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Sarah, in her white nightgown, clutched the curtains while she stared out the window of the bedroom where she was spending the night. After leaving Mr. Williams’ office, the rest of the day had passed in a hazy blur.
Thorn double-checked with his suppliers to make sure everything would be ready the following morning, then took her to a couple of bakeries, as well as the shops she needed to visit. Those purchases lay strewn on her bed. He took her to a restaurant for lunch, but she couldn’t remember what she’d eaten or what they’d talked about.
Supper was the same. Sleep eluded her as she lay in a darkened room at Duncan’s house. Ah yes. Duncan the lawyer, Thorn’s cousin, a friend of Mr. Williams, who also knew Thorn. Circles within circles. Was she caught in some kind of scheme? Who could she trust? Was Grandfather really ill?
The room seemed to close in on her. She pulled on her robe and slipped out as quietly as she could, hoping not to wake Duncan’s two daughters who lay sleeping in the second bed.
She left the questions in the room and stepped lightly as she hurried down the back staircase, then out the kitchen door to the porch. Childhood memories of times spent with her father watching the stars drew her gaze to the sky. She drew in a deep breath, and another. Like a gentle wave sliding across the sand at the seashore back East, the tension eased. Even her fingers lost their grip on the ties of her robe as peace settled over her.
The late night breeze carried the mingled fragrances of lilac and roses, then danced with the dangling leaves of the overhead trees. The full moon slipped in and out of the wispy clouds high in the dark sky. It was like a fairy land out here, where all the pressures, demands, and fears disappeared. Sarah let out a soul-easing sigh.
This was what she needed—peace, just for a few moments. Peace from all the problems that tried to cling to her. Peace from the fear that ever traveled with her. Peace from...from what? Need? Desire?
She brushed against a rose bush that grew up the side of the porch and along the railing. One of the thorns snagged the sleeve of her robe while the rose’s fragrance surrounded her. She grinned and slid the fabric from the barb. Rose and Thorn. The rose on the bush needed the thorn to protect it, but what about her. Did she need Thorn?
Sarah’s fingers pressed against her lips. Thorn’s face filled her mind. She was torn about him. She liked him, was drawn to him. But she feared him, feared what he could do to her life. Never again would she let another man have the control over her that Grandfather and Alfred had. Never again would she submit to that cruel authority.
But that was the problem. Mac filled her thoughts too often. Her thoughts of him had changed so much from the time she had seen him from her hotel window her first morning in Central City. He had been kind and helpful to Drew and Helen. Even with her, he had been gentle, never cruel. Rough maybe. Definitely not like the gentlemen back in Boston.
Boston. She chuckled. She had come outside because she couldn’t sleep with all that had happened in Boston, and now, Thorn filled her thoughts.
She touched her lips as the memory of their wedding kiss flooded back. “Thorn.”
***
Unable to sleep, Thorn had been sitting on the moon-lit porch for an hour when Sarah Rose stepped out of the house. She was so beautiful. And strong. And brave. Only she didn’t see all those things about herself. She wasn’t truly his wife, and yet she was. What if she decided to return to Boston now that her grandfather had lost his control? Could she be happy to stay in Colorado? Would she be willing to live on the ranch with him?
If Sarah Rose left him, he’d also lose Emma. The baby had wormed her way into his heart. He loved her as much as he loved his first three. His gut clenched, and he rubbed his fist over his chest. He needed to find Hank and get that matter settled so he could go back home to his family, his girls, and hopefully with Rose and Emma.
At the sound of his name whispered in the darkness, he couldn’t keep his boot from scraping against the wood porch or stop the chain on the swing from creaking.
She turned toward him. “Thorn?”
He stood and walked across the porch. “I didn’t want to bother you.”
Laughter burst from her lips. “I think it’s too late for that. You have bothered me ever since we met.”
Thorn stopped. What did she mean? He would never force himself on her, like her husband had, or those miners back in Central City. He took a step back, then another.
