about the man who tried to get in the room last night? Did the captain find out what he wanted?”

“Sorry, I didn’t have an answer for you earlier. The captain was detained. The thief heard people already were in the staterooms. No doubt, he has an accomplice onboard the ship. Knowing the status of the people who stay in the rooms, he planned on stealing valuables.” Ty shook his head. “When he couldn’t pick our lock his anger propelled him to keep trying. He was so bent on getting in, he didn’t hear my approach.”

“What would he have done had I not held the key in place and he found me in the room?” Maggie shivered.

Ty put his arms around her. He wanted to shield her from all her fears. “Once he saw the room occupied, he would have most likely high-tailed it.”

“I guess we’ll never know.”

“If you’d stood up to him like you just did in the salon, I’m positive he would’ve run as fast as he could.”

Her body shook with laughter. The sound jingled his heart.

“I do better when I know what I’m up against. I knew the man was a bully from our encounter on the train. He was all bluff.” She became serious. “I didn’t know what was on the other side of the door.”

“There’s The Dalles. Let’s retrieve our bags and enjoy the evening in the hotel.” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, changing the subject. Ty planned to spend the night showing her how much she meant to him.

He never wanted her to deal with the unsavory life of his past.

 

 

 

Nine

 

Ty deposited Maggie in their room at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. “You stay here while I see if the telegram has arrived.”

“Please, let me go. I don’t think I could sit still while I wait.” Maggie spun from placing her bag on the end of the bed.

He touched a palm to her cheek, gazing into her dancing eyes. “Freshen up, and we’ll celebrate with a wonderful dinner.”

Her chest rose and fell quickly. Her eyelids drooped, shading eyes lit with desire. He nibbled her lips, then deepened the kiss, exploring her heat. Her body sagged against him. Ty backed her to the edge of the bed and gently settled her on the quilt.

“I’ll hurry there and back.” He kissed her once more and backed to the door, capturing his hat from the hook on the wall. He memorized her lovely portrait, half-lying half-sitting, her face flushed, bow-shaped lips wet and plump from his kisses. His body ached to lie down beside her and make them both happy. If the telegram didn’t mean so much to her, he’d wait until later to collect it.

“Hurry back.” Her husky voice added to his reluctance to leave.

He slapped his hat on his head and hurried out the door before his body overruled his head.

On the board walkway he fell in step with the pedestrians, following the directions the clerk at the hotel gave him for the telegraph office.

Whistling, he tipped his hat to the women and nodded to the men. Life couldn’t get any better. A respectable job, a beautiful wife.

He swung into the building marked “Telegraph Office” and smiled at the man behind the counter. “Do you have a message for Ty Bancroft?”

“Sure do. It came in this morning.” The man riffled through a stack of messages. He stopped, pulled one out of the pile, and walked to the counter.

Ty slid two bits across to the man and plucked the message from his hands.

Smiling, he read the note.

Loralei headed to Silver City with Sam McDonald to find sister Stop Mert

He clutched the paper, balling it in his palm. His heart fell from his chest to his gut like a bag of lead. Sweat popped out on his forehead. Ty read the name again. Sam McDonald. He doubted the coincidence of this being anyone other than the son of his grandmother’s attorney.

He didn’t want found. Didn’t want to deal with his grandmother’s conniving ways.

Damn! He ran a hand over his face and stared out the window at the people bustling by. He promised Maggie he’d reunite her with Lora Beth. What was McDonald doing with Lora Beth? How had McDonald managed to hitch himself to the very person who could lead him to me?

How did he get Maggie to her sister, yet stay out of the way of McDonald?

“Bad news?” the telegraph operator asked.

“You could say that.” Better find out if it was the same Sam McDonald on his grandmother’s tainted payroll. “I need to send a telegraph to Mert’s Mercantile in Timberland, Colorado.”

The operator poised his pencil ready to write.

“Describe McDonald stop Bancroft.” Ty slapped a double eagle on the counter. “Ask for an immediate reply and deliver the message to me at the Cosmopolitan.”

The operator nodded and sat at the telegraph.

Ty shuffled from the building. He needed time to think. They knew where to find Lora Beth. He could send Maggie ahead. No, not alone. Who knew what she could run into between here and there?

Frustration ate at his gut and numbed his thinking. If he hadn’t read the story in the paper about his uncle, he wouldn’t have contacted his grandmother, and she wouldn’t have known where to find him.

Her persistence that he take over the family organization had plagued him since his father’s death. She wouldn’t find him. He’d have to stay away from Maggie until McDonald moved on. How the hell did he know they were together? Would his grandmother make Sam dog Lora Beth and Maggie? He didn’t want either of the sisters touched by his family.

Ty glanced up. He stood in front of the hotel. What did he tell Maggie? He couldn’t keep the truth about Lora Beth from her. She had a right to know.

He’d tell her where they would find Lora Beth and figure out what to do about McDonald in the meantime. He shoved the door open and trudged up the steps to the second floor.

****

Maggie fidgeted with her hair. When would Ty get back? It shouldn’t take this long to walk to the telegraph office. What if the message hadn’t arrived yet? Her stomach clenched. Disappointment gurgled and burned. She clutched the locket. I’ll find you, Lora Beth.

The doorknob rattled and the door opened. She spun on the chair, facing her husband. Anxiety squeezed her throat. He’d left with hope and excitement lighting his eyes and face. The man standing before her wore a somber—subdued expression.

“W-was there a message?” Dread squeezed her chest.

“Yes. Your sister is headed to Silver City.”

Hope exploded in her heart. Maggie sprang off the chair and across the room throwing her arms around Ty’s neck. “Oh that’s wonderful news! Silver City. She remembered where we were headed when Mama and Papa died.”

Tears of happiness spilled down her cheeks. She kissed Ty and hugged him tight. His arms wrapped around her. The pressure of his hold registered moments before his mouth descended upon hers in a desperate kiss.

She pulled her head back, breaking their kiss and trying to see his face.

“What’s wrong?” His stiff body and desperate need for her shook her happiness.

He buried his face against her neck and inhaled. His arms banded around her.

Her hands shook reaching for his head, forcing him to look at her. “Why does my sister traveling to Silver City upset you so?”

“I’m happy for you.”

His masked eyes did little to still the anxiety bubbling.

“But…” She held his head firmly and stared into his eyes.

“Let me worry about it. I promised you a celebration dinner.” He drew back, tucking her hand in the crook of his arm. He smiled, but it didn’t light up or crinkle the corners of his eyes.

This wasn’t all about Lora Beth. Did he think she would leave him once she found her sister? In the beginning, yes, she’d planned to. Now—she loved him—and nothing could make her leave him. She didn’t abandon those she loved. They abandoned her. Her breath caught in her throat. Would he leave her once she was reunited with Lora Beth?

At the stairs, she glanced at him. His brow drawn in thought clenched fear in her chest. Was he trying to figure out how to tell her he would leave?

She choked the words out. “Are you going to leave me after we find Lora Beth?”

His eyes flared, and his arms wrapped around her. “No. I just have to figure some things out.” He stared into her eyes. “Believe me. I won’t leave you. I just-just have to do some thinking. Figure out the best way.” He released her and started down the stairs.

Her constricted chest relaxed knowing he wouldn’t leave. But something bothered him. What else had the telegram said? They descended the hotel stairs, and he escorted her into the restaurant.

Always the gentleman, he held her chair and sat beside her, but his preoccupation only worried her more.

“What else was in the message?”

Ty peered at her. “Nothing to do with your sister.”

She thought about that a moment. “Are you in trouble?”

He started to open his mouth, and the waiter arrived. Ty ordered for both of them and grew quieter.

“What were you about to say?” She had to know what preoccupied him. And what had dulled his enthusiasm for life.

He watched her.

