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  “Probably not. But, well, I’d like to teach you. I am a sheriff, and sometimes that can be a bit dangerous for me and for my family. We’ll start lessons tomorrow.”

  Ruby swallowed, she could feel the blood draining from her face. She’d never been comfortable around guns.

  Seth saw the stricken look on her face. “Are you sure you want me to go to town alone?”

  Her head lifted up and down. “I’ll be fine.” She tried to make her voice sound brave.

  Seth stood looking at her. He took a step closer and lifted her hand in his. “I’ll only be gone two hours.” He pressed her hand to his lips. “You’re very lovely, you know.” He whispered, almost to himself. He released her hand and turned to go.

  Ruby could feel tingling in her hand where he’d kissed it. Something made her feel warm inside, a strange heat that seeped through her. There had been boys at school who’d told her she was beautiful, but something about the way Seth had said she was lovely, ran more truthful than anything she’d ever heard before.

  She followed him to the door and watched as he tied a horse behind the wagon and then got on the buckboard seat, clicked the reins and led the horses away from the house.

  After she could no longer see the wagon, Ruby turned back inside. She went into the bedroom and checked on Timmy. He was still sleeping, so she began to look around the house. There were very few of Seth’s personal items anywhere in the bedroom and the small room off the back was locked. She assumed Seth had stored his personal items in there. She could understand his need for privacy. She on the other hand owned nothing of importance.

  Her eyes lit on the traveling bag and she cringed just thinking about the dresses. There was nothing she could do with them except cut them up and perhaps use some of the material for other things. Even that was doubtful, with the adamant way Seth had refused her remaking them. Just the sight of the material might make his anger flare.

  Once she’d explored every inch of the room, she stepped across the breezeway and into the kitchen. The small room at the back of the kitchen wasn’t locked. Inside she found shelves with a few cooking supplies on them. The kitchen boasted a wall with baskets and iron skillets hanging on it, a small black oven, a table with two chairs and a corner shelf with some plain looking plates and cups. Upon closer inspection, she found a lovely tea cup and saucer on the shelf over the hearth. She had noticed an identical shelf in her bedroom. Beside this hearth were two comfortable chairs set facing one another. She tried to imagine herself and Seth in the evenings, sitting there together.

  Once she’d familiarized herself with everything in the house, she moved to the back of the breezeway. She stood there, holding a hand over her eyes, to block out the sunlight. Behind the house was a hen coop and several chickens in the yard. Set behind the house was a barn. She assumed that was where Seth kept his horse. There would be time to explore the barn another day, but she hoped there was a milk cow. There were so many things she could cook with fresh milk and she would need it for Timmy’s bottles.

  As she turned a gentle breeze blew through the passageway between the two buildings. She stopped moving and just stood enjoying the air. It was a dry sort of breeze; unlike anything she’d ever experienced. When Timmy woke up, perhaps she could take him on a long walk and pick a few bluebonnets along the way. But then she thought she might wait until Seth gave her instructions as to where she could go safely with Timmy.

  Just then, she heard the sound of hoof beats drawing closer. She moved to the front of the house to see who it was. It didn’t seem likely Seth could have gotten all the way to town and back in such a short time.

  At first all she could see was a small dust cloud. But, when it finally cleared, Ruby gasped as she saw three riders heading straight towards her.

  ***

  Seth dropped the wagon off at the blacksmith and walked his own horse into town. First, he would stop at the jailhouse and check on the Carter brothers, get some food to hold them over until the next day. By tomorrow they’d be ready to head back to their small ranch.

  Seth’s mind was on the trading post. It would be interesting to shop using someone else’s list. Most of the items on the list he’d never bought in his life, so he was sure to get some strange looks by Tom Boyd. His reverie was interrupted by a voice calling, “Yoo-hoo, yoo-hoo.”

  Seth turned at the sound and watched as a flustered Abigail Crane came rushing towards him. “Sheriff, sheriff, just a moment please!”

  Seth cringed at the sound of her nasal voice.

  “Yes, Ma’am?”

