Chapter Twelve

Sunday dawned with the promise of relaxation. A day of complete leisure, the one day of the week where work was set aside. Sunday services began the day, followed by socializing on the steps of the church with neighbors. Taryn looked forward to her first day away from the ranch since the accident three weeks earlier. A shadow of a bruise discernible along her cheek the only visible reminder of the incident.

While Jonathan and Gwen stood talking with Reverend Flaherty, she and Brad stood on the steps waiting. Luke and Anita called out to them from the doorway of the church.

“Don’t make any plans with Anita for today, Taryn,” Brad whispered. “I want to discuss some things with you and your family this afternoon.”

She nodded. Brad had been hinting at their wedding plans, and she ascertained whatever he wanted to discuss dealt with the occasion.

“Reverend Flaherty certainly felt his oats today, didn’t he?” Luke commented, as he and Anita reached them.

Anita gave him an admonishing slap on his arm. “Luke.”

“I don’t mean any harm by it. I anticipated the devil himself to make an appearance in those balls of hellfire Reverend Flaherty kept referring to throughout the service. After his speech, I’m tempted to wear a clergyman’s collar myself.”

“Taryn,” Anita said, ignoring Luke’s joke, “it’s nice to see you out again.”

“I’m anxious to resume a normal schedule.”

“I’m glad. Perhaps both of you might like to join Luke and me for dinner this evening? You could come by early so we can have an afternoon ride if you feel well enough.”

The idea sounded ideal to Taryn, but reminded of Brad’s words, she politely declined. “Unfortunately, we have other plans this afternoon.”

“Oh, too bad. Another time then.”

“Anytime,” she agreed. She glanced up at Brad, who seemed distracted. Brad didn’t care for Luke and Anita. She couldn’t understand why. They were two of the most carefree people she’d ever met, but it may have been reason enough for Brad. He considered his business a profession while he felt ranching a lifestyle he charitably tolerated. Her hope was to make Brad see there was room for both business and pleasure in their lives together.

Luke and Anita continued onto their carriage while she and Brad walked with her family to her uncle’s carriage.

“Reverend Flaherty is such a pleasant man,” Madeline commented to Gwen as they walked to the carriage. “He reminds me of our minister back home.”

Dennis grinned. “They’re all cut from the same cloth, Maddie.”

Jonathan erupted in a bald-faced laugh slapping Dennis on the back. “The cloth is always deficient in the pocket area.”

“Well, you two are full of vigor this morning,” Gwen said as Dennis and Jonathan couldn’t seem to curb their laughter. “Not two minutes after the conclusion of the service, and you’re carrying on like a couple of school children who have a week before they have to act repentant again. Perhaps you two should attend a second service since neither of you heard a thing Reverend Flaherty said this morning.”

Jonathan was not penitent. “How could you help but hear him. His bellow woke me up and near knocked me out of my seat!”

Laughter erupted from Dennis. He and Jonathan were beside themselves with their joking.

Gwen turned to Maddie, both eyeing their husbands. “Maddie, I believe we’ve married heathens.”

“Yes, a shame isn’t it. It’s to hell in a hand basket for them.”

“Perhaps this afternoon would be a good time to begin weaving one for them.”

Madeline gurgled in agreement. “I think so. A large one.” Silenced, Dennis and Jonathan didn’t see the humor of their wives joking about the two of them. The carriage ride home calmed the gentle barbs precluding their departure from the church.

Gwen settled herself in her seat. “I’ve invited Jared for supper.”

Taryn jolted to attention hoping her reaction to her aunt’s words went unnoticed.

Madeline sighed. “I know he saved Taryn in her accident, and I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, but the man makes me nervous. I don’t mind admitting it.”

“It’s merely supper, Maddie,” Gwen said. “Sunday suppers are spent with family. Mr. King is alone here. It would be nice to include him this evening. I’m sure he’s had enough meals alone in his life.”

Brad refrained from making any comment concerning the invitation. He didn’t have the right, but it didn’t prevent Taryn from noticing the displeasure showing on his face.

She managed to contain her own feelings, although she couldn’t prevent her fingers from toying with the handle of her reticule. Her heart raced as it always did at the mention of Jared’s name. Her aunt liked him a great deal, and Taryn assumed it explained the reason for the numerous invitations extended. It seemed a well-calculated plan.

Once at home, Gwen and Madeline worked on their cross-point stitching, Jonathan and Dennis played chess, and she and Brad sat out on the verandah talking.

“I have a suggestion,” Brad said, holding her hand in his as he sat beside her. “There’s no need for us to wait until we return to Chicago to marry. We can get married here.”

“Here?” His idea took her by surprise.

“Why not?” Your parents are here, and it would allow your relatives to be present as well.”

