Give Me A Texas Ranger (14 page)

“Got a letter for you, Ranger,” yelled the owner of the Western Stage Line as Stoney emerged from the livery two hours later, after unsaddling and rubbing down both animals.

He strolled toward the man. “Much obliged.”

The envelope bore the seal of the Texas Rangers.

His replacement papers. For all the good it did to get them now. He couldn’t leave, with Colfax at death’s door. And if the man died, he wouldn’t need them at all.

Funny how fast life switched horses on a man.

While he was contemplating that, a boy darted from Truebill’s Mercantile with half of Devils Creek hot on his heels. The store owner lunged and tackled the boy, sending both to the ground.

“I’ve got you now, you little thief,” stormed Muttonchops.

Stoney shoved through the angry circle that had formed around the two. “What in Sam Hill’s going on here?”

“Why don’t you ask him?” Truebill glared, his muttonchop sideburns outlining his face like a picture frame.

“Get off the boy and I will.” Stoney gave the youngster a hand. When he pulled him to his feet, his stomach plummeted.

Josh peered up with fear in his eyes.

“What did you do, son?”

The boy shrugged his small shoulders.

“Look in his pocket and you’ll see,” spouted a bystander.

“Josh, show me what’s in your pocket,” Stoney asked in as gentle a way as he knew. No reason to frighten the boy any more than he already was.

Josh pulled out the pocketknife. Next came an envelope fluttering to the dirt. Stoney bent to pick it up.

The envelope was addressed to the mercantile owner, Martin Truebill. He turned it over and noticed the seal was still intact. Disappointment stabbed him. This didn’t bode well for the boy to whom he’d entrusted his pocketknife.

“That’s mine,” said Truebill, stomping around in a circle. “It just arrived. I didn’t even have time to open it. This is the last straw. I’m going over your head and wiring the circuit judge. It’s time somebody did something with this kid.”

“Give me a chance to take care of this.”

Truebill glared. “Not on your life. You’re awful cozy with Mrs. Wilder. You’re not going to do what needs to be done with her son. The boy needs a firm hand. He either needs a father or a jail cell. Put him in there and throw away the key. We won’t tolerate any more of his thievery. Lord knows Mrs. Wilder can’t, or won’t, handle the wild ragamuffin.”

Josh kept his gaze fastened on his bare feet. Stoney heard a loud sniffle.

“I’m only asking for a day or two before you wire the judge. Seems only fair given the boy’s tender years.”

Martin Truebill was silent while he mulled it over. Then he nodded curtly. “One day, no more than that.”

With disgruntled murmuring, the group dispersed. Stoney took Josh in tow and headed for the sheriff’s office.

Texanna intercepted them halfway, worry turning her eyes a deep shade of purple. “What are you doing with Josh? You’re not putting him in jail. I won’t stand for it.”

“I’m going to have a quiet talk with the boy, find out why he had Truebill’s mail in his pocket. It’s time to sort out this mess once and for all. Folks are ready to string Josh up and I’ve got to find a way to put a stop to it.” He continued his trek, keeping a firm hand on Josh’s arm.

“I’m coming with you.” She fell into step.

“No, I need to talk to Josh without you telling him what to say.”

She put her hands on her hips. “But I’m his mother.”

“No one’s disputing that. This is one time you can’t smooth things over. This is the last button on Mabel’s drawers.” He stopped. The tears gathering in her eyes almost undid him. “Let me do my job. I’m not going to hurt the boy, but I am going to get at the truth. Now, go back to the barbershop and I’ll talk to you after I’m done.”

Thirty minutes later, he emerged from the jail with Josh. The frightened boy had admitted to taking the envelope as well as Stoney’s missing Ranger documents and all the other papers the townsfolk had accused him of filching. Josh led him to the shed of the undertaking shop and dug up a metal box that was buried under some tools. Inside were all the things he’d taken, along with some of Texanna’s recipes.

“Why did you take these, Josh?”

The young boy swiped his nose on his sleeve. “I was only trying to help. Mama said she’s looking for some important papers, and I thought these might be it an’ I had to keep ’em safe from Uncle Marcus. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone. I promise.” Josh’s wide eyes brimmed with tears. “Are you gonna put me in jail and throw away the key?”

Stoney placed an arm around the trembling boy and drew him close. “No. But you’re going to have to return these to their owners and say you’re sorry. What you’ve done isn’t helping your mother. You understand that you can’t take things that aren’t yours?”