“When the waiter arrived, you started to say something.” She placed a hand on his arm. “I can’t help you if you don’t let me in.”

His gaze lingered on her hand. “It has to do with my family. It’s something you wouldn’t understand.” His head came up and he peered at her. The green of his eyes spiked into the blue piercing them with a cold, heartless depth.

“How can I understand if you don’t tell me?” Anger blossomed in her chest causing her heart to ache. “You married me knowing nearly everything about me. I married you knowing nothing other than your name.”

“Shh.”

“Don’t shush me. I think it’s about time you told me what’s so rotten about your family.” Voicing her thoughts and feelings always caused trouble. Why she wasn’t taken by the Baumgartners, and she and Lora Beth were split up. But blazes, she felt like she was losing Ty, and she didn’t know why. She’d kick herself to Portland and back if she didn’t at least try to figure out what was happening. If she did lose him at least she’d know why.

The waiter arrived with their food. He eyed them both and kept his distance placing their plates on the table. His first step out of Maggie’s peripheral vision, she leaned toward Ty.

“Please, tell me what’s making you look like a vigilante group is after you.”

“My family is wealthy. Well, my grandmother is wealthy, and she uses the money to buy everyone and everything she wants.”

Maggie sucked in air. “Including you?”

“No!” Finally some emotion other than defeat crossed his face. “That’s the problem. After my father died she groomed me to take over the business. Only once I was old enough to figure out most of it was illegal, I told her to keep her money and her business. I didn’t want anything to do with it.”

“Is that why you were so adamant about keeping this job with the steamship line? To prove you could survive without your family’s money?” His past and attitude were slowly making sense to her.

“I want to make something of myself without her money or her paying people to give me work. Or paying people to stay away.” The bitterness of his words scorched her ears.

“Who did she pay to stay away?” The minute the words hit the air, she wanted to withdraw them. Ty’s face hardened to stone, his eyes narrowed and darkened with anger. His hand fisted around his fork.

“A woman I’d taken a fancy to.” He stared at her.

She gulped, shoving the lump of anguish back down her throat. “Someone you loved?” She squeaked and wished she could run back upstairs and lock the door. He loved someone else. That’s why he hadn’t said the words to her. Ty hadn’t married her because he cared for her or what happened to her. It helped him break away from his grandmother. Purely business. That’s all.

“I thought so at the time.” His gaze softened. He reached for her hand, capturing it in his large warm one. “I know better now.”

She shook her head and stared at him. What did he mean?

“Finish eating. We won’t have time to eat before we board the train for Celilo at five tomorrow morning.”

How was she supposed to eat with all the wriggling thoughts in her head and squirming in her stomach?

“I’d rather return to the room and sleep.” She started to stand. Ty jumped up beside her, holding her chair.

“You should finish your meal.”

His concern didn’t send her emotions reeling like before. She was so confused. Did he still love the other woman? Was she a means to a respectable job or did he hold feelings for her? He said he’d help her find Lora Beth. But what would it cost her? Her heart? Pain sprouted in her chest, growing, numbing her mind and making it hard to focus.

“I’d rather sleep. I didn’t sleep much—” Her face heated remembering the intimacy they’d shared the night before. She now ached knowing her love was one-sided.

He grasped her elbow, escorting her out of the restaurant and back up the stairs.

Tension hung between them thicker than the first night they met. She hurt and wanted to find solace in his arms, but knowing his true feeling she couldn’t allow herself the comfort.

Ty opened the door of their room.

Maggie hurried inside, busying herself by taking the pins out of her hair and keeping her back to him. The door shut with a soft click. She waited for Ty to say something. The silence became unbearable. She spun from the mirror.

She stood alone in the room. He’d left without a word.

She sank to the floor and tears heated her cheeks. She’d known better than to give her heart to anyone. It hurt too much when they left.

 

 

 

Ten

 

Ty stood at the bar in the saloon of the Cosmopolitan Hotel watching the door for a messenger from the telegraph office. He wanted to kick himself for the way he treated Maggie at dinner. No sense in dragging her through his misery. For all he knew it could be a different Sam McDonald with Lora Beth. Sam and McDonald were both fairly common names. He could’ve worked himself up over nothing. And hurt Maggie over nothing.

Her sullen attitude and silence proved he’d hurt her. As soon as he knew what he faced in Silver City, he’d sit down and have a long talk with her. About his past, his family, and their future.

A young man rushed into the hotel and talked to the clerk. Ty’s heart hammered in his chest when the clerk pointed his direction. This was the answer. He slung back the rest of the whiskey in his glass and straightened as the young man jogged up to him.

“Mr.Bancroft?”

“Yes.” Ty slid a coin out of his pocket.

“I have a telegram for you.” The young man held out a folded piece of paper.

Ty handed him the coin, and took the paper stilling his rampaging heart. He wanted the description to be anyone but the man he knew.

With unsteady hands, he unfolded the note and read.

Tall thin stop dark hair stop fancy suit stop

Damn! It was Sam. He motioned for the barkeep to fill his glass. He had to make plans before he faced Maggie again. She deserved to know whatever he decided.

“Bancroft. Why are you down here drinking when you could be upstairs sparring with that hellcat of a wife you have?”

Ty glared into the mirror behind the bar and saw the reflection of the bowler hat man. The mood Ty was in the man had picked the wrong time to spout off about Maggie.

He spun from the bar and slammed his fist into the man’s middle. Balloon face folded like a fresh slice of bread. The anger Ty’d bottled up, spurred him to assault the man, beating him with unheeded blows.

Strong arms grappled with him, pulling him from the man whose bowler rolled across the floor.

“What the hell’s going on in here?” bellowed a deep voice.

Ty jerked out of the haze that consumed him and down at the man curled in a ball, his face bleeding in several places. What had he done?

A silver star came into his view.

He stopped struggling, and the arms that held him released. He fell forward into the man wearing the star.

“You do this?” the sheriff asked, grabbing his arm.

“Yes. I-He…” Ty shook his head. He knew better. What was Ainsworth going to say? The hell with Ainsworth what about Maggie?

“Come along. I think you should cool it in jail overnight.” The sheriff tugged on his arm.

“No. I have to talk to my wife.” He jerked out of the man’s grip and started for the door. A hush and then a click stilled his feet.

“You’re coming with me.”

He slowly spun back to the sheriff and found a .45 pointed at his chest.

Ty scanned the room. He didn’t know a soul. Where were Dickens or Aldeen, the man he’d hired for the last leg of the line? He had to get word to Maggie.

“I need to write a note for my wife.” The sheriff shoved him into the lobby. Ty stumbled then caught himself. He straightened and stood several inches taller than the lawman. “I’ll go peacefully if you just let me leave a note for my wife.”

Ty walked to the registration desk. “I’d like a piece of paper, please.” The clerk handed it to him. He picked up the quill by the registration book and hastily scribbled a note.

He blew on the ink then folded it and wrote Maggie Bancroft room 122. He handed it to the clerk. “Be sure she gets this before she boards the train in the morning.”

The man nodded, and Ty walked over to the sheriff. “Let’s go.” One thing he’d learned the few short years he worked for his grandmother, it’s best to do your time and cooperate than rant and rave about justice. Justice was a corrupt lady. Kind of like his grandmother.

****

A knock on the door woke Maggie.

“Wake up call for boarding the train,” a male voice said from the hallway.

She rubbed her scratchy, swollen eyes. Her throat hurt. She’d cried herself to sleep over the bone deep sorrow of losing one more person.

When Ty hadn’t returned by midnight, she’d decided he didn’t intend to, and she made plans to continue up river to Wallula and travel to Silver City. She’d put some of the money from Ty’s valise into hers. If he could marry her then dump her like that, she deserved enough money to get to Lora Beth. After all, he promised if she married him he’d get her to her sister.