“What about your parents?”

“They’ll understand. What’s important to them is to see me married. After twenty-six years of bachelorhood, they feel I’ve waited too long already. I know our marrying here won’t bother them. We can always have a small celebration party once we return to Chicago. It would give them equal happiness.”

She hesitated. “I suppose.” Brad’s suggestion was thoughtful and considerate of what would make her entire family happy. She had no cause for refusing.

“We should think about setting the date.”

“The date,” she repeated.

“I can’t afford to stay more than a few more weeks here, otherwise I’m afraid my position at the bank will suffer because of my absence.”

Brad was right. The time he had allowed himself away from the bank for the trip to Sacramento was limited.

Brad kissed her cheek moving toward her ear. Two weeks from today would be nice, don’t you think?”

“Luke and Anita’s wedding is next week,” she considered. “It might be a bit soon for another wedding.”

Standing, Brad pulled her to her feet. “Why don’t we go in to discuss it with everyone and see what they all say.”

Finding the family gathered in the parlor, Brad addressed the group. “Taryn and I were discussing our wedding. I suggested we wed here so you all might be able to share in the celebration together.”

Madeline turned to her sister. “Oh Gwen, think…”

“Yes, it’s very thoughtful of you, Brad.”

Dennis placed his book down. “What of your family, Brad?”

“As I’ve told Taryn, they would understand. We could have a separate celebration upon our return.”

“When would the wedding be?” Gwen asked, a troubled frown on her face. She found it necessary to set her teacup on the side table before she dropped it.

Taryn didn’t know how to turn the conversation around. “Brad suggested two weeks from now, but it might be too soon. Luke and Anita’s wedding is next week.”

Madeline waved her hand in the air. “One has nothing to do with the other.”

“Mr. King, do come in,” Gwen interrupted, her gaze at the entrance to the parlor where he stood.

Jared moved forward, acknowledging all in the room, his gaze lingering a half second longer on Taryn. He paused before her.

She blushed under Jared’s gaze. Somehow the strange bond between them had grown even closer since the accident. Brad’s face remained impassive, but she noticed his rigid stance as his gaze darted between her and Jared.

“Let me get you a drink.” Jonathan walked over to the sidebar. “As a matter of fact, I think we all might like something.” He proceeded to pass drinks around while Gwen filled Jared in on their conversation.

Taryn noticed Brad was having a difficult time hiding his irritation over Jared’s presence. Brad didn’t like the idea of Jared traveling with her. He especially didn’t like the way she reacted when around Jared. She fought for indifference but had not been successful denying the affect he had on her.

“We were discussing plans for Taryn and Brad’s wedding,” Gwen explained to Jared. “They’ve decided to have the ceremony here. Perhaps in two weeks. Taryn has brought up the possibility it might be too soon after Luke and Anita’s wedding. What do you think, Mr. King?”

“Aunt Gwen,” Taryn beseeched, embarrassed to discuss her wedding plans with Jared in the room. “I’m sure Mr. King isn’t interested in whatever choices we make.”

“On the contrary.”

She gaped toward him in alarm. Did he intend to make some declaration of his own toward her?

His attention remained on her when he spoke. “I’m always intrigued by two people in love.” His words hung in the air.

Taryn couldn’t hold Jared’s gaze.

Brad’s arm fell across her shoulder in a possessive move. She felt the weight of Brad’s arm around her shoulder, and the weight of Jared’s cryptic words upon her heart.

Brad kissed her temple. “I don’t know if I can even wait the two weeks.”

Her gaze returned to Jared, and under his scrutiny, she felt uncomfortable by Brad’s display of affection. When Brad pulled away, she graced him with a forced smile disguising her unease with a brilliant flash of her teeth.

“Do you think the dressmaker in town will be able to make a gown on such short notice?” Madeline asked Gwen. “What is her name?”

“Marie Dubois,” Gwen said absently, taking a sip of her tea to soothe her parched throat. “Of course, we’ll have to consult with her to be sure, but she’s an incredible seamstress.”

The more they discussed the wedding, the more Taryn wanted to change the subject. Jared stood by the window with his concentration focused outside. “Why don’t we discuss the remaining details later,” she suggested. “I’m afraid we’re boring Mr. King with this conversation.”

Brad didn’t conceal his contempt. “Don’t be ridiculous, Taryn. I’m sure Mr. King understands, don’t you, Mr. King?”

Jared turned to face them once more. Thompson’s tone held superiority to it, meant to antagonize. The man was an ass.

Unable to return the directness of his gaze, Brad turned to her in triumph. “You see, Taryn, Mr. King doesn’t mind at all. In fact, he may even learn something.” Brad caressed her arm.