Josh nodded, a strangled sob escaping.

“You won’t have to face those people alone. I’ll go with you.” Stoney’s heart ached for the little boy who felt such a strong responsibility toward his mother.

Josh definitely needed a father, no two ways about that.

The only clear resolution that would be acceptable to the townspeople and allow Texanna to keep Josh was a drastic step.

He’d have to marry her.

It was the only way to save Josh from being shipped off to some juvenile home.

Texanna glanced out the barbershop window to see Stoney marching toward her. His face was stern and unyielding.

What had Josh done?

He was just a scared, fatherless little boy.

She chewed on her bottom lip, her stomach churning.

Stoney’s gray gaze met hers the minute he came through the door. “We have to talk.”

Nodding mutely, she took a seat in the empty barber chair.

Quickly he told her what had happened. “The only way you can keep Josh and spare him the juvenile home is if you marry. The boy needs a father and I’m willing to take on that challenge and see that he walks the straight and narrow. On certain conditions, mind you.”

“Are you asking me to marry you?” Her voice was quiet and still, but inside butterflies created sheer havoc.

His big hand swallowed her small one. “I am.”

“For Josh’s sake?” While she wanted to blurt out her acceptance, it hurt that he only offered his hand in order to spare Josh the town’s wrath.

“That’s one reason.”

“It’s not very romantic.”

“You want romance or to save your son?” His jaw hardened.

“What’s wrong with both? If you want to marry me, you’ll have to do better than that, Stoney Burke. Otherwise you’ll be no better a choice than Marcus LaRoach.”

“You drive a hard bargain, Texanna.”

Suddenly he lowered his mouth and swept it across hers. Tingles cavorted up her spine and buttery warmth spread through her body. And just when she thought he’d end the kiss, he pulled her tightly to his chest and ground his lips to hers.

Her hands stole around his neck, underneath the ends of his length of hair, and held on to keep from drowning with desire.

The kiss stole her breath, her thoughts, and her intentions. It was one that could make a woman forget her name and spin her world on its axis.

Her breath mingled with his and with it came raw need.

She loved this man and wanted him in a way she’d never wanted any other.

Stoney broke the kiss with tiny nibbles along her jawline. “What if I tell you that I’ve always desired you. You drove me crazy because it seemed you only had eyes for Sam.”

Her heart soared. Stoney wanted her.

But that didn’t mean he loved her.

Did it?

Texanna twisted in his arms. “Can you live here in Devils Creek?”

“Only if it’s where you’ll be.”

“What about the Texas Rangers?”

The muscles beneath her fingers tensed. “It won’t do for you to tell me to give up the Rangers. That’s a deal breaker as far as I’m concerned. I’m a Texas Ranger and I’ll always be one. Nothing gonna change that. Can you handle that, Texanna?”

“I want you to be happy. I have no objection to your choice of occupation as long as you don’t object to mine.”

Some things were instilled in a person’s soul and there was no prying them out.

She’d take Stoney Burke just like he was. The man who loved her son as his own would always have her heart.

His uncommon strength had nothing to do with his ability for gunplay or his powerful, muscled body. It came from within.

“Then, you’ll marry me?” he asked.

For a brief second she went over her dresses in her mind. She reckoned her Sunday dress would do just fine.

“Yes. I’d be honored to be your wife.”

Shades of gold, echoing the promise of happiness to come, arrived with dawn the following morning. It seemed a perfect day to throw in her lot with Stoney’s and begin a new life.

Midmorning, Texanna readied for the ceremony. Her fingers shook so badly she had trouble fastening the buttons on her fitted bodice of sprigged muslin that brought out the cornflower blue of her eyes. She slipped her feet into her shoes and was peering at her reflection in the mirror when Josh found her.

“Mama, do I hafta wear this dumb bow tie?”

“It would look very nice, don’t you think? And you’ll only have to suffer with it for a little bit. Bring it here and I’ll tie it for you.”

He trudged to her, scuffing the toes of his boots on the floor. Texanna took the scrap of fabric and made short work of tying it, then she kissed the top of his head. “You’re such a handsome young man. I’m so proud of you. Don’t ever forget that.” She picked up her white gloves. “Are you okay with me marrying Stoney?”

“Shoot, yeah! He’s a lot nicer than Uncle Marcus.”