Maggie dressed, shoved her night things into her valise, and stared at Ty’s. She’d leave it here. If he came back after she left, he’d have his things.

A flash of white caught her eye on the floor by the door. Her heart accelerated. Did Ty slip a note under her door? The nerve of him not to face her like a man!

She unfolded the note and recognized his writing.

Maggie,

I did a stupid thing tonight. I’ve been arrested for fighting. Take the money in my valise and continue to Silver City. I’ll catch up when I’m released.

Ty

Her body should have been drained of tears, but salty wet drops slid down her cheeks, slipping into the seam of her lips.

She smiled.

Joy bubbled in her chest and laughter released her sorrow.

He didn’t leave her. He was in jail.

She stepped to the washbasin and wet a cloth. Placing the cool compress over her puffy, sore eyes, she digested his words. He may have told her to continue, but she wasn’t going to leave without him. They’d just have to catch the next boat headed to Wallula. She gathered all the money from her valise and his, shoving it into her handbag. She didn’t know if there would be damages to pay for or just bail, but she’d get Ty out of jail.

She pulled the door shut, locked it, and placed the key in her handbag. He didn’t leave her! Her steps danced down the hall and stairs.

“Mrs. Bancroft, did you get the message I slipped under your door?” the clerk asked as she sailed through the lobby.

Maggie stopped and smiled at the man. “Yes, yes I did. I’m heading to get Mr. Bancroft out of jail. Would you please save our room, we’ll need it until the next ship heads up river.”

“Certainly.” The man peered around the lobby then added in a quieter voice, “The man he hit had it coming to him, but your man, he kind of went wild. Be careful.”

The clerk’s words swirled in her head as she navigated the early morning rush headed to the depot for portage to Celilo and the next leg of water travel. The sun threw an ethereal early morning glow down the street. She stopped in front of the jail. Her stomach rumbled with nerves. Ty told her to continue, would he be mad she stayed to help him?

The train whistle blew. Too late. Her ride just left.

She pushed open the jailhouse door and walked in. The man behind the desk shot to his feet and pulled a sweat-stained Stetson from his head.

“Can I help you, ma’am?”

“You have my husband. Ty Bancroft.” Her gaze drifted to the door leading to the back of the building.

“He was brought in by the sheriff last night for disorderly conduct.” He leaned forward and added. “That’s fightin’.”

“I’d like to get him out of here.” She opened her handbag.

“He’s been in a right sour mood ever since he come in. You sure you want him outta here?”

The perplexed expression on the man was charming. However, she did want her husband out. She didn’t plan on traveling anywhere without him.

“Yes. I’d like to get him out.”

“The sheriff won’t be in for another hour or so. I can’t do nothin’ until he tells me.”

“Then take me to my husband. I’ll stay with him until the sheriff arrives.” She closed her handbag and walked toward the back hallway.

The man scooted out from behind the desk and in front of the door faster than a dog chasing a cat. “I can’t let you go back there. We’ve got more than just your husband locked up. There’s a couple nasty drunks and a horse thief.” He nodded to a chair by the door. “If you’re bent on stayin’ take a seat, and I’ll rustle up some coffee.”

Maggie sighed. At least she knew where Ty was. She took the seat and folded her hands in her lap. Never one for patience, this time she’d have to be.

****

Ty rolled off the hard narrow cot and onto his feet. The night proved long, cold, and frustrating. The wail of the train whistle died. He missed Maggie already. But he’d catch up with her, eventually.

A drunk in the cell next to him mumbled, snorted, and farted.

Ty moved to the other side of his cell. At least Maggie wouldn’t see him at his lowest. He’d do his time, get out, and catch up to her. Hopefully, at Silver City after McDonald had moved on. But he hadn’t had a chance to tell Maggie not to mention being married to him or that she even knew him.

Damn! He’d have to catch up with her before she reached Silver City. He didn’t want his family to taint her. Getting out sooner rather than later was imperative. Mentally, he counted the money the sheriff put in a drawer along with his pocket revolver, watch, and boot knife. Was there enough to bail him out?

Raised voices filtered through the door.

“You said the sheriff would be here by now.” The woman’s husky tone sent heat swirling in his body.

A male voice mumbled back.

“I insist you let me see my husband, now!” Maggie’s angry demand rose in decibels.

Why wasn’t she on the train? She had to have received his note or else she wouldn’t have known he sat in jail. Why had she gone against his wishes? This was Maggie. He smiled at her stubborn streak, and his love for her grew. She fought for those she believed in and loved. Loved. Was that why she battled to get him out? Was she falling in love with him?

“What in tarnation is going on here?” The sheriff’s voice boomed.

“I’m here to bail out my husband and this man is refusing to help me.” Maggie’s ire was nothing to mess with.

Ty leaned back against the bars, waiting. He knew the doors would open soon, and Maggie would step into his arms.

“I tried to tell her she can’t go back there cuz there’s drunks and a thief back there, but she’s gettin’ all perturbed…” The man’s words faded off.

Worry nagged at the edges of Ty’s happiness. Maggie’s temper could put them in more trouble without him to tamp it down. He hoped the sheriff had good sense about women.

The outer door opened, and the deputy tromped down the aisle to his cell.

“I grant your wife’s a looker, but mister, I don’t envy you livin’ with that temper.” The deputy fumbled with the keys and finally swung the cell open.

Ty patted the man on the back. “You just need to know how to handle her.” He strolled into the office and right to Maggie. Her puffy, red eyes glittered with tears. A smile curved her luscious lips.

“Are you giving these fine gentlemen a hard time, kitten?”

“They just don’t listen to reason. Like someone else I know.” Her beautiful eyes narrowed on him.

Ty threw his head back and laughed. He loved this woman. Sitting behind bars he realized the best way to take care of his grandmother was to meet her face to face. Renounce any claim she thought he had to the businesses and get her off his back. He wanted a fresh start with Maggie and no strings to the Bancroft name.

“What’s my bail?” He placed an arm around Maggie. She leaned into him and wrapped an arm around his middle, causing his temperature to rise.

“Five dollars.”

“That’s outrageous! Did he break anything?” Maggie thrust her hands on her hips and glared at the two lawmen.

“Shhh… Kitten, that’s quite all right. It seems a reasonable fee for keeping me overnight.” Ty motioned to the drawer that held his belongings. “If you’d just hand over my things, I’ll pay you, and we’ll be out of your way.”

The sheriff sauntered behind the desk and placed Ty’s knife, revolver, and watch, along with his money on the corner of the desk nearest him. Ty picked up the money, counted out five dollars, and shoved the rest in his pocket.

“Here’s what I owe you. Sorry for being so belligerent.” He tucked the knife in his boot, the revolver into his inside coat pocket, and clipped the watch fob to his suit coat. “My hat and we’ll be on our way.”

The deputy handed him a mashed hat smelling of whiskey and tobacco spit.

“On second thought, burn it.” He captured Maggie’s hand.

 

 

 

Eleven

 

Maggie sat across the table from Ty, watching him devour the heaping plate in front of him. He was a changed man. Could one night in jail change a person this much? She swirled her egg yolk into her fried potatoes. Neither one had said a word about last night. She couldn’t stand it any longer. Her stomach rumbled with hunger, yet her unease over his actions the night before stalled her hand from delivering the nourishment.

“What happened?” She put the fork down and stared at him, waiting.

Ty placed his utensils on his plate, wiped his mouth with a cloth napkin, and leaned back in his chair. The serious glint in his eyes stalled her breath.

“I received another telegram. A reply to one I sent inquiring about Sam McDonald.”

“The man with Lora Beth? Is she in danger?” Maggie’s throat constricted thinking of her younger, trusting sister traveling with a scoundrel.

“No, I’m sure he’s taking good care of her. He’s actually a decent man. One who shouldn’t get messed up with my grandmother.” He scowled and picked up his water glass. Sipping, he stared at a point beyond her head.

