Xenia’s Renegade (24 page)

“Oh, my,” Mea Ann said as she glanced out the window. “Ty’s coming into the yard, and his horse is galloping fast.”

Chapa moved to the window and looked out. “Wonder why he’s in such a hurry?”

Xenia stood so she could see, too. She saw Ty throw his reins around the post at the corral and come toward the house on a run. He came through the door and they all began to talk at once.

He held up his hand. “I’m just here to warn you that Mr. and Mrs. Poindexter are on their way out here. Thought you might want to get prepared.”

“Oh, dear.” Mea Ann turned to Wilt. “I’m nervous.”

“Don’t worry, honey. It’ll be fine.” Wilt looked at Ty. “Did you find Bullins?”

“Bullins is dead. He was killed during a bar fight at The Golden Door last night.”

Xenia took a deep breath to calm herself. She wasn’t sure if she was nervous because Lou Bullins was dead, or because her parents were on their way to the ranch.

Ty looked at Chapa. “Something sure smells good.”

“Go take care of your horse and I’ll put the bread in, then we’ll eat.”

“I’ll do that.” He went out the door, then immediately stuck his head back in. “You might want to hold up the meal, Aunt Chapa. I see some dust in the distance. It might be the Poindexters.”

Xenia felt her heart begin to pound. They were on their way. What was she going to do? She had to do something. Then it hit her. It might not work, but she was going to give it a try. All he could say was either yes or no.

Jumping up she ran out the back door without a word to anyone. “Ty,” she yelled.

He turned and looked at her. “What, Xenia?”

“I want to ask you something.”

He paused and waited until she caught up with him. “What do you want to ask me?”

She stood in front of him and looked directly into his eyes. “Will you marry me, Ty?”

There was no way to describe the look on his face except complete shock. “What the hell?” he muttered.

She reached out and took hold of his arm. “Please, let me explain.” He nodded and she went on. “As you know, I can load a gun. I can milk a cow. And since coming here, I’ve learned to peel potatoes, set the table and gather the eggs.”

“So? What does that have to do with anything?”

“Well, I think it’s a good start on becoming a ranch wife. Whatever else I need to know, I’m sure Chapa will help me learn it.”

“So you think loading a gun and milking cow is all you’d have to do on a ranch?”

“No, but as I said, Chapa will teach me.”

Ty gave her a sly grin. “No declaration of undying love? No telling me I’m the only man for you? No—”

She interrupted him. “I know you don’t believe in love, Ty, so I won’t insult you by trying to pretend you love me. I know you don’t, but I think you
like
me—and marriages have been made on less than that.”

“At least you’re honest.”

“I always try to be.”

Ty glanced toward the road. The dust was getting closer. “When would you want me to marry you, Xenia?”

“I want us to ride over to the preacher’s house and do it right now.”

“Why today?”

“I know Father will insist I go back to Virginia and marry some fool he’s chosen for me if I’m not already married. I don’t want to go back with him, and I certainly don’t want to marry some fancy fool.”

“You’d rather marry me than some rich man in Virginia?”

“I’d a million times rather marry you.”

He nodded. “I believe you would. Let’s go saddle you a horse. We can’t take the buggy because we’d meet your parents on the road. We’ll have to cut across the fields.”

Kerry walked up. “What’s going on, Boss? Need any help?”

“Yeah. How about saddling Xenia a horse and get me a fresh one? Pick out a gentle one for her. We’re going for a ride.”

“Yes, Boss.”

“Wait here, Xenia.”

Xenia nodded and watched Ty stride toward the house. Whatever he wanted in there, she hoped he wouldn’t take much time getting it. The dust in the distance was growing closer. She could make out the shape of a buggy already.

Mea Ann looked confused after Ty dashed into his room then went right back out. “What in the world are Xenia and Ty up to?”

“I don’t know, sweetheart. They have the horses out. Maybe he decided to take her for a ride so she wouldn’t have to face your parents right away.”

Chapa broke in. “When he rushed in, he muttered to me that he’d explain later, then hurried out. Whatever their reason to rush away, you don’t have time to worry about them now. Let me have Johnny. I’ll feed him, and you and Wilt go out front and greet your parents. They just pulled up in the yard.”

