Kade saw the horse in the widow’s yard before he turned on the trail to the house. Had someone else ridden by and been concerned? Or…
His nerves twitched. Perhaps the visitor was not of a kindly mindset.
Kade dismounted, tied his horse to the nearest fence post, and took a circuitous route to the house, one that would keep him from being seen from the window.
He reached the house and edged around the corner until he could see the door. It stood open, letting in cold air. His nerves twitched. No one would purposely let the house cool off with a sick family inside. He pressed to the wall and eased closer until he could see what was going on.
Eagle Pete. His heart slammed into his ribs. Why hadn’t the man left the area? And why was he standing motionless? Did Flora have her gun trained on him?
Kade moved an inch closer. Another inch. The man held a gun. Kade drew back, unable to draw in air.
“Get over here or I’ll shoot you dead.” Eagle Pete’s words dripped with warning and eagerness. The man was fixated on getting his hands on Flora.
Kade was not about to let that happen.
A piece of firewood lay at Kade’s feet. He must have dropped it when he carried wood to the house. He eased down and picked it up, silently closed the distance to the door, coiled his muscles, and leaped forward. Before anyone realized he was there, he crashed the hunk of wood to Eagle Pete’s head as hard as he could, knowing it would take a lot to fell the big man.
Eagle Pete grunted and cursed, flung about to see who had attacked him. The gun wavered drunkenly in his hands. His eyes rolled back in his head and he crashed to the floor.
Kade stepped over his body and rushed to Flora. She flew into his arms. “Thank you for showing up when you did.”
He held her tight. “Are you hurt? Is anyone hurt?”
“We’re fine.” She glanced at the unconscious man and shuddered. “Shouldn’t we tie him up?”
“Like a trussed turkey.” He took the dropped gun and handed it to Flora. “Keep an eye on him while I get some rope.” He went to the barn and returned with enough rope to tie the man securely.
All the while Flora stood by, the gun ready.
Kade suspected if the man came to before he was bound hand and foot, she would shoot him before he could decide whether or not to try anything.
When Kade returned and she was sure the man wouldn’t be getting away, she pocketed the gun and laughed. “He’s going to start having nightmares about firewood.”
Kade grinned. “Might teach him to stay away from other people’s houses.”
“He might be beyond learning anything useful.”
Kade didn’t know if she meant she thought he was dead or simply thought the man wasn’t capable of putting together how his actions were the cause of his problems.
She let out a shuddering breath. “Is Pa coming?”
“Should be along any minute.” Kade glanced out the window. “Here he comes now.”
Flora moved to Kade’s side. “Did he…you know? Are we out of danger?”
Kade nodded. Though he ached to ask what would be so awful about being married to him.
“I need to pack up their things.” She hurried to the bedroom and by the time her father arrived, she had filled a wooden box with belongings to take with the Norwoods.
The preacher drove the wagon up to the door and came in. He looked at the trussed-up man on the floor then hugged Flora. “Praise God you are okay. We were so worried.” He went to Mrs. Norwood’s side. “Now, Stella, have I not been telling you for weeks that you should be in town? But God was merciful to send my daughter to help you throughout the storm.”
“Yes, preacher, the Lord is good.” Mrs. Norwood gave Flora a questioning look as if to ask what her pa meant about the storm, but she didn’t press the matter.
Kade understood she was too weak right now, but once she regained her strength, would she clear up the confusion?
The preacher touched the heads of the two little ones and they smiled at him.
“Now, someone better explain who this is.” The preacher stared at Eagle Pete, who picked that moment to open his eyes and groan.
“You hit me from behind. That ain’t fair.” His eyes didn’t focus as he looked at two men.
“Pa, this man followed me. Twice he tried to force me to go with him.”
Eagle Pete rolled his eyes. “Should know better than to go after a redhead.”
The preacher nudged the man’s boots. “You better think twice about going after any of my daughters in the future.” A brief pause. “Or any young woman within riding distance.” He turned his back on the man. “Now let’s get everyone to town.”
“Pa, what about him?” Flora tipped her head toward Eagle Pete. “Can we just leave him here?”
Kade smiled at the eagerness in her voice.
“He can go visit the sheriff. I’m sure he’ll find the jail cell to his liking.”