She chuckled. “Yes, by far a better choice.”

At least now she shouldn’t have to worry about the man’s unwanted attention anymore. Or be frightened and alone. This wedding would solve all that.

But far more important was that she’d spend the rest of her days loving the honorable man who could make her stomach do somersaults with a mere glance.

With jittery fingers, she set her hat on her head and anchored it with pins, giving herself one last look of approval in the mirror. Her fervent wish was to make Stoney proud, not only today but every day henceforth. She prayed he’d never regret marrying her.

If only she could believe he truly loved her.

She couldn’t thank him enough for sparing Josh, but she needed to know he took this step for her.

Ushering Josh out the door, she headed for the church to meet Stoney. Just as she passed the Pig and Whistle, Marcus stepped out and into her path.

“Don’t think you’re rid of me, Texanna,” he sneered. “I still own your businesses.” The man inspected his fingernails. “I might even sell ’em if the price is right.”

“Stoney might have a thing or two to say about that.” She relished the way the color trickled from his face. “Now, pardon me, I have a wedding to get to.”

Sweeping past the obnoxious man, she said a prayer that Marcus wouldn’t cause them more grief. Then she prayed that she’d find Sam’s Last Will and Testament. And soon! She meant to redouble her efforts.

But first she had a date with the preacher.

Stoney, dressed in a crisp white shirt that contrasted with his black vest and pants, stood waiting on the church steps. Quivers of excitement danced up her spine. The tall Ranger, whose muscular figure made her thoughts race ahead to steamy nights and wrinkled sheets, grinned in that sexy way that vowed he had certain things in mind for her.

A warm excited glow spread through her.

He offered her his elbow. “I was afraid you’d backed out.”

She got tangled in the unspoken promises that lurked in his eyes, which at times looked gunmetal gray but today resembled hazy smoke. “Not a chance. I’ve dreamed of this moment for a long time.”

Leaning close, he murmured in her ear. “Have I told you that you’re the most desirable woman I’ve ever seen?”

“Not yet,” she said, her heart skipping a beat.

“Then consider it done. You take my breath away, lady. And that’s not all.”

Tingles sashayed the length of her. Suddenly she knew she was doing the right thing. This man held her heart in the palm of his hand and treasured it as a rare find.

Not only today, but forever.

With friends looking on, they spoke their “I do’s,” promising to love and cherish each other.

Then came the kiss that sealed their vows.

Stoney took her upturned face between his big hands and lowered his head. His lips settled on hers as though he’d waited his whole life for this moment and didn’t intend to be rushed.

The slow, sensual kiss created a fire that blazed from the tips of her toes to the top of her head. She couldn’t wait to feel his body next to hers and to know he truly belonged to her in every way possible.

Stoney wasn’t in the mood to twiddle his fingers until dark. After the ceremony and a small gathering at the boardinghouse for cake and lemonade, he arranged for Josh to spend the night there with Loretta Farris. Texanna seemed as anxious as he did to get back to her home. Their home now.

“It’s still daylight. Everyone will know what we’re doing!” Texanna stood fretting in the middle of the parlor. She removed her hat and laid it on a small table.

He put his arms around her and pulled her close, nuzzling her ear. “I should hope that everyone knows what a man and woman in love do. If not, they need to learn.”

Breathing in her sweet fragrance, he hardened with desire.

His maddening, sensitive wife aroused every nerve ending.

He loved her more than he’d thought possible.

With great care, he unfastened the tiny row of buttons to expose the silky skin beneath. He kissed her shoulders, which had borne a heavy load for so long. He’d gladly take that burden now.

Scooping her up, he carried her to the bedroom and set her down.

The soft cotton chemise and drawers followed the dress and petticoats, floating to the floor in a puddle of ruffles and bows. It wasn’t until he had her bare as a newborn babe that he permitted her to undress him.

At last they collapsed onto the bed in a heated rush.

“I’ve waited for this moment, never daring to dream I’d have you for a wife. You’re so beautiful, so perfect.” Stoney burrowed his face in the gentle swell of her breasts, laving them with his tongue.

A moan rose in her throat.

“Oh, Stoney,” she murmured. “Don’t stop.”

“As if I could if I wanted.” He leaned back. “A wild herd of horses couldn’t hold me back. I intend to have my way with you, Mrs. Burke.”