  She stopped in front of him, took a breath and placed her hands on her hips. “Sheriff, I spoke with my husband and he assured me he has nothing to do with the saloon.”

  Seth blew out an exasperated breath. “I’m sure he did, Ma’am. If you’ll excuse me, I have some business at the jailhouse.” He tried to step around her, but she moved in front of him and blocked his progress.

  “That’s just what I wanted to talk to you about. You know, those jail cells are old and a child could get locked in them when you aren’t around.”

  He glanced at her with disbelief in his eyes. “I don’t foresee that as a problem.”

  “You don’t, do you. Well, that’s just what happened today, isn’t it?”

  Seth titled his head. “What exactly are you talking about, Mrs. Crane?” He lifted his cowboy hat and wiped at the sweat forming on his brow. It was getting late and he hated to leave Ruby alone so long on her first day at the house.

  The woman pulled a hand crocheted shawl closer to herself with a harrumph. “Those men who got locked in the cell by mistake. That’s what I’m talking about.” She literally stomped her foot to exaggerate her statement.

  Seth’s voice began to rise. “By mistake?”

  “Yes, they called out the window, got my attention and explained to me how they stopped by to visit you, and jokingly pretended to lock themselves in the cell. But it wasn’t very funny when they realized they’d actually locked the cell behind them.”

  Seth was now staring at her intently, praying this was where the story ended. “And?”

  “And, I went in and unlocked the cell. They were so grateful, and insisted I tell you about the faulty cell as soon as I saw you... Sheriff, are you listening to me…? Sheriff, where are you going?” The woman’s voice faded as Seth mounted his horse, and turned toward the other end of town.

  He kicked the horse and galloped down Main Street, jumping off at the saloon. Seth rushed up to the delicate louvered swinging doors and pushed them open. The saloon was silent. Not a single man in the place. Two rather older, faded saloon girls looked up with overly red painted smiles.

  “Howdy, Sheriff. Buy a girl a drink?”

  Seth shook his head, and returned to his horse.

  Where would the Carter boys go, if not to the saloon? Would they just head back home? Seth’s mind searched for an answer. Suddenly a gasp escaped his lips. If they headed toward their ranch, they’d pass right by his place, and Ruby was there alone.

  Lord, they saw her in that dress. They think she’s a saloon girl. Please protect her.

  Seth mounted his horse and galloped out of town, pressing the horse to run as fast as it could. What would normally take fifteen to twenty minutes, took him only seven. He was hopeful that since he hadn’t passed the trio on the road into town, they wouldn’t be there, but there were plenty of places along the trail they could have taken cover.

  He’d been so upset with Mrs. Crane, he didn’t even ask how long ago she’d opened the cell, so he had no idea how close to his home they could be. As he neared the house, Seth’s hoped dropped. Three horses were tied outside near the porch. The Carter brothers were inside with Ruby.

  Chapter Nine

  Seth dismounted by the barn and slapped the horse’s flanks. The horse gladly trotted into the barn and into its stall. Seth pulled out his gun and slipped across the yard and onto the porch between the two cabins.

  He crept s
lowly, his ears straining to hear anything. As he stopped outside the door to the bedroom, it was silent, but from across the way, there was raucous laughter coming from the kitchen. Seth moved closer, counted to three, then kicked the door wide.

  The three brothers were sitting at the table, eating bowls of stew and laughing. Ruby, was flitting around the room, serving them more stew and giggling at their conversation as he’d seen saloon girls do. For a moment Seth could taste bile in his throat. Was this the real Ruby after all?

  The brothers all looked up at the gun in Seth’s hand, the spoons held at their mouths. Each of them lowered their hand.

  Ruby slipped closer to the door; her eyes riveted on Seth.

  The oldest brother, Johnny smiled. “Welcome home, Sheriff. We just stopped by to congratulate the lovely lady on her marriage.”

  The other two nodded in agreement.

  Seth kept the gun leveled on them. He’d hate to shoot such young men, but he’d do whatever it would take to protect Ruby. He was known for being able to tell a person’s character fairly quickly. Up to now, these boys were irritating, but rather harmless. He glared at them, trying to decide if they were being truthful or daring him to shoot.

