NotoriousWoman (18 page)

She made a fist but didn’t argue. Instead, she turned her
horse’s head and stampeded out of there.

“Whoowee,” Caleb said. “I’m impressed. She needed taming and
you were the man for the job.”

“That wasn’t for your benefit, Purdy.”

“I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen you with my
own two eyes.” Purdy insisted on singing Jake’s praises and Jake was willing to
let him.

“Kate and I have come to an understanding,” Jake bragged,
more than he should have.

“Don’t tell me you’ve finally taken a shine to the hellcat?”

“Maybe I have.” Jake watched her as she dismounted and
stomped off with her horse into the barn. He’d never met a feistier lady, nor
was he likely to. She was mad as a hornet. He’d look forward to lassoing the
lady tonight in her bed.

Kate wasn’t dull-witted. Jake had only said those things to
get her ire up, his manliness most likely bruised from her giving him a
scolding in front of Caleb. She was sorry to have been such a bitch.

She had Jake to confide in, to trust with her heart. As soon
as they were alone, she’d tell him about Mama’s foolhardy scheme to get back in
their good graces. He’d understand why her temper had flared, why she’d lashed
out for no good reason at the men.

Imagine, the woman wanted to be a family again. Kate tensed
up as she recalled her mother’s words in the letter.
My little angels.

My ass.

Kate had come to a decision about how she would act when
their mother arrived. For sure, there wouldn’t be any hugging and acting as if
Kate were glad to see her. The woman had been dead to Kate for a very long
time.

Tomorrow when all their friends were celebrating, Kate would
count to four hundred if she had to so she wouldn’t explode. She’d hold on to
her temper for Jolie’s sake but after the wedding all bets were off. She’d make
sure the woman didn’t stick around. For sure, Mama wouldn’t be welcome at the
ranch. If she showed up, Kate would toss her out on her ear.

After she finished with her chores, Kate headed to the
house. The boys were in the bunkhouse, washing up. She could hear their
laughter and she looked forward to the evening in their company. Afterward, she
would insist Caleb head on home—he and Jolie would be together the rest of
their nights after tomorrow. As for Jake, her wonderful Jake, she would take
comfort in his arms.

Hopefully, neither of them would get a wink of sleep.

Chapter Twelve

Jolie and Caleb’s wedding day started out just about
perfect. Not only wasn’t there a cloud in the sky, but the wind had died down
to a whisper. Even so, Kate, decked out in lavender chiffon, thought she would
wilt from a giant case of nerves before the ceremony began.

“Whoowee,” Jake said, grinning. “Kate Crowley in a dress.
Aren’t you a sight.”

She took his joshing in stride. “Thank you. You look mighty
fine yourself.”

Jake was freshly shaved and wearing one of Pa’s cotton
shirts and a string tie. “I reckon I do.”

He drove them into town in Caleb’s buggy. The groom had left
the fancy transport purposefully so they could arrive in style and had ridden home
on one of the mares.

Jolie had insisted on bringing her wedding dress in a
satchel. She wanted the dress to be a surprise. She wanted to do things her way
and Kate didn’t interfere.

When they arrived at the church, Kate searched the crowd.
They hadn’t heard a bit from Mama since the letter arrived. Would their mama
back out on her word and disappoint Jolie on her wedding day? Kate wouldn’t be
surprised.

“I’ll leave you to tend to your sister,” Jake said. He
headed in the direction of a crowd of men congregating around Caleb’s father.
They all greeted Jake and thumped him on the back.

“Don’t stand there gawking,” Jolie said. “Jake won’t get
far.”

Kate joined her sister. Was she that obvious? She didn’t
like to think so. A woman in love couldn’t be held responsible for her silly
actions.

“I could use my sister’s help getting dressed,” Jolie said.

Kate was more than happy to oblige. “Sure thing.”

All the arguments, the harsh words between them, slipped
away. What had they been fighting about anyhow? They climbed the steps of the
church and went inside.

The parson’s wife was tying white ribbons on the pews. Jolie
told her how lovely the church looked and asked her where they could change.

The woman showed them to an empty room. “You just holler if
you need anything.”

Jolie assured her she would and opened her satchel. Kate
shut the door. The dress was muslin bleached white, with rows of lace and
satin-covered buttons in the back from the neck to the waist.

Kate realized Jolie had been working on the dress before
Caleb’s proposal. These were the notions she’d bought at the mercantile on
credit. Kate had put up a fuss the day she’d found out and now she was ashamed
of her behavior. Thankfully, her sister forgave easily.

Jolie’s wedding dress fit her perfectly, falling just below
the ankle. She fastened Grandma’s string of pearls at the nape of her neck and
tucked silk flowers in her hair.

“Something old,” Jolie said, touching the necklace.

“Grandma would be proud.”

“Something new.” She curtsied. She lifted the hem, showing
off a blue garter Kate had won at the cattlemen’s fair last summer. “Something
borrowed and something blue.”

“Perfect,” Kate said. “Caleb’s a lucky man.”

“Thank you, sis.” Jolie opened her arms.