Kade felt the cold in the preacher’s voice. Knew he didn’t take kindly to anyone threatening his daughters in any way. Like spending two unchaperoned nights with one of them. Kade did not dare look at Flora for fear his glance would give away his worry that her pa might learn the truth and be angry. No doubt he would see it as a righteous anger.
He dragged Eagle Pete out of the way then helped the preacher carry out the Norwood belongings. Mrs. Kinsley had made a bed in the wagon and sent along an abundance of blankets and quilts. Kade carried Mrs. Norwood out and made sure she was well wrapped. The preacher and Flora each carried a child and bundled them up beside their mother.
Kade went back in and made sure the fire in the stove was low enough not to be a danger. His arms akimbo, he looked down at Eagle Pete. “I suppose we could leave him here and send the sheriff to get him.”
“I’ll freeze,” the man whined.
The preacher grabbed one of Eagle Pete’s arms and waved Kade forward. “Help him to his feet. We’ll put him on his horse and he can follow along.”
Flora brought Kade’s horse and led her own but didn’t offer to get Eagle Pete’s horse.
“Flora, bring his horse to the door.”
She looked ready to defy her father, then with a long-suffering sigh led the horse to her pa. “If I had my way I’d tie a rope from his neck to the wagon and make him walk all the way.”
“Daughter, we don’t let our emotions direct our actions.”
“Yes, Pa.” She stood a good ways off as Kade and the preacher struggled to get Eagle Pete into the saddle and tie him so he wouldn’t escape.
“My head hurts,” the big man complained.
No one offered him the least bit of sympathy.
“You folks sure don’t act like good Christian people should.”
Kade choked back his laughter at the look of rage on Flora’s face. She patted her pocket and he knew she contemplated shooting the man. Kade edged closer to her. “I’m thinking your thoughts are lacking in Christian virtue.”
“You’d be right. Do you know he was prepared to shoot us all? Even the children. In my opinion, the man deserves to hang.”
Her pa overheard her and spoke gently. “None of us deserve mercy, and yet we are recipients of it every day.”
Flora got into the saddle without answering.
Kade did the same and they rode on either side of the wagon with Eagle Pete’s horse securely tied beside Flora’s pa. Kade thought they made a strange procession and mostly a silent one except for Eagle Pete’s endless complaints about the unfairness of his situation and how his head hurt.
They reached Glory. Several curtains were pushed aside to watch them pass. No doubt the rumors would be flying before they even unloaded the wagon.
They made their way to the two-story house beside the church. Preacher Kinsley had built the house according to his specifications. Kade had been inside twice at Mrs. Kinsley’s invitation to join the family for after-church dinner. From what he’d seen, there was a kitchen and dining room combined that was big enough to seat a couple dozen people. A hall led to a quiet parlor. He’d glimpsed some bedrooms off the hall but couldn’t say how many. Mostly he wanted to eat the food set before him, which was delicious, and get away from the way the other cowboys stared at or flirted with the Kinsley girls.
A young lad ran beside the wagon. “Preacher, you got a prisoner? What’d he do?”
“Jimmy, you run and get the sheriff,” the preacher said.
“Can’t. He rode out of town this morning and ain’t come back yet.”
“Thanks for the information. Guess we’ll keep him with us a bit longer.”
Kade glanced at Flora across the wagon and grinned at the way she scowled at Eagle Pete. The man didn’t realize how close he came to being shot for his actions.
They reached the manse and Mrs. Kinsley rushed out to the back of the wagon, her blonde hair fading to white in a tidy bun. “Stella, my dear, how are you and the little ones?”
“I’ve been better.” Mrs. Norwood sounded wearier than when they’d left.
Flora jumped to the ground and faced her mother. Flora was several inches taller than Mrs. Kinsley, but the look in the older woman’s blue eyes was steady and demanding. She took a good look at the trousers her daughter wore. “Flora, look at you,” she scolded, then pulled the girl into a long hug. “I’m so glad you’re okay. It was good you stumbled upon Stella and could stay with her through the storm. That was advantageous for both of you.”
“What?” Eagle Pete roared. “Who said she stayed with that woman? I found her in his house.” He tipped his head toward Kade. “Think you can get away with stealing her from me, do ya?”
Kade’s heart hit bottom with a thud that made the soles of his feet hurt. He stood beside the wagon feeling the sting of the preacher’s look, hearing her mother gasp, and feeling most unmerciful toward Eagle Pete.