Sarah Rose moved forward and touched his arm. “I didn’t mean it to sound like that. You do bother, disturb, annoy me, but that’s because I’ve never met a man like you. I don’t understand you.” She shrugged the tiniest bit. “I don’t know how to deal with you.”
She ducked her head and turned away, but Mac tugged her back toward him again. His heart pounded in his chest. “I don’t know how to deal with you either.”
Mac sucked in a deep breath. Her eyes grew wider. His arms tightened around her. He waited for her to pull away. Looked for the fear he’d seen so often in her eyes. Instead her lips parted. He drew her closer, paused again.
She didn’t pull back.
He lowered his head as the words whispered after the kiss following their wedding vows pounded through his head. He had to be gentle with this woman. He needed to kiss her, but he had to give her what no other man had.
Their lips touched. She tensed. He kept his hold on her loose. He brushed his lips against hers.
She pressed closer to him and returned his kiss.
His blood pounded. His chest threatened to explode. He couldn’t get enough of this sweet woman.
Little girls’ giggling joined with the closing of the back door.
His head shot up but he kept his arms around Sarah Rose as she trembled.
“’Scuse us.” Duncan’s older daughter tugged on her sister’s hand. “I gotta take Betsy to the outhouse.” The two scurried down the steps.
“They was kissing. That mean they’re gonna have a baby now?” Betsy’s loud whisper rang out through the moonlit night.
“Shush. Let’s just get your business done.”
Sarah Rose pulled out of his arms and stepped away.
“Rose?”
“No...no more. Nothing more.” She sucked in a shuddery breath. “I’ll be ready to leave in the morning when you are.” She slipped into the house.
Thorn slammed his fist against his thigh. Had he pushed too far? The more he saw of Rose the more he liked. And still, he’d frightened her, sent her scurrying away.
Would he ever understand women?
***
Sarah bounced on the wagon seat on the road to Central City. Her arms ached as she pulled the floppy sunbonnet Helen had loaned her a little farther forward, trying to keep the sun off her face. Every part of her ached.
Sleep hadn’t come easily the night before, and what sleep she’d had was filled with dreams of Thorn and babies and snarly Stanley. Well, after this trip, Stanley was out of the way. She wasn’t sure yet how Grandfather’s loss of wealth would affect his businesses in Central City, but at least Drew would be out from under Grandfather’s thumb.
Her foot bumped the jar of water Duncan’s wife brought out as they left. She had filled it with ice from their small icehouse and wrapped it in rags. Just what they would need for the hot trip.
She pulled it up and glanced at Thorn. “Want a drink?”
At last, he turned his head and spoke to her. “Sounds good.”
While he shifted the reins from his left hand to his right, she twisted the lid off the jar. They bounced over a rut in the dirt road and the water splashed up on her shirtwaist. The chill of the cold water across her chest battled the heat in her cheeks. She stared at the wet area that caused the fabric to become stuck to her chest like a second skin.
Without a word, he grabbed the jar and took a long, thirsty drink.
Sarah couldn’t take her eyes off the muscles in his neck as the water slid down his throat. When he finished, she took the jar, screwed on the lid, and set it back at her feet. Staring ahead but not seeing anything of the land, her mind fought her heart. Even though she sensed small changes in her when she thought about Thorn, she knew nothing lasting could come from the situation between them. He was a healthy man, and one day, he would want sons to carry on his name.
Hadn’t that been what her own father wanted? When Drew was born, he was named after his father, just like her father had been named after Grandfather. But that was something she could never give him or any other man. Alfred had seen to that. She slid her hand under her crossed arms and touched her middle. Barren. That’s what the doctor had told Alfred the last time he had pushed her down the stairs in one of his drunken rages. She had lost yet another baby, but that time she had lost so much more.
And through all that, Stanley stood by her bedroom door. He told her once that Grandfather sent him to make sure she survived her injuries, because she was needed to control Drew. The hated man smiled at her in her loss, smiled while he stood next to the doctor as Alfred was told the damage was too great this time, and that she would never bear another child. Stanley smiled when Alfred cursed her yet again for being useless.