  “Now, Sheriff. You can see we haven’t done nothing. Your wife’s been kind enough to offer us some stew, and we’ve been telling her ‘bout some of the funny things that happen in Waterhole. No harm in all that is there?”

  Seth wasn’t really sure what to do. It did appear the Carter brothers were simply visiting.

  Ruby moved beside Seth and slipped her hand through the crook of his arm. “That’s right, Seth. The boys just stopped by for a visit. I asked them to join me in the kitchen so they wouldn’t wake up Timmy.”

  Teddy, another of the brothers spoke up. “We didn’t want to do anything to upset the boy. We have a little brother, you know.”

  Seth finally understood. The brothers were telling the truth. Somehow, Ruby was able to find a soft spot in their souls. He turned his neck and met Ruby’s eyes. Her lips trembled, but she gave a sly smile. “And the boys have agreed to come to the church picnic this weekend. They’re going to bring their little brother to meet Timmy.”

  Seth slowly lowered his gun. Nothing could have prepared him for what she was telling him. He’d had nothing but trouble from the Carter brothers since they all began coming to the saloon.

  “There won’t be any drinking at the picnic.” Seth’s voice demanded attention. The brothers all turned to stare at him.

  “’Course not.” The youngest brother, Danny, uttered. “We’ll bring Ma, too. She ain’t as young as she used to be and don’t get to visit with folks much.”

  Ruby clapped her hands together. “We’d love to share our blanket with her. I’m sure I can make enough chicken and biscuits to feed us all. I could make an apple pie as well.”

  Seth’s mouth dropped open. He could hardly believe this conversation. “Apples are hard to get at this time of year.” He said mechanically.

  The brothers all glanced at him. “Ma’s sure to have some. Seems we have a bushel put away. You just tell me how many you need Miss Ruby.” Johnny spoke in a defiant tone, his eyes daring Seth to argue.

  “That’s lovely. I’ll need a dozen. Now boys, this is my wedding day, so if you all don’t mind, I am going to ask you to give Seth and me some privacy.” She grasped Seth’s arm tighter, turned her chin up and actually batted her eyelashes at Seth.

  The boys suddenly all needed to clear their throats, and red crept into their faces. “’Course, ‘course. We’ll bring those apples over tomorrow and meet y’all at the picnic. Ma’s sure gonna be happy to have another woman to talk to.”

  The three brothers scooted by Seth, each tipping their cowboy hat and stamping out the door. In moments, all that could be heard was the sound of horse’s hoofs pounding away from the house. Seth realized he hadn’t even mentioned their ploy to get out of jail. He wasn’t sure what exactly had just happened. Both Seth and Ruby were silent for a long time.

  Finally, Ruby let out a ragged breath and she collapsed onto a chair. Her head lay in her arms and her shoulders were shaking. At first, Seth thought she was crying, but when she lifted her head again, he heard a trill of laughter escape her lips.

  “You think this was funny? They broke out of jail and came here after you.” He stared at her incredulously.

  Ruby tried to stop laughing. “No, I don’t think it’s funny. Well, not exactly. At first, I was terrified. I may not be a saloon girl, but I’ve seen my mother soothe enough brutes in my life. I just tried to behave as she would, as if there were nothing and no one to be afraid of. Once the boys learned about Timmy, I had nothing more to do. They really are sweet, just misguided by the saloon life style.”

  Seth relaxed his taunt shoulders. “That’s why I want to close the place. Those men weren’t boys though. They’re old enough to settle down, get married and do some farming. Our town needs more moral women and less alcohol.”

  “Well, I believe the town’s sheriff could find enough things that need doing around town to keep them busy. If they help to build up the town, they won’t be so bent on tearing it down.”

  Seth nodded. His eyes met hers and he wondered if they’d always sparkled like they were doing at this moment.

  Seth sat across from her. “Ruby, you’ve told me about your mother and why you brought Timmy along. Now it’s time for me to tell you my story.”

  Ruby gave him a shaky smile.