Mea Ann handed Johnny to Chapa and turned to Wilt. “I’m scared.”

He put his arm around her shoulder. “It’ll be fine. Let’s go. The sooner you face your parents, the quicker you’ll relax.”

She nodded. “Alright, but don’t you dare leave me alone.”

“Don’t worry. I’m not going to leave you.”

As Wilt opened the front door, Mea Ann saw her father helping her mother from the buggy. Her heart began to pound and she wanted to turn around and run back into the house and hide. Then she felt Wilt’s hand on her back and she knew he would take care of her, no matter what happened.

Her mother turned around. “Oh, Mea Ann.” She hurried across the short distance to the portico and held out her arms. “I’m so happy to see you, my dear.”

Submitting to the hug, Mea Ann said, “It’s good to see you, too, Mother.”

Her father’s voice wasn’t as friendly as he glared at them. “Well, you look as if you’re in better shape than I expected to find you.”

Mea Ann stepped back and took Wilt’s hand. “Hello, Father.”

“Let go of that man’s hand immediately. I’ve come to take you two home, and I don’t want to spend time arguing about it. Where’s your sister?”

“Franklin, you promised.” Her mother’s voice was soft, but firm.

Mea Ann ignored him and continued to hold on to Wilt. “Mother, please come inside. I have a lot to tell you. Especially about Wilt and me.”

“I said—” her father started, but her mother interrupted.

“Thank you, dear. I’m very curious, so we shall come in.” She gave Wilt an uncertain smile and took her husband’s arm. “Come along, Franklin. I have a feeling Mea Ann has a surprise for us.”

“This is a waste of time. What difference does it make what she says? I’m just going to get my daughters and take them home, where we all belong.”

Mea Ann wanted to shout at him, but the gentle squeeze Wilt gave her hand, stopped her. She glanced up at him and he winked at her.

As they had decided earlier, she ushered her parents into their private parlor. She was happy to see that Chapa had placed a teapot and pretty china cups they hadn’t used before on the side table.

“This is an interesting house,” Clara said.

“I’ll take you on a tour later, Mother.”

“I’d like that.”

After they took seats, Mea Ann asked. “Would you like some tea?”

Franklin glared at her. “We don’t have time for tea. We came here to get you and Xenia, and I want to do that immediately. We need to head home tonight.”

Her mother ignored him and gave her daughter a knowing smile. “I’m waiting for an introduction to your young man.”

“I’m delighted to introduce to you to Wilt Eldridge, my husband.”

“
Your what
?” Franklin jumped up.

“You heard me, Father. He’s my husband.”

Wilt stood and nodded to them. “I’m happy to meet the people who raised such a wonderful young woman.”

“Happy, my foot.” Franklin began to pace.

Clara held her hand toward Wilt. “I had a feeling you were special to my Mea Ann, and I’m looking forward to getting to know you.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Poindexter. I’d like to know Mea Ann’s family better.”

“Hold it,” Franklin’s voice roared. “I’ll not accept this rebellion from a daughter of mine. What about Jasper Newman? He’s been waiting for your acceptance of his proposal.”

“I’m afraid that Newman man is too late, Mr. Poindexter. Mea Ann
did
accept my proposal.”

“Then I’ll have it annulled.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Father. There is no way you can annul my marriage. I love Wilt, and we’re married…and there’s more I need to tell you.”

“Don’t be a fool. You can’t want to stay here with all the wonderful advantages you have in Virginia.”

“Franklin, sit down and calm yourself.” Clara took hold of his arm. “Let’s hear what Mea Ann has to say.”

“What more could there be?”

“Sit down and we’ll find out.”

With all the things on her mind she wanted to say, Mea Ann couldn’t help noticing this was the first time she’d ever heard her mother order her father around. More impressive was the fact that he was listening. She glanced at Wilt. “Honey, would you please go ask Chapa to bring Johnny in.”

“I’ll be right back.” He squeezed her hand and left.

“Now that he’s gone, tell me what he’s done to you, Mea Ann.”

“The only thing he’s done is make me the happiest woman on earth, Father.” Before he could say anything else, she said, “There is even a bigger surprise for you than finding me a married woman. I’m also a mother.”

Clare grabbed her mouth. “You can’t be.”