“You never mention any family but your grandmother and never in a good light.” She reached across the table, covering his hand. “What has she done that you can’t forgive her—your family?”

His eyes focused on her, the usual good humor gone from his features. In its place, his lips curled in disgust, anger darkened and narrowed his eyes.

“What has my grandmother done? I don’t hold the fact she was a sporting girl against her. Her family was poor with many children, and her father put her to work. Her luck was to have my grandfather fall in love with her and fight his family to marry her.” He smirked. “It also helped his family made their money as privateers so marrying a prostitute wasn’t far beneath their moral code.”

Maggie didn’t know what to say. Ty’s culture and manners made it hard to believe he came from such…heinous beginnings.

“My grandparents opened gambling houses in New Orleans. With their dubious backgrounds it makes sense they cheated people and paid the law to ignore what was going on.” He drew in a breath and squeezed her hand. “My mother and younger brother died during childbirth. It left my father with a three-year-old son. We moved in with my grandparents, and my grandfather died when I was eight.”

“We’ve both suffered so much loss.” She wanted to sit in his lap and smooth away the tension in his face.

“I wasn’t that close to my grandfather. He rarely came home. In fact, I spent most of my time with the Creole servants. That is until my father died. I was around twelve. My grandmother started taking me to the gambling houses. I learned how to play all the games and found I had a knack for them. She’d bet grown men I could beat them and kept me up all night playing until I won or the others conceded.” He peered into her eyes. “I didn’t know until I turned twenty, but she’d put all my winnings in an account in my name. That’s the money I’ve been living off of. My own.”

“She doesn’t sound so bad.”

He flinched. Nothing she said would change his mind about his grandmother. She saw that in his cold gaze. She wished at that moment he could have experienced the childhood she and Lora Beth had.

“That was the only good thing I can say my grandmother did. When I turned fifteen she started bringing me to all the family business dealings.” He averted his gaze and drew his hand out of hers. “Maggie, I’ve seen men beaten because they owed her money, women thrown out of the only place they had because they were pregnant and couldn’t do ’business’ any more, and houses taken from families who had nowhere to go.” He snorted. “And law officials take money and use women from one of her brothels to look the other way.”

He grabbed both her hands. “Two years ago I couldn’t stand it any longer and told her I didn’t want anything to do with the family or the tainted money. I’ve been traveling around since, sitting in on games, trying to figure out what to do. When I heard Ainsworth was looking for a partner to run his gambling salons, I jumped at the chance to prove I’m different than my family.”

Maggie hopped out of her seat, sunk to the floor at his side, and wrapped her arms around his waist. “You are different. You have character and morals. I’m proud you had the strength to walk away.”

He smoothed a hand over her head. “McDonald is the son of my grandmother’s lawyer who handles her legitimate businesses. I doubt he even knows why grandmother sent him to find me.”

She peered up at him. “Why would she send someone after you? How did she know you were in Timberland?”

“I read a newspaper while in Timberland that said my mother’s brother had been killed. I telegraphed my grandmother asking her if she had anything to do with it.”

Maggie gasped. “W-why would she kill your uncle?”

“He’s one politician she couldn’t pay off. He’s been trying to clean her businesses up for years. He’d never accepted his sister married my father. But he was good to me. I think he saw I wasn’t like them, but like my mother.”

“That’s why you left. You are your mother’s son.” She smiled and placed a palm on his cheek.

He grasped her hands, stood, and deposited her in her chair. Ty stood beside her, gazing down. “I’ve always prayed that’s so.”

“Do you know why your grandmother is looking for you?” She couldn’t imagine the pain he must go through every day, knowing the horror his family had caused.

“Not really. I’m assuming to try and talk me into rejoining the family business. Once you and Lora Beth are reunited, I’ll leave you with her and pay my grandmother a visit.” He pulled his chair over and sat in front of her, his knees touching hers.

“I want to go with you.” She didn’t want to be left behind.

He shook his head and captured her hands in his. “I was tempted last night to leave, to keep her from discovering you and tormenting your life.” He raised her knuckles to his lips. “But running from her the rest of my life is cowardice. And not fair to you.”

“Was that why you were so quiet and distant?” Her heart ached for his misery.

“I was hoping McDonald wasn’t the one I knew, but the telegram came confirming it was, and then that moron with the bowler made a crack, and I hit him.” Ty smiled for the first time since their conversation started. “Actually, I pummeled the man pretty good.”

A smile quivered on her lips. She knew the feeling, remembering how the bottle had vibrated in her hand when she’d hit him over the head. She inhaled deeply and stared into Ty’s gleaming eyes.

“Where do we go from here?”

“I’ll telegraph Ainsworth and let him know you have a family emergency we’re attending to. I’ll write him a letter about how I’ll stay in contact with Dickens, Edmonds, and Aldeen. We’ll catch the train in the morning, continue to Wallula, and take the stage to Silver City.”

“What about the man with Lora Beth?” She chewed her top lip.

“We have a few days to figure out how to handle him.” He pushed his chair back to his spot at the table. “Eat.”

Ty picked up his fork and watched the feisty woman dig into her meal. How could he have thought leaving her was for the best? She had proven time and again her strength and resilience. He hid a chuckle thinking of the way she laid into the sheriff and deputy. The passion she put into everything she did was what drew him to her and made him think about her every waking moment.

He planned to explore more of her passion tonight.

****

Maggie knew it was silly given they’d made love once already, but the jitters and fears made her talk even faster than normal. Her skin shivered and heated in anticipation. “Did you ask the clerk to wake us for the train?”

Ty had bought a new hat. It hung on top of his jacket on a hook by the door. He stood in the middle of the room, his eyes slightly hooded by his eyelids as he watched her pluck the hair pins from her curls. His perusal didn’t help her jitters.

“Yes.”

Her fingers fumbled with the buttons on her dress.

“Let me help.” In three strides, he stood in front of her, releasing the buttons from their bonds.

“I can—”

“I know, but I like being close to you.” He leaned down, kissing her neck.

“I-I like you being close.”

He pushed her dress off her shoulders, down her arms, over her hips, and to the floor.

“Is that why you didn’t follow my orders and get on the train?”

“No. You made a promise to help me find Lora Beth. I wasn’t going to travel alone when I have a husband to travel with.”

His tongue touched her earlobe and trailed a wet path down to the valley between her breasts. He raised his head and peered into her eyes. “So you like having a husband?”

“Y-yes, it comes in handy for traveling and safety.” He ran a fingertip lightly back and forth across the mounds of her breasts. Tingles vibrated to her toes. “Oh my!”

“And nothing else?” An eyebrow arched, and his hands lowered to the front of her corset.

“Y-you’re handy for undressing.”

His fingers made quick work of the corset fastenings, and she soon found herself reclining on the bed naked. Ty shoved his trousers and drawers to the floor and joined her.

Maggie pulled him on top of her and delighted in kissing him with abandon. His actions revealed how he felt about her. Now, she wanted to make sure he understood her passion for him was more than a fevered body.

****

Maggie reclined on her side watching Ty sleeping in the faint moonlight filtering through the window. Her sated body warmed with new sensations of heaviness and relaxation. She brushed a finger through the curls on his forehead. What he endured as a child tugged at her heart. He had family, yet lived much like her orphaned childhood. She at least had the hope of reuniting with her sister. She had little hope he would ever reconcile with his grandmother.

What did the woman want with him now? How did he plan to deal with finding Lora Beth and the man sent by his grandmother? How had the man realized Lora Beth was the link to Ty? Was Ty not telling her everything that happened in Timberland?

 

 

 

Twelve

 

Ty stood on the deck next to Maggie watching the ship ease up to the dock in Wallula. The rowdy and raw town didn’t appeal to him. He’d have to get her locked in a hotel room before he could find out about the next stage headed toward Silver City.

