Redemption's Edge (47 page)

He ended the kiss and pulled back. She opened her eyes and he looked into her dilated pupils. He noticed the blush to her cheeks, how her lips had swollen from his kisses. He knew he’d never grow tired of looking at this woman.

“We have to stop or I’ll end up dragging you behind the bushes.” He smiled down at her with a slow easy grin, exciting her further. She willed herself to relax. “I’d better take you home.”

They covered the short distance in a few minutes, Rachel opening the door to see a note on the table next to the chair where her uncle usually sat. She picked it up, walked a few feet away and read it, then looked at Dax.

“Uncle Charles is at the Wild Rose, playing cards. He says not to wait up for him as he’ll be late.” She scrunched her nose slightly. “He never plays cards.”

Dax watched her, knowing he should leave, but not wanting to walk out the door.

Reality dawned on Rachel. She looked up into his eyes as the corners of her mouth lifted, and she raised her eyebrows.

“Ah, hell.” Dax muttered, walking toward her in long, purposeful strides, his eyes smoldering, his face set. As he drew near, he tore the hat from his head and threw it on a chair. In one fluid movement, he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her tight against him, gripping the back of her head with his free hand.

“I can’t fight it. I want you too much.” The words came out in a low growl a split second before his mouth descended on hers. He lifted Rachel into his arms and carried her to her room, not losing contact of his mouth on hers.

They made love, Dax taking it slow. He discovered he was her first, and knew he’d be her last. They spoke of marriage, children, the clinic, and living on the ranch, until neither could resist the other any longer.

The clock on her wall chimed midnight as he left her bed and dressed.

“I’ll be back to speak with your uncle tomorrow.” He bent and placed a soft kiss on her mouth before shutting the bedroom door behind him.

He’d just grabbed his hat when the front door opened and Charles walked in.

The doctor glanced at Dax, looked behind him at Rachel’s closed door, then let his gaze settle on the man before him. “I suppose we need to talk. First, I need some whiskey. Same for you?”

“Yes, sir.”

Dax rotated his hat in his hands, feeling his stomach tighten.

Charles handed Dax a glass, tilted his in a salute, and threw back the amber liquid. Dax did the same.

“Appears you’ll be marrying her.”

“Yes, sir. With your permission.”

“You’ve got it. Now, get the hell out of here and let this old man get some sleep.”

Epilogue

Dax hadn’t set foot in a church for longer than he could remember. But if Rachel wanted a church wedding, that’s what she would have. He stood at the front near the altar, Luke next to him and Reverend Paige behind them. It had been two months since he’d proposed and he felt more than ready to make Rachel his.

He looked out into a church overflowing with people. Neither Rachel nor he had lived in Splendor long, yet the entire community had come out for their wedding. A surge of warmth passed through him. He’d never felt this sense of connection, not even in Savannah where he’d grown up. He sensed Luke’s eyes on him.

“What?”

“You sure you’re ready for this?”

Dax could see the way his brother’s eyes crinkled at the corner and his mouth quirked up. Without Luke’s help, Dax might have lost Rachel. He owed his brother a lot.

“More than ready.”

Luke laughed and clasped his brother on the back as the piano began to play.

Dax’s eyes lit on the most stunning sight he’d ever seen. Rachel, in her white wedding dress, offering a brilliant smile meant just for him. She stopped beside him and he could see her lips move.
I love you.
His heart flipped. Dax didn’t remember much more of the ceremony.

Suzanne, with the help of the church women, put out a big spread. Music played, punch flowed, and men tried to hide the fact they’d given their drinks a little extra boost.

King Tolbert stood next to his daughter, Abigail, and surveyed the gathering. Although he’d been attracted to Rachel, he was happy for her and Dax. He now needed to begin his search for an appropriate suitor for Abby.

Few in Splendor fit his precise requirements for a son-in-law. Luke Pelletier might be the only one, and he’d seen no spark between them. Certainly not Gabe Evans. The man was a hardened solider and gunman, not at all suitable for his daughter. The one other bachelor close enough to Abby’s age to make him a possible suitor was Noah Brandt. He chuckled at the thought of his daughter being attracted to the shy, taciturn blacksmith. He’d seen them on several occasions talking, always about horses or some such topic. No, his daughter would never be drawn to a man like Brandt. However, King did want to speak to Brandt on an important topic.

“Abigail, I need to speak with someone a moment. Will you be all right on your own?”

“Of course, Father.” She’d been hoping her father would find a reason to leave her alone. Abby had been watching Noah throughout the ceremony and celebration, but there’d been no opportunity to speak with him. Now could be her chance. She watched her father move from one group to another, shaking hands and making small talk, before deciding the time had come for her to move through the crowd toward Noah. No sooner had she made the decision when her father walked right up to him, shook his hand, and began what appeared to be an in depth conversation of some kind.

Abby watched for a few minutes, disappointed at the lost opportunity. Once her father finished, she felt certain he’d be ready to leave for their ranch.

“Would you care to dance, Miss Tolbert?”

Abby glanced at the handsome cowboy standing next to her. Gil Murton, the same person who’d had a crush on her since they were young.

“Hello, Gil. It’s so good to see you again. I’d love to dance with you.” She took his hand and felt immediately drawn into the laughter and music of the people on the dance floor. He whirled her around the floor to the lively song. When it ended, he asked for one more dance, which she accepted, never once noticing two men glaring at her from the sidelines. Her father and Noah, both for their own reasons.