“So that bastard has children he’s saddling you with?”

“No, Father. Wilt had no children until he married me.”

Her mother frowned. “What are you saying, honey?”

“On the way to Deer Meadow, I found a baby. His father and mother had been murdered, and I rescued him and immediately fell in love. He’s such a precious baby. Wilt and I plan to adopt him.”

Franklin was fuming. “I’ve never heard anything so preposterous.”

“Mea Ann,” her mother drew her attention before she could answer her father. “How old is this child?”

“We estimate him to be around six to eight months. Wait until you see him, Mother. He’s wonderful.”

Her father stood again. “Forget the child. He’ll be easy to get rid of. There are plenty of orphanages. It’s this man who has managed to convince you to marry him that we have to free you from.”

Mea Ann shook her head. “You’re not listening to me, Father. I will never leave Wilt. We are married, we live as a married couple in this, our home, and we plan to adopt Johnny. I am going to spend the rest of my life with him. Now, you can either accept that and spend some time getting to know my baby, my husband, and his Aunt Chapa, or you can keep trying to get me to go back to Virginia. That I will never do. This is my home now.”

“You need to listen to her, Franklin. She means it.”

“But—”

“There is no but. Now, calm down and let me talk with my daughter.” She turned to Mea Ann. “Tell me about this husband of yours, dear. How did you meet, and when were you married? I want to know all about it.”

The door opened and Wilt re-entered. “Aunt Chapa said she’d bring Johnny in as soon as she changed him. He managed to spew his food all over his clothes.” Wilt moved to the settee and sat beside Mea Ann.

“That’s fine. Mother just asked how we met and I was about to tell her. Would you like to do it?”

He slid his arm around Mea Ann’s shoulder. “I’d be happy to.” He turned to Clara. “I was on the way home from a business trip and climbed aboard the stage. Mea Ann sat across from me. She was holding a baby, and I think I was the most disappointed man on earth, because I thought the baby meant she was married. When I learned she’d found the child, I was ecstatic and decided then and there that I was going to do all in my power to make her fall in love with me. I thank the Good Lord daily that she did.”

“So you forced my daughter to come out to this godforsaken place and hounded her until she agreed to marry you.”

Wilt bristled, but before he could retort, Mea Ann said, “Of course not. Nobody would rent us a room in town, and Wilt rescued us and brought us to his ranch. His aunt lives here with them and she has made sure Xenia and I were properly chaperoned. Wilt is the most honorable man I’ve ever met, and that includes all those fancy pants men you shoved at me in Richmond. Only a couple of days ago, he saved my life.”

Clara’s hand flew to her breast. “Oh, my. What happened?”

“Uncle Seymour sent a man to kidnap me, but Wilt and his cousin captured the man, and as far as I know, he’s in jail right now.”

“See, Mea Ann. This country is no place for a girl like you.”

“It’s the perfect place for me, Father. Do you think any of your silly men friends in Virginia would put themselves in danger for me? I know they wouldn’t. In fact, they’d probably turn tail and run. Wilt didn’t hesitate to put his life in danger for me.”

“I’m glad you were there, Wilt.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

“Now, tell me about your wedding. I so wish I could have been there.”

“Actually, we were married yesterday, Mother. I would have liked for you to be here, but I knew Father would never—”

“You damn right I wouldn’t.” He glared at his wife. “If we’d only come out here yesterday, then this wouldn’t be an issue.”

“And whose fault is it that we didn’t come last night?” Clara sounded as if she snapped at him.

He didn’t answer, but changed the subject. “Where the hell is Xenia? I’m surprised she hasn’t come in here and started arguing with me, too.”

“She went for a horseback ride and hasn’t returned.”

Franklin frowned. “Horseback ride? She doesn’t know how to ride a horse.”

“Maybe not, Father, but she rode off on one, anyway.”

****

Thirty minutes later, a temporary peace reigned and they moved to the communal parlor. Chapa was putting the mid-day meal on the table, Clara sat in one of the rocking chairs cuddling Johnny, Franklin sat in the other one staring into space, and Mea Ann and Wilt were on the sofa watching everyone and hoping the fragile truce would continue. At least, until Xenia and Ty returned from wherever they decided to disappear to.