  “I met Anne, my first wife, when I was eighteen. She’d been raised by her father in an even smaller town than Waterhole. She was a wild and untamed girl but I fell in love with her. It was a whirlwind romance. We got married when I was nineteen and she only seventeen. For two years we were together and then our son came. After he was born, Anne got restless, started talking about seeing the world. One day, she was gone. She left her one-year old baby and disappeared. I didn’t try to follow her. There was no use. There was nothing I could have done to convince her to come home. Unfortunately, a year later I received a notice from a Doctor in Wyoming telling me that Anne was dead.”

  Ruby didn’t speak. She could tell Seth was lost in his painful past.

  “Four months later, we had an outbreak of yellow fever in town. We lost ten people… including my son, James.”

  “I’m so sorry.” Ruby’s voice was low and gentle.

  “I couldn’t do anything. I had to hold him in my arms and watch him die.” Seth looked at her. “I don’t know if I can go through something like that again. That’s why I didn’t want Timmy. Do you understand?”

  Seth stopped talking. He seemed to be struggling with his emotions. Ruby stood and walked over to him. She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, feeling the tension he was holding onto.

  “Seth, I understand. I’m so sorry for your loss and I would never want to cause you more pain. Timmy and I will leave. I don’t expect you to…”

  Seth turned and placed his hands on her arms and gently pulled her to her feet as he stood up. He placed a finger on her lips, shushing her.

  “Ruby, I was so scared when I thought the Carter boys might come to the house and find you. I didn’t know I could care for anyone ever again. The whole ride here I was so worried for you and for Timmy, but you were spectacular. The way you handled the brothers showed me how much pluck you have. But… Texas isn’t an easy place to live. Waterhole doesn’t offer anything the bigger cities do. You may be more like Anne than you think. You may want more of an adventure than you’ll find here.”

  Ruby shook her head back and forth. “Adventure isn’t what I want. All I want is a home of my own, where I can do things that are honorable, go to church, and raise Timmy. I’m not a fragile flower, but I truly don’t want more out of life than the home and security you offer.”

  Seth pulled her closer to his body. She could feel heat emanating from him. Ruby wanted to rest her cheek on his chest, but she held herself in check. He pushed her back, his eyes meeting hers
, a look of longing boring into her. “What about love, Ruby? Don’t you want love?”

  Ruby hesitated. “I’m willing to live without it, Seth.”

  “But you want love?”

  Ruby nodded. “Yes, Seth. I do want love. I won’t ask it of you though.”

  Seth kept staring at her.

  “Do you want me to leave, Seth? I know You didn’t expect a saloon girls’ daughter with her little brother in tow. I’ll understand if you want me to go.”

  Their eyes were locked on one another’s. Finally, Seth pulled her closer. “I don’t want you to leave Ruby, I want you to stay. I want Timmy to stay, too. There’s just one problem.”

  Ruby’s shoulders sank. If only she hadn’t mentioned wanting love. It was too much to ask. Ruby closed her eyes trying to forget how much she wanted Seth to care for her, to love her.

  Seth reached over, placed his hand under her chin and tilted her head up.

  “Ruby, the problem is, I don’t want a relationship without love either.”

  Ruby sighed. If only he could love her.

  “I understand, Seth. Timmy and I will leave.” She tried to turn away. There was no point in waiting. They needed to leave now. “Do you know where I can sell my ruby necklace?”

  Seth reached held her, his cupped hand turning her face back toward him.

  “You don’t understand Ruby. You don’t need to sell your necklace.”

  “But I’ll need money. I can’t ask you to give us anything more.”

  Seth just kept shaking his head. “You don’t understand Ruby, I don’t want a relationship without love, but I do want a relationship with you.”

  Ruby’s face lit up. “Do you mean…?”

  “Yes. I want you Ruby, and I want love. I think I’ve been waiting for you my whole life.”

  Ruby’s heart began to soar, but quickly crashed. “But, Timmy?”

  “Losing my son tore my heart apart, but I think you and Timmy can put it back together. I promise I’ll love Timmy.” His eyes were riveted on her. “Ruby, will you be my wife? A real wife?”