He’d decided against sending a telegram to McDonald in Silver City, surprise would be the better option. Learning what his grandmother wanted before he confronted her gave him the advantage.

In the middle of the night, he’d watched Maggie sleep and tried to figure out what his grandmother wanted. But try as he might, he couldn’t think like his grandmother. Never had. Like playing cards, he could only gamble what her next move might be.

“How long will we be here?” Maggie tugged on his arm, capturing his attention.

“One, possibly two nights. Depends on when the next stage leaves.” He led her down the empty ramp. The other passengers had long since disembarked.

“How many days will we be on the stage?” Her voice rang with misery.

He chuckled. “You’ve been on a stage before?”

“Yes, when Mrs. Freeman and I sold the wagon and oxen at Fort Boise, we took the stage the rest of the way to Portland.” She stepped onto land and faced him. “I’d rather we bought horses and rode by ourselves.”

“Have you ever ridden a horse?” He wanted to push the wayward curl clinging to her cheek behind her ear, but his hands clutched their bags.

“Lora Beth and I rode an old mare to school every day.”

That wasn’t a bad idea. He’d prefer having Maggie all to himself rather than being smashed between strangers in a stage. “Let’s get a hotel room. You can freshen up while I check out our options.”

Maggie nodded, slipped her arm though his, and they headed down the street in search of a hotel. The Wallula Hotel proved to be a fine establishment. Ty registered them, set Maggie up in their room, and headed in search of the livery and stage office.

He found the stage office on Main Street. “How much to Boise, and how long does it take?” he asked the man standing behind the counter in the busy office.

“It’s forty per person, and you’ll get there in four days barring any altercations.” The man pulled out a ticket. “Stage is leavin’ tomorrow if you’re interested.”

“What altercations might we encounter?” He didn’t want to put Maggie in any danger he could avoid.

“Springtime you don’t know if flooding might take out a bridge or wash away a portion of the road.” The man poised his pen ready to make a ticket.

Horseback they could cross a washed out road, but flooding the stage coach would be safer.

“I’ll take two tickets for the stage tomorrow to Boise.” He handed money over to the man and tucked the tickets into his vest pocket. Maggie wouldn’t like the coach, but it offered the fastest, safest way to travel.

He hurried back to the hotel. The faint glow of inside lighting splashed onto the shadowed board walkway. Men overflowed from the saloons into the streets. He didn’t want Maggie left alone, even in a locked hotel room.

****

“The stage? Did you even look into horses?” Maggie had hated her one experience riding in the stage. The cramped quarters, unwashed bodies, and loss of sleep didn’t set will with her disposition.

“It’s the best way to get to Silver City.” Ty put his hand on the doorknob. “Let’s go get dinner.”

“I don’t think Lora Beth is going anywhere. We don’t have to rush to get there.” She crossed her arms. Even though she’d harped on getting to Lora Beth, she didn’t think a day or two would matter, especially if she didn’t have to be squashed in a small compartment with eight other people.

“You’re the one who dogged me all over Portland to give you information about your sister. Now, we’re only five days away from her and you’re dragging your feet?” Ty took four strides toward her. “I’m the one who should be dragging my feet. I don’t know what McDonald has to say. But I promised we’d find your sister, and that’s what I’m doing.” He cupped her face in his hands. “I’ll be right there beside you in the coach, shielding you from any miscreants.”

She lowered her lashes. How could she tell him she didn’t want him seeing her at her worst? When she didn’t sleep well, she was a spitting cat. And she slept poorly in a stage coach.

“Come on, let’s eat and worry about the other passengers later.”

****

Ty bounced on the seat next to Maggie. If all went well, they’d be in Boise tonight. A hot bath to ease out the kinks of stage travel, clean clothes, and decent food all made him look forward to the pink sky announcing the start of another day. Maggie’s head bounced against his shoulder. The first day she said very little, squashed between him and the side of the coach. She pressed her legs together hugging the wall to avoid the man in front of her from touching her.

Watching her abhorrence of touching others, he understood her objections to this kind of travel. He did his best to walk her away from the other passengers at stops and seat her first so she had the wall to hug and only one person besides himself to touch.

The coach tipped forward as they made a descent. He wrapped an arm around Maggie drawing her tight to his side and bracing his feet against the seat in front of them. His legs meshed between those of the man facing him.

“We’re getting ready to cross the Snake River at Old’s Ferry,” the man across from Maggie informed those awake in the coach.

Ty had traveled farther north after leaving Colorado. He found this terrain discernibly different. He stared out Maggie’s window and swallowed hard. The decent into the canyon knotted his muscles as they journeyed through the treacherous route.

“Easy! Easy!” the driver called to the six horses pulling the coach. The man in a drunken stupor on his right flopped forward, nearly landing in the lap of the woman in front of him.

Ty grabbed the man, pulling him back into his seat. Maggie awoke, her face red on one side from rubbing on his jacket. Her bleary eyed gaze scanned the four bodies in their vicinity, before locking onto his.

The coach lurched to one side precariously, knocking the drunk into Ty. He tried to keep his body from crushing Maggie.

Her eyes narrowed, she turned her head, and grabbed the window, peering out. She gasped.

Ty wrapped an arm around her, pulling her away from the window.

“Where are we?” Her voice barely registered above a whisper.

“Don’t worry, ma’am, this is the worst of the trip. Once we cross the Snake the traveling is fairly flat and easy.” The man across from Ty offered Maggie a tobacco-stained smile. She nodded and stared out the window.

Ty had to hand it to the man. He’d stayed in good spirits the whole trip, even when Maggie laid into him about warning her when he wanted to spit tobacco juice out the window.

“I take it you’ve traveled this way before?” Conversation might take Maggie’s mind off the descent.

“Several times.” The man flipped the lapel of his jacket and flashed a U.S. Marshal’s badge. That accounted for the gun and holster he had wedged between him and the side of the coach, and the reason he checked the rifle and saddle on the top of the coach every time they stopped.

“How much longer until we arrive at a stop?” Maggie asked.

“We’ll get out an’ stretch our legs at the ferry ’fore crossing the river. Then there’s one more stop ’fore we reach Boise.”

She nodded and refocused her attention out the window. Ty nodded to the man and hugged Maggie tighter when the coach lurched again.

“Is it always this rough?” he asked the man.

“Not always. Rocks and dirt must have fallen on the route. We’ve been teetering more than usual.”

Maggie’s eyes widened as she stared at the man. Ty ran a hand up and down her arm. She watched him, fear darkening the color in her eyes.

“We’ll be fine. The driver has been on this route many times.” Ty continued to rub her arm. Hoping his contact would help ease her fears.

“Axtally, dish ish the driver’s first trip,” the drunk said, flashing a big sloppy grin.

“Ohh.” Maggie dipped her head into Ty’s chest, and he glared at the drunk. The U.S. Marshal shrugged and shook his head watching the drunken passenger.

She was already upset with Ty for making her come on the stage and now… He drew a deep breath and hoped nothing happened, hard telling if she’d ever talk to him again.

The stage leveled out, and the rocking subsided. Ty leaned toward the window, holding Maggie tight against his chest. A grassy basin spanned the area in front of them with a wall of hills on the other side.

“Maggie, look. We’re at the bottom.” He nudged her face from his shoulder and pointed out the window. She relaxed and peered out the window.

“It’s beautiful.” Maggie stared at the vast stretch of swaying light green grass. She hated the crush of bodies and foul odors in the full coach. Burrowing her head into Ty’s coat, she’d inhaled his shave soap. She’d spent a good deal of the trip pretending sleep to be close to him and ward off the stench of others. He kept himself shaved and made sure at the longer stops they had water to clean up with.