When the second song finished, Gil escorted her off the dance floor. She looked behind him to see her father approach. “Father, you remember Gil Murton.”

King glanced at her, then Gil, giving the boy a hard stare. “Of course. I understand your brother married recently. A saloon girl, I believe.”

Abby glared at her father and his blatant attempt to belittle Gil’s family.

To his credit, Gil didn’t take the bait. “Yes. Ty married a wonderful woman. They’re expecting their first child any day now.”

 “I see. Well, we must be going, Abby.” King grasped her elbow.

“Good to see you, Gil,” Abby said as her father guided her away.

Without a backward glance at the young man, Tolbert escorted her to their buggy.

Dax and Rachel watched the exchange, wondering about what had been said. Abby’s look of rage had been hard to miss, yet it wasn’t something either cared to figure out on their wedding day.

“I’m glad your parents were here for the wedding.” Dax nodded toward Mr. and Mrs. Davenport, who stood across the room in deep conversation with Horace Clausen.

“So am I, although it was a bit touchy when I introduced you and they heard your southern accent, General.”

Dax wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close. “Now they’re enamored with my extreme charm.” He placed a kiss on her neck, eliciting a laugh.

Rachel’s gaze wandered to the magnificent Pinto tied to the back of their buggy—her wedding gift from her husband. “He is beautiful, Dax. Thank you so much.”

“What will you call him?”

“I’ve been thinking about it and believe I’ll call him Dancer.”

Dax looked at the three-year-old mare he’d gotten on his last trip to Big Pine. The lively animal would be a good match for his wife.

He turned Rachel in his arms, placing a kiss on her cheek. The celebration had gone on for over two hours and Dax could think of another place he’d rather be.

“Do you think anyone would notice if we disappeared?”

She smiled at him. “Should we chance it?”

“Okay, you two. Don’t be making any plans to run off just yet.” Luke walked up and handed both a whiskey. “I understand this is your drink of choice, Mrs. Pelletier.”

“It certainly is.”

The three toasted as they watched the crowd.

“It’s a good town. I’m glad you made the decision to stay.” Luke took another sip of whiskey, then faced Dax.

“I’ve been thinking. Everyone still calls our ranch the old Hanes place or, sometimes, the Pelletier ranch. I believe we need a real name for it.”

“What do you have in mind?” Dax began to imagine all the options Luke might say.

“Redemption’s Edge.”

Dax looked at Luke, then shifted his gaze to Rachel. They let the name roll around their heads before each smiled.

He clasped Luke on the shoulder as they all raised their glasses before Dax made one more toast. “To Redemption’s Edge.”

“And its great success,” Luke added.

They finished their drinks as Luke’s eyes locked on someone near the food table. “Excuse me a minute.” He winked at them both, then walked away.

Rachel watched Luke stopped in front of a lovely young woman with golden brown hair. “Who’s he talking to?”

Dax shifted his eyes from his wife to Luke. “That’s Ginny. She works for Amos Henderson.”

“At the saloon?” Rachel’s asked, her surprise obvious.

He chuckled. “Yes. Amos has a little different arrangement with her than the other girls. She serves drinks, nothing more. Ginny and her sister came into town with the settlers a few months back. She told Amos they had no real reason to travel on to Oregon with the others, so they stayed.”

“And Luke’s fascinated by her.” Rachel took another sip of her whiskey.

“From what Al at the Rose said, he couldn’t take his eyes off Ginny the first time they met.” Dax nuzzled her neck. “Not much different from the way I felt about you.” He glanced around, then grabbed Rachel’s hand. “Come on.”

Dax whistled for Hannibal and waited while the large animal obeyed the command. He lifted Rachel onto the saddle, then swung up behind her, wrapping an arm around her waist before placing a soft kiss on her neck.

“Are you ready?” Dax asked, anxious to get her to the ranch.

Before she could respond, they both looked up to see what appeared to be a lone rider, slumped in his saddle, coming toward them. It wasn’t until he was within a few yards that they saw the arrow protruding from his back.

“My, God, Dax. He’s hurt. I need to help him.”

Dax shook his head, frustrated by the delay, yet knowing he had no choice. He dismounted before helping her down and grabbing the reins of the stranger’s horse. Dax wrapped his arms around the wounded man and pulled him from the saddle, laying him on the ground as a group of wedding guests formed a circle around them.

“Does anyone know him?” Dax asked, looking up at those peering down.

The responses confirmed no one recognized the injured man.

“Get him to the clinic.” Doc Worthington ordered.

“I’ll get the wagon,” Noah said.

Dax, Luke, and Bull placed their arms under him as Noah pulled alongside.

“Attacked us…” The words were strained, raspy, and barely audible.

“Who attacked you?” Dax asked.

The man’s eyes opened to mere slits. “They’re coming...”

“Who’s coming?” Dax question became more urgent.

“Indians.”

Thank you for taking the time to read Redemption’s Edge. If you enjoyed it, please consider telling your friends or posting a short review. Word of mouth is an author’s best friend and much appreciated.

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About the Author

Shirleen Davies
writes romance—historical, contemporary, and romantic suspense. She grew up in Southern California, attended Oregon State University, and has degrees from San Diego State University and the University of Maryland. During the day she provides consulting services to small and mid-sized businesses. But her real passion is writing emotionally charged stories of flawed people who find redemption through love and acceptance.  She now lives with her husband in a beautiful town in northern Arizona.

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