She snuck a peek at Thorn when he snapped the reins, urging the mules up a small incline. He hadn’t said much since she saw him that morning, He’d worn the same frown all day. Was he as troubled as she was about the kisses last night?
A tickling thrill raced around her insides at the memories. But she pushed them away. Hopes and dreams would have to stay locked away where she’d had to put everything special since her parents died. Those things had to stay there so they couldn’t be used against her.
But then, that was also the place where she couldn’t visit. The day might come when no one could use hopes and dreams against her. Then she might chance a visit to that locked-away place. For now, she would just enjoy the gentleness he showed her.
***
Mac jiggled his arm when they drew near to Central City. He couldn’t help but grin as Rose woke. His wife rubbed the tip of her nose with her gloved hand. He returned his gaze to the road, both to give her a moment to straighten herself after her nap and to think about that thought—his wife.
Things had changed on this trip. He understood her a mite better. His Rose had survived more than most women ever had to face, at least the women he knew. The women in his clan faced hard lives, but those lives were shared with their men and the other women of the clan. Sarah had been alone, at the mercy of the grandfather who should have loved her and a husband who should have treasured the precious woman she was.
The knot that had been twisted tight in his gut loosened a bit. The knot that had tied itself up when he found Lizzie in the barn.
Lizzie had been a strong woman. As strong as Rose. Surely she knew he would love her no matter what happened. There had to be more to what happened with her that day. He had to learn the truth. Only then could he know if he had a hand in Lizzie’s death.
He glanced down at Sarah, then back at the road. When he knew the truth, would he be able to drop the shackles that held him to the past?
***
Sarah peered through the darkening twilight when they reached the edge of Central City. Soon she would be home with Emma. Her arms felt empty without her baby girl. Had Emma said any new words while she’d been gone? Gotten any more teeth? She wanted to jump out of the heavily laden wagon and run home, but instead she gripped the wooden seat.
“We’ll be home in a few minutes.” Thorn snapped the reins, and the mules stepped up their pace a tiny bit. “You should be in time to feed Emma her supper. Unless you want to clean up first.”
“I can’t wait to hold her. If I get her dirty, we’ll just clean up together.” Sarah took a deep breath while Thorn directed the mules to the barn at the back of the house. Feathery tingles crept up her back and around her neck. Something was wrong. Drew and Helen knew they were coming home tonight, but no light shone in the windows. The house sat as a dark shadow against the mountains behind it and the darkening sky above.
Thorn didn’t say a word as he pulled into the path that led to the back of the house. She could feel the tension rolling off him. The mules stopped. He tied the reins around the brake and grabbed his rifle. “Stay here.”
No way would she stay behind. When he climbed down, Sarah jumped off the other side. Let Thorn say what he wanted. This was still her house, her home, her family. She slipped her pistol from her reticule and followed him.
Tair growled low in his throat, jumped down, and followed them.
Thorn let out a hiss when he realized she was by his side, but he seemed to know better than to say anything. “Please stay behind me until we see what’s going on in there.”
“All right.” Her voice wasn’t as strong as she would have liked. But then her mouth was so dry, she was surprised anything came out at all.
The swing on the back porch creaked in the evening breeze as they moved up the steps.
They stepped through the door into the kitchen. The cocking of a rifle deeper in the room shattered the silence around them.
“Stop right there. I’ve got you in my sights. If you come any further, I’ll shoot.” Though laced with fatigue and anger, Drew’s voice rang out clear and loud.
“Ease up, man. ’Tis me, Mac, and your sister.” Thorn stood solidly between Drew and Sarah, even though she tried to push him aside to get to her brother. Thorn lowered his gun, but held her back with his other hand. “Stay still until your brother can make us out.”
Drew struck a match and lit the oil lamp. Light skittered to the doorway. Her brother sat on one of the worn wooden chairs, his splinted leg resting on another one, his face pale with dark shadows beneath his eyes. His hair stood on end as if he’d been running his fingers through it. He dropped his head to his chest. “I’m glad you both got back.”