She could see Jared battling with the desire to cross the room to forcibly remove Brad’s arm from around her shoulder. Jared’s burning thoughts registered across his features.

Jared smiled, his narrowed gaze boring a hole into Brad. “You could be right, Mr. Thompson. The standards you have shown have been illuminating.”

Brad’s smirk dropped from his face.

Taryn couldn’t take much more. Brad and Jared were baiting each other. The dark glint in Jared’s eyes boded ill for someone in the room, and since his gaze centered on Brad, it was obvious where he would vent his anger. Even the rest of her family noticed the tension in the room.

Jonathan broke the awkward silence descending on the room. “Mr. King, I wonder if you would share your thoughts on the new thoroughbred I’ve recently acquired. Then the rest of you can finish your conversation while we’re gone.”

In the stables, Jared lit a cheroot, admiring the horse Jonathan pointed out. “He would be a good steed to begin breeding.”

Jonathan shook his head. “He’s worth it, but with our dairy business and the cattle, I have enough to occupy me. I knew when I hired you, you’d have a good sense of horseflesh.”

“Like many things, it’s all in the handling of them.”

Jonathan turned away from stroking the horse’s neck. “Some are more difficult than others. Patience is the key.”

He paused pondering Jonathan’s words. “So I’m learning.”

Jonathan had an inspired idea. “Both Dennis and I have attempted to break in this stubborn stallion,” he said, pointing to a particular stall and returning to the topic of horses, “but neither of us lasted long on his back. Would you like to attempt to ride him?”

He needed to release the tension raging inside his head over Thompson. “Yes, I would.” Jared snuffed out the remainder of his cheroot.

Jonathan patted him on the back. “I’ll meet you at the corral. I’m going to get Dennis. I know he’ll want to see this.”

Dennis quickly joined Jonathan to see if King could tame the stallion they had not been able to master.

While Gwen and Madeline declined to join them, Brad followed Dennis. “Why don’t you come along too, Taryn,” Brad said, taking her arm.

A ranch hand brought the stallion out to the pasture. Jared removed his jacket before mounting the steed. The onlookers reached the fence as the shoot opened. The stallion bolted out of the shoot. Jared used his leg muscles to place pressure against the animal’s body gripping the reins in his hands. The stallion bucked in an attempt to rid its rider, but Jared stayed seated each time.

Taryn gripped the fence, her enthusiasm rising as Jared fought to control the animal. He certainly knew how to handle the animal. He pulled back on the reins each time the stallion bucked, tightening his grip on the reins to shorten the lead he allowed the animal. The more he shortened the reins, the harder the stallion bucked in a frenzy to be free of him.

She glanced over to her father and uncle. Both were shouting in excitement, giving encouraging words of instruction. She laughed aloud at their exuberance. She turned to watch Brad. His features didn’t display any form of excitement for Jared conquering the animal. Instead, Brad’s features showed more of a desire for Jared to be thrown from the horse’s back. She turned her gaze back to Jared. He seemed even more powerful on the wild stallion. He used his whole body to command the horse.

The stallion’s bucking slowed until he had him responding to his commands. “Open the gate!” Jared spurred the animal into a fast gallop allowing the animal more space to run. Fifteen minutes passed before he returned, the horse trotting at an easy gait. Jared dismounted, walking over to the group, a smile of enjoyment on his face.

Jonathan clapped him heartily on the back. Well done.”

“I don’t know how you managed to stay on the animal’s back,” Dennis chimed in.

Taryn took in Jared’s appearance. Sweat dripped down his temples. The buttons of his waistcoat had popped off. His shirt hung open to mid-chest, its buttons also missing. His hair, windblown and unruly, had a thick lock falling over his forehead. His overall appearance made her weak in the knees.

Contrary to the rest congratulating him, Brad remained silent.

“I think I’d better change before supper,” Jared said. His clothes were clinging with sweat. “Maybe Luke has something to fit me.”

“You were magnificent,” she complimented him as he passed her.

“Thank you, Taryn.” A smile spread across his face as he left the group to clean up.

“You shouldn’t encourage King, Taryn.” Brad’s voice sounded terse, almost petulant.

“But he was magnificent. I’ve never seen anyone handle a horse so well. Even my uncle agreed.”

“Well, if you were complimenting him on his horsemanship, there was no need to smile as if he were some knight in armor.”

She took Brad’s arm, her eyes sparkling with humor. “Brad Thompson, I do believe you’re envious of his abilities.”

Brad stopped walking, turning her to face him. “He’s welcome to his abilities with horses. What he is not welcome to is you. Don’t encourage him, Taryn, with your smiles or words. You’ll give him the wrong idea.”

Perhaps she had given the impression of being awestruck by Jared. As her fiancé, she could understand how Brad might take offense to it. She supposed he had a right to question her complimenting another man. Brad’s display of jealousy should give her a good feeling. Again, she found herself confused as to the reason why it produced no such feeling.