The first day, the vibrant scenery had taken her breath away as they drove over the mountain pass. Today, this valley painted another refreshing picture of spring in bloom after the uninviting land they’d crossed the past two days. Deer bound up the side of the hill they’d descended. She leaned out the window farther and caught the glitter of water in the distance. Grass, dust, and fresh air surrounded her. Her hair wiggled in the breeze.

Hands gripped her waist. “Don’t hang out so far.”

Ty’s concern wedged a lump of guilt in her throat. He’d been attentive and charming the whole trip, and she’d sniped at everything.

Maggie eased back into the coach, squeezed into her allotted space and smiled at Ty. “There’s a river up ahead.”

“The marshal says we get to walk around a bit before we cross.” Ty’s eyes sparkled with merriment.

“That sounds heavenly.” She wanted to reward Ty with a kiss but refrained and darted a glance at the two men and woman across from them. They pretended to ignore her and Ty, but she’d caught the others watching them many times over the last couple of days. It would be hard not to as close as they all sat.

The coach slowed.

“Whoa up!” shouted the driver and the vehicle rocked to a stop.

She didn’t wait for assistance. Maggie popped the door open and hopped to the ground as quickly as her petticoats and skirt would allow. Ty followed her, and they walked a distance from the coach watching a man prepare the ferry. The wide flat craft wasn’t much larger than the coach and horses.

“Are the horses and coach all going to fit?” She didn’t know how to swim, but she wasn’t going to ride across the river inside the coach.

“They cross all the time. Tonight we should be in Boise. Tomorrow night…Silver City.” Ty slipped his arms around her waist, pulling her snug against his front.

She’d missed this kind of contact with him. Under the watchful eyes of the other passengers, she felt awkward even using his chest and shoulder for a pillow. Their fellow travelers hovered in the distance either walking or relieving themselves as the driver positioned the horses and coach to board the ferry.

“Mmm… I’m looking forward to just the two of us.”

“Me too.” His warm breath heated the top of her head. “We better wander down. It looks like they’re thinking about shoving off.”

His arms opened, and she walked across the grassy bank to the floating stage and horses. Ty held on tight as she walked across the bobbing platform of the floating dock and onto the ferry.

The marshal held the door of the coach open. “Getting in folks?”

Maggie shook her head. “I prefer riding out here, thank you.”

“You’re safer inside the coach. There’s not much room out there.” The marshal turned his gaze to Ty.

“Don’t you think it’s a good idea to ride inside?” Ty asked, cupping her elbow and moving toward the stage door.

“If I can enjoy the fresh air and sunshine a while longer that’s what I wish to do. You can ride inside.” She walked away from his touch, keeping one shoulder against the stage coach. She leaned against the wooden spoke wheel.

“We’ll stay out here,” Ty told the marshal. The man shook his head and climbed into the coach.

Ty walked over and stood beside her. The ferry shook, and she clutched his hand. Inch by inch the vessel pulled away from the river bank. She focused on the ropes attached to the raft. Two were attached on each side of the ferry and tied to pulleys sliding along the rope spanning the river. The ropes tightened as the current of the river tugged at the vessel. The ferryman at the wheel on the side of the craft steered the ferry into the current as the taut rope from the far side pulled.

“This is much better than being squished inside.” Maggie tugged on Ty’s hand and led him behind the coach. She glanced around, and seeing no one, stood on her toes and kissed him. She’d missed this intimacy crammed in the stage.

Ty wrapped his arms around her and kissed her back. The strength of his arms and the passion of his kiss weakened her knees. She leaned against him, savoring their time together.

He spun her in his arms, facing her toward the bank they’d left. His arms circled her waist and held her tight. The weight of his chin resting on her head made her smile. He leaned back against the coach, and she leaned with him. They both sighed and she giggled.

They stood quietly watching the wake of the ferry. His chest rose and fell in a slow rhythm, his arms loosened. He’d slept little on the trip always tending to her needs. She stood tucked under his chest, helping him stay standing.

The ferry rocked, and Ty slipped sideways. She eased his sleeping body to a sitting position against the coach wheel, draping one arm though the spokes to help hold him up. A flash of silver alongside the raft caught her attention.

Maggie stepped to the edge, leaned over the short railing, and stared into the moving water. There it was again. A long fat, snake-like creature. She shifted to ask the ferryman about the fish. The ferry rocked again, sloshing water over the raft. She gasped at the cold water soaking her kid slippers.

“Maggie, come here.” Ty’s concerned call drew her attention from her feet.

He reached for the wheel, levering to his feet. The boat lurched again. Her feet slid out from under her, slipping under the railing and dangling in the cold river.

She struggled to stay on the raft. Her dress pulled and yanked, dragging her off the ferry. Her head hit something and cold wrapped around her as she sunk into the river.

 

 

 

Thirteen

 

Ty clambered from his hands and knees in time to see Maggie disappear in the water.

“Maggie!” he shouted and leaped off the vessel into the fast moving river. He spit water and bobbed up, trying to find her on the surface as the current carried him downstream. Where was she? He couldn’t lose her. Wouldn’t lose her.

Fear clutched his chest, squeezing his heart. He forced his arms to move and keep himself above the water. He had to find her. She had to find Lora Beth. She needed to complete her family. His new family.

He focused on pale green floating ahead of him. Maggie’s dress. Kicking his feet and moving his arms, he caught up to her limp body.

Thank goodness her face peeked above the water’s surface. Ty held her as the current towed them downriver. He tried to look back to see how far they’d traveled from the landing, but he couldn’t and keep Maggie’s head above the water. The weight of her soaked skirt fought his ability to help her. He unbuttoned her dress, working it down her arms and off her body. Next he untied the petticoats, letting the water carry them away. Her body floated to the top without the weight of the clothing. Ty rolled to his back, pulled her onto his chest, and kicked toward the shoreline.

“Wake up, kitten,” he said, his strength waning. He couldn’t see the bank from his necessary position to keep Maggie from drowning. And they would drown if he couldn’t keep them afloat.

A shout registered through the water slapping at his head. Help! He wanted to change his position, but he couldn’t without sliding Maggie into the water.

Something bumped into his side. He cast his gaze that direction as Maggie swept from his arms. Ty rolled to grab her. An arm hooked his and dragged him over the shoulders of a horse. Exhaustion took over.

****

Acrid smoke invaded her senses, stinging her nostrils. Her teeth chattered. Rough fabric scraped her skin. Hushed voices talked in gibberish. Maggie slowly opened her eyes.

A scream snared in her throat. An Indian knelt beside her, staring at her. Memories of the night her parents were slaughtered sprang in vivid color to her pounding head.

Maggie tried to push him away but found her arms bound tightly in a blanket. She squirmed and only mustered up a strangled squeak. She would die at the hands of Indians just like her parents. Lora Beth. Her sister would never know what happened to her.

“Maggie, kitten.” Ty’s face came into view. She shook her head. Had the Indian been a dream? The gibberish continued. She twisted her head to the sound. Three! Three Indians.

She struggled harder.

“Whoa, settle down, you’re safe.” Ty placed his hands on her shoulders, holding her to the ground.

“Indians.” She barely contained her hysteria.

“I know. They pulled us from the river. I was losing strength when Deer Runner spotted us. He and Three Fingers saved us.”

Maggie stared dumbfounded at Ty. He acted like the Indians wouldn’t harm them. Indians only brought death. She’d witnessed it all those years ago. “No. Kill us.” She couldn’t hide the fear chilling her skin.

Ty shook his head. “No. They’re peaceful. They’re of the Nez Perce tribe and are headed to some gathering north of here.”

“Weippe. We are meeting others to race horses and gather food.” One of the Indians squatted on the other side of her.

Maggie cringed and rolled toward Ty. Her breathing accelerated. The screeching, gunfire, war cries, screaming, and desolation filled her mind, remembering the night Indians attacked the wagon train. Killed her parents.