He left a trail of kisses down the slender column of her throat, across her breasts, and on to her taut belly.

“Your skin is soft and supple, your body ripe for the taking.” Stoney lifted the hard planes of his body atop her and slipped inside, relishing the tight flesh that gripped him.

A little while later, he rolled off and pulled her against him. A sheen of moisture coated both their bodies. Her long lashes hid the blue gaze he loved, which could flash fire or declare the depth of her love.

Stoney propped himself on an elbow and wrapped a finger around a silky strand of golden hair. “Now aren’t you glad you didn’t convince me to wait until dark?”

Texanna brushed his jaw with the tips of her fingers. “Extremely.”

“You don’t care that everyone knows what we’re doing?”

“Not even a little bit.”

“That’s good, because I’m not done with you yet. I have a hunger for you that I suspect will take a lifetime to sate.”

“You’re scandalous,” she said, grinning.

Daylight had faded into dark shadows when growling stomachs sent them to the kitchen. Texanna, clad only in her wrap that was belted at the waist, stirred the coals in the stove and added wood. She took some eggs from the larder, pausing to give her new husband an approving glance.

Her pulse raced at the sight. Stoney had hastily pulled on his britches but had left them unfastened. Fine dark hair trailed from his broad chest and disappeared into his britches as though beckoning her to follow.

He was a handsome, virile man, this Texas Ranger of hers. And she’d never get her fill of him.

While she scrambled the eggs, he sliced some bread and buttered it. Then, adding a fresh tomato, she divided the fare onto their plates.

Afterward in the darkness of the bedroom, they memorized each other’s bodies, pleasuring each other until sleep overtook them.

A few days later Texanna returned from caring for Sheriff Ezra’s and Newt Colfax’s wounds, heartened that Colfax had regained consciousness at last. A customer politely waited for her at the undertaking emporium.

“I’m sorry to hear about your son’s death, Mrs. Butterfield.” Texanna pressed a handkerchief into the sobbing woman’s hand. “John was a wonderful man, who I’ll miss very much.”

“I trust his remains with you. Can you see to his burial?”

“I’ll be honored.” Texanna crossed to the desk that had been Sam’s. She took out a ledger and picked up a pen to record the date and name. It was important to keep good records of those she’d buried. When she went to shut the drawer, it hung partway open. Having no time to see about it, she’d wait until Mrs. Butterfield left to find out what prevented it from closing.

Mrs. Butterfield dried her eyes and looked up. “I forgot to congratulate you on your recent marriage. Please forgive me.”

“There’s nothing to forgive.” Texanna put her arm around the woman’s shoulders and hugged her. “You had your hands full seeing to your son and now coping with grief at his passing.”

“I’m glad you found a good man to look after you.”

“Thank you. Stoney and I are extremely happy.”

The grieving mother left after making arrangements for Texanna to deliver a coffin to the Butterfield home for the wake. The funeral and burial would be the following day. Texanna turned back to the errant desk drawer.

She made several unsuccessful attempts to shut it, but to no avail. Something blocked it. Finally, pulling out the drawer, she discovered some crunched-up papers at the back between the drawer and the desk. She removed the wad.

Carrying them to the light, she straightened them out.

A sob caught in Texanna’s throat.

It was Sam’s will.

At long last, she found what she’d been searching high and low for.

She ran to the jail to show Stoney. “I found it!” she announced when she opened the door.

Standing by the potbellied stove with a coffeepot in his hand, Stoney turned. “That’s wonderful, honey, but what exactly did you find?”

“Sam’s will. I found it.”

“Hallelujah.” He put down the coffeepot and twirled her around.

“We’ll put it in a safe place until the traveling judge comes through here.”

“He should arrive tomorrow.”

“The sooner the better. This’ll put Marcus in his place once and for all.” The relief in his eyes matched the lightness in her heart. Joy bubbled up. She rested her head on the hard planes of his chest, more content than she had a right to be.

“I can’t imagine anything that’ll give me greater satisfaction than doing that.”

Texanna kissed him, regardless that the Colfax brothers looked on. “It feels so good to be rid of the shadow that’s loomed over me.”

“This calls for a celebration. How about supper in the hotel dining room tonight? You, Josh, and me.”

She trailed her fingers along his cheek. “Have I told you how much I love you?”

He grinned. “Don’t mind hearing it again. As many times as you care to say it.”