Kate shook her head. “Too hot for a hug and I’m sticky.”

“Yes,” Jolie said but pulled her in anyway. They hugged
tightly. It was Jolie who let go first. “We’d better get started.”

They left the room arm in arm.

“Did you check that Jake had the rings?” Kate nibbled on her
lower lip.

“We’ve been over this before,” Jolie answered. “Jake has the
rings and will be the best man a groom could ask for.”

“You’re right. I shouldn’t be so nervous.”

“We all are a bit fidgety. I’ve been planning this day for
ages.”

Kate spotted the Purdys’ black buggy arriving. “You won’t
have to wait much longer.”

“Oh no. Caleb can’t see me,” Jolie wailed. “It’s bad luck.”

“Go hide,” Kate said, laughing.

Jolie scooted back in the room and shut the door, leaving
Kate to greet her soon-to-be brother-in-law. She watched him climb out of the
buggy, freshly barbered and his hair cut and oiled.

When the group of men saw Caleb, they called him over. All
was not well. They were arguing heatedly.

Kate shouldn’t eavesdrop. She sneaked up alongside them
anyway, using the rig next to them as cover.

Jake was talking, his thumbs hooked in his jeans. “I told
you the bet is off.”

“You settle this for us, Purdy. Did he tame her or not?”

“From what I witnessed, you’ve won,” Caleb replied.

“I’ll not take your money,” Jake said.

One of the wranglers shook his head. “What’s got into you,
boy?”

Jake jerked his thumbs free and stepped up to a tall man
with a weather-beaten face. “I changed my mind. You keep your money and let
that be the end of it.”

“Have it your way.” The man pocketed a leather bag tied with
a length of twine.

The crowd dispersed. Kate crouched lower. She’d die of
embarrassment if any of those wranglers caught her listening.

“Are you going to tell Kate what you’ve been up to?” Caleb
asked.

Jake eyed him with scorn. “Don’t be an ass. It’s none of
your concern.”

“Tell me what?” Kate said, popping up from her hiding place.

“It’s a private matter, Katie.”

“What are you talking about?” Caleb countered. “This has
everything to do with Kate.”

Kate wanted some answers and fast. She frowned at Jake.

Jake looked away.

“If you don’t tell her, I will,” Caleb said.

“Like hell you will.”

“Try and stop me.”

To Kate’s horror, Jake rolled up the sleeves on Pa’s best
shirt.

Caleb shrugged out of his Sunday-best jacket and put up his
fists. “If you’re itching for a fight, I’ll give you one.”

With lightning speed, Jake punched him in the gut. All the
air whooshed out of Caleb. He bent over and fell to the ground like a stone in
a pond.

Jake grabbed Caleb by the back of his collar and yanked him
to his feet. Caleb shrugged away. He whirled around and decked Jake just below
the chin.

Jake staggered backward, rubbing his jaw. Blood trickled
from the corner of his mouth.

Kate stepped between them. “Gentlemen. Please.”

“You’re plumb
loco
,” Caleb said.

“Will one of you tell me what this is all about?” Kate fixed
Jake with a withering glare and his gaze fell to the ground.

It was not like him to hold back. Had he done something he
was ashamed of?

“There’s a wager over at my pa’s spread,” Caleb said. She
rounded on him. He was breathing hard. “Jake here claimed he could change you
into a simpering female. There’s two thousand dollars riding on the outcome.”

Kate felt as if
she’d
been punched. She looked at
Jake. “Is that true?”

“Not exactly. Caleb exaggerated a mite.”

“Two thousand dollars?”

Jake nodded. “That part of the story is accurate.”

A rage rose up in her. Mort was laughing behind her back.

“Darlin’,” Jake said. “Simmer down. I—”

“Don’t you
darlin’
me.” She’d heard enough, and
raised a fist.

“Now, Katie, you don’t want do that.”

She hit him hard, knocking his hat off.

“Kate!” Jolie came running down the church steps.

“Clear out,” Kate said. “I don’t ever want to see you
again.”

“Kate, wait—”

Kate held up her hand, not wanting to hear another word.
“Didn’t you hear me, you son of a snake? I
never
want to see you again!”

The muscle in Jake’s jaw flexed and rage and hurt filled his
eyes. “My pleasure.”

“Kate,” Jolie cried. When she reached Caleb, she checked him
over for any damage. Apparently satisfied he’d live, she roiled on Kate.
“What’s going on here?”

“Jolie…I…”

“Look what you’ve done. You’ve gone and spoiled my wedding
day.”

“Honey, I wouldn’t do such a thing.”

Jolie started the waterworks and fell into Caleb’s waiting
arms.

Jake snatched his hat off the ground and squashed it on his
head. “Kate Crowley, I’ll not give you another opportunity to vent your anger
on me.”

Kate raked him with a gaze full of venom. “Suits me fine.”

“For that reason alone, I should pummel you,” Caleb said to
Jake.

Jolie whimpered. “You’ll do no such thing.”

Kate snarled, “Pack up your things and clear out of my
place. I don’t want you there when I get home.”