Why didn’t Ty do something? The Indians would kill them, and he hadn’t even pulled his boot knife.

“Maggie,” Ty pulled her onto his lap, “these Indians aren’t going to hurt us. They aren’t the ones who killed your parents.” He tucked her head under his chin. She burrowed against him, fearing for them both.

His hands rubbed her back, heating her numb body. He tilted her chin up, making her gaze into his eyes. “They offered us a horse.”

The sincerity in his eyes stalled her heart. He believed their captors wouldn’t hurt them. She shook her head. How could he sound so confident and fearless? Her chest ached physically from her ordeal. Her heart ached at his gullibility.

She worked her hands out of the blanket. Her bare arms stunned her. She stared at her pale skin and shuddered. Had the Indians undressed her? Mortification heated her scalp and sickened her stomach.

Did Ty know she was naked in this blanket? That they put their hands on her? She shook.

“Maggie, what’s wrong, you’re turning white.” Ty clutched her to him. His bare chest pressed against her skin. He was naked, too.

She shoved at his chest and leaned back, staring at his bare torso and animal skin leggings covering his lower half.

“Why are you dressed like that? Like them?” Revulsion spun her stomach.

“We were both soaking wet and freezing. I took off what was left of your clothes and wrapped you up. I took off my wet clothes, they’re drying over there,” he nodded to his left, “in the sun, and Deer Runner offered me these breeches.”

Relieve rushed through her. He’d been the one to undress her. The matter still remained, she didn’t trust Indians.

“Blackbird made broth.” Running Deer handed a tin cup to Ty.

Ty held it to her lips. She refused to drink. They wouldn’t force her to eat anything. After a few minutes, Ty drank the broth and handed the cup back to the Indian.

“One of us needs strength to get to Silver City. I’m looking forward to meeting my new sister.” Ty leaned against a rock and nestled her to his side.

From this position, she could see several men and women sitting around another fire. They didn’t gawk or glare, but sent hesitant smiles their way. A handful of children played beyond the adults. The scene had a tranquil mood. No one held a weapon.

Ty’s last statement sank in. “You called Lora Beth your sister.”

“Yes, I’m married to you, so that makes her my sister. I’ve always wanted brothers and sisters.”

He cupped her cheek, drawing her gaze from the peaceful scene in front of them.

“I had a sister and wished every day since being parted from her I’d been a better sister.” She thought of the times she’d been a poor example.

“You were a doting big sister. How could you have been better?” His arms tightened around her. He kissed the back of her neck.

“I tend to speak my mind, which caused my family embarrassment and myself punishment.”

Ty shook and his laugh barked in her ear. She slapped his arm noting the Indians watching them.

“I like that you speak your mind. I know what you’re thinking and how you feel.”

“It doesn’t embarrass you?” She thought of comments she’d made to several passengers on the stage. At the time she’d been righteous in what she’d asked them to do or not do. Now looking back, she could have handled the situations differently.

“I love that about you. Always direct.”

“Then this won’t surprise you. I think you’re an idiot to believe these Indians don’t plan to harm us.”

His arms tightened around her for a moment and a rush of air heated the back of her head.

“Your parents were killed ten years ago. The government has made strides to keep peace with the Indians. And the Indians in this area are more like you and me than most. Their leaders are willing to work to live peacefully with us.”

Maggie found it hard to believe the Indians wouldn’t’ harm them. She liked living in the large city knowing there wasn’t a threat from Indians.

“Is it still morning?” She peered at the sun rising to its zenith.

“It’s about noon. Why?”

“If you say they’re so peaceful, they won’t mind us riding out of here now.”

“Maggie…” he growled out her name and spun her. His eyes glowed with irritation. “They saved us from drowning. Risking their own mounts and lives. We’ve been offered a place to rest and a horse. I’ll not slip out of here like a coward or a thief.” He stared into her eyes. “And this is one time I’m not giving into any tirade or tantrum you may throw.”

Aghast, she stared at him. “W-what do you mean tirade and tantrums?”

“You know perfectly well. If you weren’t so darn cute when your temper’s in a twist, I would’ve thrown you in jail that first night I found you in my room.”

Cute? He thought she was cute, and that was the only reason he didn’t send her to jail and helped her? Tears burned her eyes. She’d thought by now he cared for her. He just liked watching her pitch a fit.

Ty studied Maggie’s face. What other fears waltzed behind her beautiful tear glistening eyes? He’d thought the last comment would get a rise. Instead, her livid expression had collapsed.

“What’s wrong?” He kissed her forehead, but really longed to kiss her bow-shaped lips and forget the families watching them.

“You’re only helping me because I entertain you? What about the marriage. What if…”

“That’s not what I meant. That first night I found you in my hotel room, I found you adorable and wanted to help you. The more tenacious you were the more I realized I didn’t want to live without you in my life.” He kissed the tip of her nose and hovered his lips above hers.

“I love you, kitten. And you aren’t going to get rid of me that easily.” Ty pressed his lips to hers and melted into her sweetness and fire. When she’d slipped into the river, he vowed to save her or die trying. His arms tightened around her, pressing their bodies together, trying to meld them as one.

Her hands gripped the back of his head, holding him in place, her tongue and lips seducing him. He ached with need.

Tearing his lips from hers, he scanned the area for a private place. A few boulders would make a poor divider from the eyes of their guests. He’d have to wait until dark and then take her for a walk.

Her lips trailed hot and wet down his neck.

“As much as I’d like to continue this…there are too many people watching.”

Her head snapped up, and Maggie’s face flushed. “I can’t believe I forgot…”

A chuckle escaped his lips, and she smacked him in the chest. “Ouch!”

“It’s not funny. You do that to me. When you kiss me, I forget where I am.”

Her comment zinged to his heart and filled a part of him he hadn’t realized existed. She was his family. His life before never gave him the comfort and love his Maggie did.

“Let’s see if our clothes are dry.”

 

 

 

Fourteen

 

Ty scanned the bustling streets and impressive buildings of Boise. Riding down Main Street bareback on an Indian pony and Maggie’s undergarments only covered by his suit jacket would have raised eyebrows had they rode into a smaller town. Maggie’s arms tightened around his waist. He patted her hands and headed straight to the stage office. If they were lucky their bags would be waiting for them. That is if one of the other passengers hadn’t claimed the bags thinking he and Maggie were dead.

He stopped the Indian pony in front of the office and slid Maggie to the ground. She tugged on his jacket covering her chemise and drawers to mid-thigh. She willingly left the corset behind. Ty dismounted and tied the pony to the hitching post. He’d promised Running Deer he’d let the animal loose outside of town when they no longer needed him. The pony knew his way home.

The stage office door opened, and the U.S. Marshal from the stage stepped out. A grin spread across his face, and he strode forward grasping Ty’s hand and cranking up and down.

“I knew you two would come out okay. You appeared to be scrappers.”

“Thanks for your confidence. But if Running Deer hadn’t pulled us out of the river…” He left the rest unsaid. He and Maggie had decided it was best not to think about it.

The marshal eyed Maggie. She smiled and stuck out her hand.

“Thank you for your confidence. You wouldn’t happen to know if our bags are in there?”

“Ma’am they are. I made sure no one took them. I was just checking to see if you’d picked them up.”

Maggie’s eyes glowed and she walked into the office.

“Thank you for keeping an eye on our bags. Maggie was pretty anxious to find her things.” Ty didn’t like to think about what could have happened had he not caught up to Maggie in the river and rid her of her heavy garments.

“Get her set up with a bath and all at the hotel. Then come down to the saloon and tell me what happened.” The marshal nodded toward the Overland Hotel.

“I can’t guarantee Maggie will want to be left alone, but I appreciate the offer.” Ty had plans to join his wife in the tub.