****

While the others were away from the house, Gwen and Madeline sat in the parlor talking. Gwen questioned her sister on why Taryn seemed uncertain about her relationship with Brad.

Madeline took a sip of her tea. “I don’t know. Maybe I did push her to accept Brad’s proposal. Brad had sought my help to convince her. I suggested to Taryn that she settle down and marry him. When she agreed to marry Brad, I’d never seen a man so happy as when they told us the news.”

Gwen added sugar to her own tea, stirring it as she glanced over at Madeline. “What about Taryn? Had you ever seen her happier?”

Madeline paused. She recalled the day Brad and Taryn announced their engagement. “Odd, I can’t remember her reaction. I imagine I can’t recall it because Brad’s emotions were so ecstatic.” Madeline frowned at Gwen. “Why don’t you like Brad?”

“I simply feel he isn’t the right man.”

Madeline made a disapproving face. “I suppose you think Jared King is the appropriate choice? Don’t think I haven’t noticed your attempts to get them together.”

Gwen regarded her sister. “Maddie, do you think Taryn loves Brad?”

“Of course! She’s marrying him, isn’t she?”

“Yes,” Gwen mused, “but is she doing it out of love for him, or you?”

“What do you mean?”

“Maddie, you’ve made no secret of the fact you want her to marry Brad. You said yourself you helped Brad by pressing the issue,” Gwen said. “Isn’t it possible she accepted Brad’s proposal to please you?”

Madeline stayed silent for a moment as she considered the possibility. “Gwen, you make it sound as though I don’t care what she wants. It isn’t true. The reason I’m so much in favor of their marriage is because I think Brad can be a positive influence on her. Brad is sensible. Taryn can be so willful at times. She needs the steadying influence Brad can provide.”

Gwen set her teacup down. “I’ll agree she can be headstrong. She’s not unlike you or I, but she doesn’t need someone who will try to mold her into something she’s not.”

“You would have me approve of the likes of Jared King instead?” Madeline returned. “Gwen, he’s a common outlaw for Heaven’s sake! Dennis told me Jared killed the marshal’s brother. Sometimes I wonder if Taryn’s lost her senses by even associating with him.”

“Perhaps she lost her heart.”

“Gwen!” Madeline breathed, aghast, her hand pressed against her own heart. “He’s a gunman. There’s no telling how many men he has killed.”

“You judge him too harshly, Maddie” Gwen reproached. “As far as the incident with the marshal’s brother is concerned, the magistrate ruled in Jared’s favor. Why don’t you give the man a chance?”

“You’re too much the romantic, Gwen. He is still a gunman,” she reminded as though her reasons should have been obvious to her sister. “This friendship she has with him is beyond my comprehension.”

“Will you listen to yourself,” Gwen admonished. “What happened to the sister I had always instigating secret meetings with Richard Precall? You made me take an oath of secrecy. You used to have more schemes than I could count.”

A trace of a smile crossed Madeline’s face. “I haven’t thought about Richard in years.”

“There used to be a time when your mind filled with thoughts of only him.”

“Shhh,” Madeline hushed, her wary glance moving toward the hallway to see if Dennis might be returning from the corral. “The mention of Richard’s name still makes Dennis jealous. What brought his name to mind?”

“Because you’re reacting the same way to Jared as Mother and Father did toward Richard.”

“The circumstances are a little different.”

“Not so much. As I remember it, Father called Richard a horse thief stating he’d disown you if you so much as spoke with him.”

Madeline laughed in recollection, sounding more like the young girl she had been those many years ago. “Do you remember Richard coming to the house so I could see him without Mother and Father hovering?”

“Remember it?” Gwen exclaimed. “You made me keep them occupied all afternoon so you could be with him before he went off to join some cattle drive!”

“Except you got back too early, and we were caught kissing on the sofa. I never saw Richard move so fast as when Father came after him with blood in his eyes! I stood there screaming and crying. You were no help at all!”

“How could I have helped you? I was busy trying to pick Mother up off the floor after fainting from the sight.”

Both screeched with laughter in remembrance. A few moments passed before they could calm themselves, both wiping tears from their eyes.

“They were so wrong about Richard,” Madeline said, dabbing a tissue to her eyes. “He did well from what I heard in later years.”

“Doesn’t it make you think you might be wrong about Jared King?” Gwen asked, brushing away her own happy tears.

Madeline gave her sister a sidelong glance. “I’d forgotten how sly you can be, Gwen. All right. I’ll make an effort not to be so judgmental where he is concerned. However,” she countered, “it doesn’t change anything. In a few weeks, Brad and Taryn will still marry.”