“Is that true?” The preacher’s voice left no doubt as to his anger.
Kade met the preacher’s look squarely, not letting the piercing gray eyes make him quiver. “It is true.”
“I hope you planned to tell me.”
Kade held his head high. “No sir. I did not.”
The preacher roared. “You care nothing about my daughter’s reputation?”
Three girls crowded together in the open doorway, eager to hear what was going on.
Kade saw them out of the corner of his eyes, but his attention was riveted to the preacher.
“Pa, I asked him not to.” Flora gave her father a look that made Kade remember why he called her the rebel. “I knew you’d be angry and want to force us to marry.”
“That’s right. We’ll get the Norwoods settled and taken care of. I’ll personally lock this man in jail and then…” He yanked his hat from his head, revealing dark brown hair with just a hint of gray at the temples. “Then we are going to have a wedding.” His look dared Flora to argue then he fixed Kade with a blaze of challenge. “And if you aren’t here, I will hunt you down. So get ready for your wedding day.”
Flora followed the entourage inside. Pa carried Mrs. Norwood—Stella. Ma carried Blossom, but Donny insisted he could walk. Kade helped Eagle Pete as far as the door then indicated he should remain there. Kade said something to the man but she didn’t hear what.
Eagle Pete sank to the floor. “Don’t blame me ’cause I told the truth.”
Flora’s sisters crowded around her asking what happened. Did Eagle Pete really threaten her and had she truly spent two days—and nights—with Kade?
“He’s very handsome,” Josie said.
“I kept telling you not to act so wild,” Eve whispered.
Flora did her best to ignore them as her mind raced down one trail and then another seeking an escape from Pa’s edict that she and Kade marry.
She paused in the hallway. Perhaps she could slip out the back door and disappear.
But Ma emerged from the bedroom where Stella and Blossom had been taken. “Flora, you go on upstairs and change into something decent.”
Eagle Pete snorted amusement.
Flora scowled at him and patted the pocket of her trousers. “Still got my gun.”
“Flora.” Ma sounded shocked. “Are you threatening to shoot a man? In the manse. Lord, have mercy.”
“Mercy? For him but not for me?”
“I’ll take the gun.” Kade held out his hand.
“I’m sorry.” She meant because he was being forced to marry her. She couldn’t say what he was thinking, but the way he held her gaze eased away some of the tension tightening her insides. She handed him the gun.
“Don’t hesitate to shoot him if he tries to escape.”
“You are a vicious gal,” Eagle Pete groused. “Guess I should be happy poor Kade is going to be stuck with you.”
Flora kicked his booted foot. “Lucky you.”
Flora marched toward the stairs.
“Do something with your hair,” Ma called.
Flora yanked the tie from her untidy braid and shook her hair, knowing it would be a wild tangle of curls.
“Now it really looks like she’s on fire,” Donny said.
It perfectly described how Flora felt. She would not marry a man who didn’t love her. But how was she to persuade Pa?
She continued up the stairs. Eve followed her into the bedroom they shared though all that separated them from the others in the open area was a curtain. Not that Flora minded. Her sisters were good friends, but at the moment, she could do without Eve’s downturned mouth. She knew before Eve spoke that she would scold her.
“How many times have I warned you that your actions would lead to disaster?”
“More times than I care to count. Don’t forget to add, Be sure your sins will find you out, and, Every choice taken has a consequence.”
“I think you’re learning the truth of those sayings. Unfortunately, you won’t get a chance to change soon enough to avoid a forced marriage.”
Flora could think of no reply that didn’t sound childish. And she wouldn’t let anyone know just how sorry she was to have arrived at this place. She stepped out of her trousers and hung them in the back of the wardrobe, hoping Ma wouldn’t remove them. She stared at the dresses and skirts before her.
Eve came to her side. “Better wear your best gown. Too bad there isn’t time to make a proper wedding dress.” She pulled out a heavy green woolen dress that Flora hated because of how it restricted her movements with its fitted bodice and tight sleeves.
“It itches me.” She put it back in the wardrobe and pulled out a sapphire-blue gown made of sateen. “This is my favorite dress.”
Eve examined it carefully. “It could do with a sponging. It looks like you dragged the hem in some mud. But I guess it will do.” She waited while Flora slipped into it. “Now let’s do something with your hair.”