“Whatever you say, boss.”

Kate stuck out her hand. “Give me the rings. I’ll be best
man.”

“Have it your way.” Jake fished in his pants pocket and
delivered two gold rings. Without another word, he stormed out of there and out
of Kate Crowley’s life.

* * * * *

Long after Jake’s temper cooled, he was still hurting. It
wasn’t the cut on his lip that was the cause of his heartache. He’d fought a good
friend over a wager that shouldn’t have ever been made. He’d done all he could
to keep Kate from finding out about the bet.

After cooling his temper in the bunkhouse and packing his
things, he saddled up Rascal, mounted his horse and galloped out of the gate.

Jake didn’t want to think about the Crowley women anymore.
He intended to head back to Purdy’s place. He’d take a ribbing and worse from
Texas Jack and the others. Every one of them had watched as Kate put him in his
place and would now insist they be paid what Jake owed them.

He only had himself to blame. He’d learned his lesson. One
he’d not soon forget.

Never bet against a woman.

* * * * *

Caleb Purdy was dusted off and patched up and he and Jolie
Crowley were married. Kate stood up for them both, proud as a mother hen and
not ashamed of the tears that wouldn’t stop.

As for Jake Madden, good riddance. He’d been dishonest from
the start and she should’ve trusted her first opinion of the man. He was no
good and yet she wished it’d been different.

She’d get over him, she had to.

He’d better be gone by the time she arrived home. If she
never saw him again, it would be too soon. Still, she’d not soon forget what it
meant to her to have him make love to her or to have him at her side when she
needed him. She might as well come to grips with all that had happened. She
wasn’t destined to be happy in the way her sister was.

As she followed her sister and Caleb down the aisle, she saw
out of the corner of her eye a woman dressed in a wide-brimmed hat and wearing
a bright rose scarf around her neck.

A pain gripped her deep inside and wouldn’t let go. Kate
kept staring straight ahead as she passed. She took her place in the reception
line, praying Mama would avoid greeting them. She hadn’t exactly been friendly—or
helpful—before the service began.

They welcomed their friends and neighbors, well-wishers all.
Kate realized how much she’d shut herself off from the community since Pa died.
She’d made a mistake, believing they were all against her.

Mama waited to be the last person in line. Jolie was engaged
in a lively conversation with a friend from school. Kate was on her own.

“Hello,” Kate said.

“Kathryn.” Mother’s brown eyes met her own. There was no
apology.

“Good of you to come,” Kate said. She could be generous,
given the happy occasion, but she wouldn’t encourage the woman either.

“Let me introduce you to my husband Lawrence,” Mother said.
She took the arm of a broad-shouldered man with gray hair and a beard.

“Call me Larry. Everyone else does.” He reached out a hand.
“I’ve heard a lot about you two.”

“I can’t imagine why,” Kate said. She shook his hand anyway.
His grip was strong, from a man who did a day’s work. Kate was surprised. She’d
believed her mother had run off with a good-for-nothing.

“Are you going to be angry with me your entire life?” Mama
asked, her mouth twisted.

“What do you think?” It cost her mightily to rein in her
emotions. All the anger of the past ten years was ready to be unleashed.

“I never meant to hurt you girls.”

“Really?”

“We all make mistakes,” she said.

“You made a big one,” Kate replied, standing tall.

“You’ve never been in love,” Mother said. “It makes you do
crazy things.”

Kate glared. How dare she talk about love? “Don’t make
excuses.”

“No, I won’t. I’m just trying to tell you what happened.”

“I suppose you want me to thank you for coming?”

“Mama,” Jolie broke in. She threw her arms around Mama’s
neck and gave her a squeeze. She did the same for good old Larry, who kissed
her on both cheeks.

Kate watched as her family came together, loving each other
the way she’d dreamed they would when she was a girl. She needed to learn to
forgive in order to be part of them.

Suddenly, her anger dissipated as if it held no importance.
She smiled tentatively and her mother turned to her, touching her cheek.

Kate wrapped her arms around the person she had missed so
dearly.

“We’ve a lot to catch up on,” her mama said, sniffing.

“I reckon so, Mama.”

* * * * *

Kate jumped from her wagon—the buckboard had been
mysteriously repaired. She had an inkling who’d done it. He’d fixed more than
the buckboard.

She’d had time to think about what Jake had done for her and
how sorry she was for the fight she caused at the wedding. After cogitating on
what happened, she’d realized Jake had been telling the men he was forfeiting a
hefty sum of money.

Two thousand dollars. A king’s ransom. He must’ve been
desperate to put so much on the line in the first place. She’d been the one to
mess up his plans. Time she made amends with the man who’d shown her how to
value people while you have them and not to carry grudges that keep those you
love at a distance.

The Purdys managed over ten thousand acres and the ranch was
a beehive of activity. Caleb and Jolie had gone to Mexico for a little time to
themselves. They wouldn’t be back for another week. Mama and her husband had
left for their home in Bisbee, promising to come back soon, leaving Kate alone
at the ranch.