Sarah pushed Thorn aside and hurried over to her brother. She dropped her gun and reticule on the table, then grabbed his shirt sleeve. “What’s happened? Where’s Emma? Where’re Helen and Carl?”
Drew tipped his head toward the small rooms off the kitchen, Helen and Carl’s bedrooms. “They’re all right. I put Emma in with Carl. They’re sleeping. Helen...Helen...someone attacked Helen.” His voice cracked. “She’s hurt real bad. Doc’s in with her.”
Sarah started shaking. Memories flooded her mind again. Beaten. Angry fists pounding. “Is she...will she—?”
Thorn wrapped his arm around her shoulders and steadied her. “What’s the doc said?”
Sarah hadn’t known how supportive a man could be. She wanted to lean back into the warmth, the protection. With great reluctance she straightened up and stood solidly on the kitchen floor.
Thorn released her and checked the coffee pot on the stove.
“Doc hasn’t said anything yet.” Drew’s fists rested on the table. He kept his eyes on the rifle he had set nearby. “I thought whoever did it might come back and try again.” He slapped his injured leg. “I couldn’t guard both doors. I locked the front so I could watch this one in case he came back.” He glanced out the door. “Hadn’t realized how dark it’d gotten.”
Sarah pulled a chair closer to her brother, sat, and took hold of one of his hands. “Back here? Was she attacked in the house?”
“Not in the house. She and Carl were coming back from doing something at church. She sent Carl on ahead while she gathered some clothes hanging on the clothesline.”
Drew shook his head. “I was coming from the parlor to eat the supper she’d left for me. Carl told me what she was doing, and I decided to go help her. Before I made it out the door, I heard her scream. I hobbled as fast as I could, but the attacker was gone. She lay on the ground bleeding.” Her brother slammed his fist on the table. “He used a knife on her.”
Drew stopped talking. He dropped his head into his shaking hands.
Sarah wanted to wrap him in her arms as she had when he was a little boy. But he wasn’t a little boy any longer. He was a man, and someone hurt the woman he cared about, maybe even loved. She rested her hand on his shoulder and gave a small squeeze.
Thorn set three cups of steaming coffee on the table, then sat. His body tensed as he stared at her gun. He glanced at her.
She stared back at him. Let him say anything about protecting herself.
He gave her a small nod, then turned to his brother-in-law. “Do they know who did it?”
Drew shook his head. “No one saw anything, and Helen hasn’t been able to tell us.”
“Coffee smells good. I could sure use a cup.” Doc stood at the doorway to Helen’s bedroom. Bloody streaks covered his white shirt. He wiped his hands on a once-clean towel.
Thorn grabbed a mug and set it on the table. Doc dropped onto the last empty chair.
“She’s sleeping. Best thing for her.” Doc blew across the coffee, making little ripples move across the surface. He took a sip. “Ahh. Don’t know what people would do if they didn’t have this.”
Sarah glanced between the bedroom door and the doctor. “How is she?”
Doc set his cup on the table, then pulled out his crumpled handkerchief and wiped his eyes. “I’ve known that girl since I moved here last year, and she still surprises me.” He tucked the crumpled mass back into his pocket. “I know she had to be in pain as I sewed her up, but she kept on praying and thanking God for bringing her through.” He tugged out his hanky again and wiped his nose. “Makes a man want to go to church just to get some of what she’s got.”
Drew gripped his hands together. “How bad is she hurt?”
Sarah leaned in closer to hear the answer.
“Well, son, it could have been a lot worse. Apparently he tried to kidnap her, but she fought back.” Doc took another sip of coffee. “She lost a lot of blood. He cut her in several places, none of which are life-threatening in themselves. I don’t think he meant to kill her, just take her. But she fought him off.”
Sarah trembled and wrapped her arms around her middle. A hand lay on her shoulder. She didn’t have to look up to see who stood next to her. Only Thorn comforted her with just his touch. Only Thorn seemed to know when she needed that comfort. She tilted her head and rested against his hand. Somehow they both knew the worst was still to come.