The marshal walked away, and Maggie waddled through the stage office door lugging the two valises. Ty reached for the bags.

“We’ll spend the night in the Overland Hotel and rent a horse and buggy to get to Silver City tomorrow.”

A beautiful smile and merry eyes lit Maggie’s face. “I think that’s a wonderful idea.” She slipped her arm through his.

“Untie the horse. We’ll tie him in front of the hotel and have a boy take him to the livery. In the morning, when we’re a mile from town, we’ll let him loose. If we set him free too close to town someone one try to catch him.”

Maggie untied the horse and led him down the street to the hotel hitching post. She re-tied the animal, and they entered the lobby.

The clerk and doorman stared. Ty set Maggie’s valise on the floor while she wrote their names in the register.

“We’d like a room and a bath sent up immediately,” Ty said, reaching into the side pocket of his valise and thanking the marshal for keeping an eye on their things. He pulled out his reserve money and paid for the room and bath.

“We’ll send someone up right away,” the man read their names in the book, “Mr. and Mrs. Bancroft.”

Ty nodded and retrieved the other valise. Maggie claimed the key the man held out and climbed the stairs ahead of Ty.

In the room, he dropped the bags and waited for the old, bent over, Chinese man to fill the brass tub behind a partition in the corner.

“Oh, that looks heavenly.” Maggie stared longingly at the steam rising off the water.

The man placed two buckets on the floor, bowed, and backed into the hallway. Ty closed the door, locked it, and started shedding his clothes. Maggie beat him to the tub, sinking into the water, her eyes closing.

“Mmmm…”

He stood gazing down at the rapture on her face. Her dark curls spread across the top of the water, as she leaned back, dunking her head.

Visions of her floating in the river constricted his chest. He’d almost lost her. Ty stepped into the tub, slipping behind Maggie as she sat up.

He wrapped his arms around her. “Don’t ever leave me.” His passion-filled request squeaked past the lump of emotion in this throat.

“Never.” She spun in his embrace, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him.

****

The morning dawned sunny and bright. The slight hint of coolness in the air added to the goose-flesh on Ty’s arms. Today Maggie would be reunited with her sister and he’d find out what scheme his grandmother was plotting.

He helped Maggie into the buggy as the doorman secured their bags in the back boot. He tied the Indian pony to the back, and they set off for Silver City.

“I can’t believe I’ll see Lora Beth today.” The excitement in Maggie’s voice and sparkle in her eyes proved how much she missed her sister. “What do you think she’ll look like? You said you didn’t see her when you were in Colorado?” She chattered non-stop until he halted the buggy several miles from town and let the pony loose.

He climbed back in the buggy and glanced at Maggie. “Now what’s wrong?” He smoothed a tear across her cheek with his thumb.

“I can’t believe how rude I was to Running Deer’s people when they were so kind to us.” She stared at the dust rising in the wake of the vanishing pony.

“I know it stemmed from the violent way your parents’ died. Things we see and hear as children stay with us.” He smoothed a hand over his face. “Learning to push those emotions aside and see something for what it is can be hard. But I think it’s the only way to really see things.”

Maggie leaned over and kissed his cheek. “We’re taking a trip to New Orleans aren’t we?”

The light and knowing in her beautiful eyes curved his lips into a smile. Thinking about his family never made him smile. “You only have to come if you want to, but I have a feeling my grandmother won’t be able to bully you around.”

“Not if she tries to keep me from you.”

Ty laughed and urged the horse into a trot. He wanted to meet Maggie’s sister and see if she was as feisty as his wife.

 

 

 

Fifteen

 

The winding uphill road to Silver City offered a multitude of scenery. Maggie’s anticipation of seeing Lora Beth had her heart soaring and her mind grasping at anything to keep her busy and not think about the reunion.

The road curved to the left, and they topped a hill. The town of Silver City sprawled along the narrow valley floor and sloping walls. Her heart raced. Somewhere in this town she’d find Lora Beth. Ty pushed on the brake handle as the buggy rolled down the hill and crossed a small stream at the bottom of the gulley. The horse pulled the buggy up a small incline of the main street and stopped in front of the Idaho Hotel.

She scanned the empty balcony stretching the width of the building. Could Lora Beth be in one of the rooms? Her hands shook. Ty climbed out of the buggy, tied up the horse, and stepped to her side.

“Are you ready?” He raised his arms to lift her down.

“I-I can’t believe, after all these years I could come face to face with her.”

Ty set her on the ground, his hands still resting on her waist. “You may not recognize one another. And after all this time, she may be a bit hesitant.”

Maggie nodded. She knew believing they would fall back into their roles as sisters would take some time. Too much had happened to them both in the last ten years.

Ty retrieved their bags and nodded to the hotel door. “Let’s get settled, and then we’ll ask around.”

She slipped her arm in his and walked up the steps to the porch of the hotel. Inside, the dark wood counter and detailing gave the lobby an austere atmosphere.

Maggie followed Ty to the counter, peering through the windows separating the lobby from the dining room.

“We’d like a room for”—Ty tapped her on the shoulder, catching her attention—“a week?”

Maggie nodded.

“A week.” Ty wrote their names in the register. “And is there a Sam McDonald or a Lora Beth Holmes staying in this hotel?”

Maggie stared at the clerk, willing him to say yes.

The clerk studied them then Ty’s signature in the register. “A Mr. and Mrs. Sam McDonald checked in earlier today.” He squinted and studied Maggie. “Are you the sister she’s looking for?”

Happiness burst inside Maggie tingling her from her head to her toes. Lora Beth was here. She threw her arms around Ty’s neck and kissed his cheek. “She’s here!”

Ty swung her around and glanced at the clerk. “Mr. and Mrs—what room are they in?”

“I could tell ya, but you won’t find them there. They left a short time ago. I’m sure they’ll be back shortly.”

Maggie tugged on Ty’s hand. “Come on, let’s go find her.”

Ty held up the bags. “We should deposit these in the room.”

She rested pleading eyes on the clerk. “Would you keep these behind the desk with you until we return?”

The man nodded. “Watch out for their dog.”

Ty set the bags on the counter, and Maggie dragged him back out to the hotel porch. She spun about. “Did he say Mr. and Mrs. Sam McDonald?”

Ty nodded.

She grabbed his hand. “Come on.”

“Where are we going?”

“The church.”

“Why?”

“A preacher knows everyone and everything that happens in their community.”

Hand in hand they set a fast pace to the church on the side of the hill. Maggie kept her eyes trained on the stalwart steeple, slipping her gaze every few feet to the door of the church. They climbed the steps carved in the rock the church sat upon, and Ty gripped the door handle.

He opened the door and motioned Maggie ahead of him. She swept into the church and cast her gaze around the empty building. The echo of Ty’s steps were the only sound.

“It’s empty.” Her words reverberated through the vacant space. Loralei couldn’t possibly be married—that wasn’t in her plan. Dismay slapped her euphoria down a rung.

Ty wrapped his arms around her. “Shh… She’s here somewhere. We’ll go look around town. You don’t need a preacher. You have me.” He captured her hand and led her to the door.

They walked toward the stone stairs. Footsteps behind them caught her attention. Maggie grasped Ty’s arm and turned to the sound. A preacher, dressed in black with a starched collar walked around the side of the building.

“May I help you?” he asked.

Neither she nor Ty had a chance to respond before another voice sounded behind them.

“Bancroft?”

Ty spun about. “McDonald.”

Maggie swung around anxious to see the man working for Ty’s grandmother. The young woman by the stranger’s side captured her full attention. Lavender eyes sparkled with unshed tears. The shy smile and beautiful chestnut hair was the spitting image of their mother.

“Lora Beth!”

“Maggie?”

She stepped forward her arms open wide. Lora Beth ran into her embrace. Ty stepped forward hugging them both and Maggie knew her world was complete.