Flora rocked her head back and forth, sending waves of red curls about her shoulders. “I’m going to leave it loose. To show that I’m an innocent girl.”
“I think you’ve given Ma enough to deal with. Sit down and I’ll fix your hair.”
Flora gave in. Ma wasn’t the only one who had things to deal with. Flora was expected downstairs in short order to stand beside Kade and become his wife.
“He seems like a nice man,” Eve said as she brushed though Flora’s curls. The brush caught on a knot. It hurt but Flora knew better than to complain.
“Was it awkward having to stay there? How did you pass the time?”
“He’s a good checker player. Better’n me, even.”
Eve’s hands grew idle. “He beat you?” She took Flora’s silence for agreement and chuckled. “I guess he is good then.”
After a moment, Flora added, “I taught him to bake a chocolate cake.”
“It sounds very cozy and domestic.” Eve’s voice was low, gentle.
“I know you’re trying to make me feel better about being forced to marry him.”
“You might as well make the best of it.” Eve twisted Flora’s hair into a roll around her head and placed hairpins to hold it in place, then, apparently remembering what Flora’s hair was like, she added another dozen pins. “There you go. All set for your wedding day.”
Wedding day! It sounded like nails in her coffin. “Do you mind giving me a few minutes alone to get ready?”
Eve hugged her. “I’ll wait downstairs.”
Flora walked the length of the floor and back. She paused to look out the window, but the whole town could have been on fire for all the mind she gave to the scene beyond the glass. Her wedding day? She hadn’t given marriage a whole lot of thought, but certainly what little she’d considered had not included marrying someone against his will.
She went to the wardrobe, pulled out the trousers, and began to unbutton her dress. Her hands grew idle. It was impossible to get past everyone downstairs. She returned to the window. If she climbed out…
But Pa must have had her in mind when he built the house. There was nothing between the window and the ground two stories down. And nothing on the ground to cushion her fall. She might break a leg, but Pa wouldn’t see that as a reason to delay the wedding longer than it took to get her settled in bed and her leg bound up.
If she was to be forced to marry she preferred to do it standing on her two feet.
She hung the trousers back in the wardrobe and rebuttoned her dress.
There was only one thing she could do. Pulling in a deep breath that did nothing to ease the way her insides jumped, she opened the door and marched down the stairs.
“You’re ready. Good,” Pa said. “All of you come along to the parlor.”
Flora met Kade’s steady gaze and drew courage from it. “Pa, there’s something I have to say.”
Pa didn’t appear pleased with her delay.
“I was lost in the storm and stumbled into Kade’s house. He was kind enough to shelter me from the storm. He behaved like a gentleman the whole time. Shouldn’t you be grateful rather than judging me?”
Eve gasped at Flora’s boldness in arguing with their father.
“Daughter, I am not judging. I am protecting you. I believe you when you say nothing inappropriate happened, but not everyone will be so generous. Many a decent man won’t want to marry you, and many a scoundrel will think he can take advantage of you.”
Several pairs of eyes went to Eagle Pete. He crossed his arms and turned away, his nose in the air.
She couldn’t believe he even cared what others thought.
“I’m prepared to do the honorable thing,” Kade said. “I’m willing to marry her.”
If they’d been alone, she might have been tempted to hug him for being so noble. But the truth was, he had no more desire to marry than did she.
“Let us proceed.” Pa took a step toward the parlor.
“Wait. I’m not finished.” She widened her eyes so she wouldn’t reveal any of the nervousness she felt at what she was going to do. “I believe there is only one reason for marriage, and that is if a man and woman love each other so much they can’t imagine living without the other.” Her voice grew stronger. “Seeing as that is not the case here, I refuse to marry Kade against my will.”
Her sisters and Ma gasped. Pa looked ready to deliver a roar of thunder.
Flora glanced at Kade. Saw a little smile tugging at his lips and took it to mean he was pleased at her refusal to marry him.
Eagle Pete’s chuckle broke the stunned silence. “I’ll marry her if Kade doesn’t want her.”
Flora took a threatening step toward him.
His humor fled. “You should be happy someone will be wanting to marry you after they hear you spent two nights with that fella. Not everyone is as forgivin’ as me.”
“You will marry him,” Pa roared. “It isn’t up for discussion.”
Her insides shook like she’d swallowed a wind-driven storm but she held her ground, revealing none of her fear.
“No, Pa. I won’t.”