“She has a bad cut on her forearm that took ten stitches to close, one on her opposite shoulder that took seven. No broken bones.” He glanced at Drew, then back at the coffee. “The cut on her face. Not that it’s life-threatening. Just...life-changing for a woman.” Doc shook his head. “She has a deep gash from here to here.” He traced down the left side of his face with his index finger from his temple to his chin. “I don’t know how bad a scar it’ll leave, but I did my best with it.”
Sarah couldn’t hold in the gasp that burst through her lips. Thorn’s fingers tightened.
Drew pulled his hurt leg from the chair and pushed himself up. “I don’t care about the scar. I just want her to be all right.” His eyes narrowed as he stared at the doc. “Did she say who did it?”
Doc stood and nodded, then turned and shuffled toward Helen’s room.
“Who, Doc? Who did this to her?” Drew’s voice rumbled low. He grabbed the rifle off the table.
The old man looked over his shoulder. “She swore me to secrecy. Told the sheriff when he came by, though.”
“Who’s she protecting? Why’s she letting him get away?” Drew grabbed his crutches and hobbled toward Helen’s room.
Sarah grabbed his arm, but he shook her off.
“Well, it’s obvious as the nose on your face, young man.” Doc glanced at the gun and back. “She’s protecting you. Doesn’t want you to do anything in anger and vengeance you’ll regret.” He looked at Sarah. “I’ll stay with her a while. You keep an eye on him.”
The doctor returned to Helen’s bedroom.
Drew struggled toward the back door. Once outside, he slammed it shut. Sarah stood to go after him.
“Let him be.” Thorn stood very still as if waiting to see if she would defy him. “He’s hurting and needs to be alone for a little while.”
“If he’s hurting, I need to be with him.”
“In a while, he’ll need you. But now he needs to get a handle on how he feels.” Thorn ran his thumb down her cheek. “As a child he turned to you for comfort, but he’s a man now. Let him have this time.”
Sarah let out a deep sigh. She knew he was right, but she felt so helpless.
“Why don’t we check on the children? Emma might need to be changed. And when we tell Carl about his sister, he’s the one who’ll need someone to hold him.” Thorn dropped his hand to her back and gave a small nudge.
She glanced at Thorn for a moment. He wasn’t young and weak like Drew or hard and self-centered like Grandfather and Alfred. And he wasn’t cruel like Stanley. Still, she wasn’t sure she wanted to find out what made him different. Did she?
***
“Did you kill her?” Stanley sat behind his desk and tried to figure out how much trouble the fool had gotten himself into. They had been seen together a few times, and he didn’t want to take a chance on the law trying to connect him to anything right now, not until he got hold of Sarah’s fortune and the power it would bring.
“Just cut her when she fought me.” Jim Grayson shuffled from side to side. “I didn’t mean to hurt her, especially after the way she stayed with my ma when she died. It’s just, she’s the woman I want.”
Stanley drummed his fingers on his desk. He hated to be reminded of the fiasco that led to Sarah marrying the freighter. Still, Grayson had proved loyal in the past and might be needed in the future. It might be a good thing to get him out of town for a while. He took a small bag of coins from his desk drawer. “Waller is in an old miner’s shack three miles north of Nevadaville. Know the place I’m talking about?”
Grayson nodded.
Stanley tossed the bag to the man. “Take this and stay at that shack until I send word.”
“Yes, sir.” Grayson shoved the bag into his pocket, then slapped his hat on. He had almost reached the back door when Stanley stopped him.
“One thing.” Stanley waited until the man looked over his shoulder. “If you get in any more trouble, you’re on your own. I’ll denounce you for the thug you are. And if you try to implicate me in anything, you won’t live to see the next dawn, no matter where you are. Understand?”
Grayson swallowed hard and nodded.
The door slammed shut. Footsteps sounded down the alley.
Stanley chuckled. These moments of power were what he lived for. He could hardly wait until he had more. And that would come in time. He just needed to figure out how to get rid of one unneeded husband. And without suspicion being directed towards himself.