Texas Mail Order Bride (21 page)

But she didn't see Cooper the next day or the next. Delta suspected she likely wouldn't see him again until he'd finished this nasty business with Early.

Dear God! She sucked in a breath and prayed that Cooper's beloved face wasn't still and bloodless inside a coffin the next time she gazed upon him. She'd waited all her life for love to come along. Surely God wouldn't take him from her now.

On the fourth day following their lovemaking, Delta walked toward the mercantile to begin work. As was her custom of late, she kept a sharp eye out for Early. He wouldn't catch her unawares.

A crowd had gathered outside the mercantile and they were yelling at someone. Curious, she increased the length of her stride. Pushing through, she noticed a stranger trying to fend off Mr. Abercrombie with a leather satchel.

“What's going on?” she asked.

John Abercrombie put down the broom he was wielding as a weapon. “This man is asking questions about you. Do you know him?”

The short, stocky stranger pulled himself up, jerking his silk vest in place. “Of course she doesn't know me. I told you that.” He turned to Delta. “I'm Mr. Parmer of Parmer, Hutchinson, and Mansfield. May I have a word with you?”

Before Delta could reply, Nat Rollins jumped in. “You ain't going anywhere with Miss Dandridge.”

“Not unless we all go with you,” said John in a firm voice, rearing back with the broom. “And if that's the case, then you might as well speak to her right here.”

Sheriff Strayhorn glared. “Mr. Parmer, I have half a mind to arrest you for starting a ruckus in our town.”

“She's ours and we ain't gonna let you hurt her,” Nat yelled.

Delta tried to swallow the lump in her throat but found it impossible. They liked her and had become very protective. When she could trust herself to speak, she held up her hand. “Please, everyone. I appreciate your concerns on my behalf but let's hear Mr. Parmer out first. Then you can hang him.”

“I assure you, you'll have no reason for a hanging,” Mr. Parmer quickly said.

“Proceed then.” Sheriff Strayhorn took out his knife and opened it. Parmer's eyes grew wide.

“Miss Dandridge, I have covered a lot of ground looking for you,” Parmer said.

When Abercrombie raised his broom to swing, Mr. Parmer shrank behind the sheriff's large form.

“Why were you looking for me?” Curiosity and anxiety battled inside Delta.

Mr. Parmer peeked out from behind the sheriff and handed her an envelope. “I sent you two letters explaining it all. Since you didn't reply, I was charged with bringing you this bank draft.”

Delta's hand shook as she closed her fingers around it. “If this is from Langston Graham, you can keep it. I don't want anything to do with that man.”

She'd starve and live under a bush before she accepted a single penny from her father.

“You heard the lady—now get back on the stage and get out of our town,” Sheriff Strayhorn ordered.

Parmer frowned. “I assure you this is not from him.”

Then who? She opened the envelope. “Morris Merriweather? Who in blue blazes is that?”

Evidently seeing he wasn't about to be strung up for harassing Delta, Mr. Parmer stepped out. “You're a very wealthy lady, Miss Dandridge. After your man of business located an underground spring on your mother's property, a gentleman by the name of Merriweather snapped it up. Morris Merriweather owns a rather large resort company. He has plunked down an exclusive hotel on it that caters to the rich and famous. He's going to put the town on the map and have folks coming from far and wide.”

Glancing at the figures on the check, Delta gasped. “Fifty thousand dollars? Oh, my dear Lord.”

She needed to sit down. Her mind couldn't fathom that amount. She'd never seen that many zeroes before. It was more than most people would make in twenty or thirty lifetimes, if even then. Buying paint and lumber and whatever else was needed for the women's projects would not be a problem. She said a quick prayer of thanks.

“This is wonderful.” Mabel gave her a big hug. “I guess this means you'll be moving from the boardinghouse.”

Suddenly everyone pressed around, offering congratulations and pats on the back.

“What will you do with it?” Nat Rollins asked.

“For God's sake, Nat, let the poor woman catch her breath,” said John Abercrombie. “Besides, it's none of our dadgum business. This is a private matter.”

“Please, my head is whirling,” Delta said. “I have so many opportunities now.”

“Well, I hope you're not thinking of moving away.” John laid a hand on her shoulder. “If you are, we won't hear of it, and that's final. You're a part of the fabric of this town and we've grown very fond of you.”

Delta fought back a sob and threw her arms around her employer. “You don't know what that means to me. I've never had a place where I felt I truly belonged…until now. This is my home and I'm afraid you're stuck with me. Thank you. Thank you all.”

A few minutes later, Delta remarked that she guessed the first thing to do was put the money in the bank. Every single person, even Mr. Parmer, formed a line behind her and marched in her parade. The small bank couldn't accommodate everyone inside, so the ones left out pressed against the window. Delta never imagined in her wildest dreams that they would not only take her into their town, but into their hearts as well. Her chest swelled and her eyes brimmed with tears.

She couldn't wait to start giving back and repaying the kindness. With the money safely in the bank's hands, she asked the teller if she could speak privately to Mr. Jenkins, the owner.

The dapper, balding man leaped from behind his desk when the teller ushered her into the office and grasped her hands. “So you're the young lady who raised such a ruckus outside.”

“Yes, sir, I'm afraid I'm guilty as charged.”

“Whatever is on your mind, I'm all ears. Let me say you're certainly a breath of fresh air. Even lovelier than one of my prized roses.”

“I do declare, Mr. Jenkins.” She felt her cheeks coloring. “You're making me blush.”

Jenkins held out a chair for her. “How may I help you this fine day?”

“I'm inquiring about the empty house just outside of town.”

“Yes, ma'am. The Zachary place. That's a prime piece of property.”

“I'm interested in buying it, if we can reach an agreement.”

“Oh, I'm sure we can. The owners packed up, turned it over to the bank, and went back East. The asking price is three hundred. That's a steal.”

“How many acres does it have?”

“Three hundred and sixty.”

Excited by the prospect of being a real landowner, Delta gave him a wide smile. “I'll take it.”

“Then I reckon it's yours, young lady.” Jenkins took his spectacles off and wiped them with his handkerchief. “You do know that Cooper Thorne has had his eye on it for quite some time. He's going to have a conniption. Yes indeed. A real conniption.”

Delta chewed her lip and frowned. Oh dear. It didn't set well to cross Cooper, but maybe he'd see what a great opportunity it was for her. Despite what this security meant to her, she wouldn't lose his trust over it.

“I don't think it'll be a problem, Mr. Jenkins. Cooper and I have settled our differences.”

And in a most satisfying way, she might add. Which she didn't, of course. It would probably scandalize poor Mr. Jenkins.

It didn't take long to complete her business with Jenkins. She left with a deed and keys in her hand. Much to her chagrin, the crowd that had gathered around the bank followed her back to the mercantile, going on their way after she firmly told them that she had to put in a day's work. Everything was normal.

Or as much as it would ever be.

John opened the door for her. “I suppose you'll be making lots of changes over the weeks ahead.”

Delta lifted her apron from the nail. “It seems to be inevitable. I'm afraid too much change makes me nervous, though.”

“I've been thinking… What do you think about becoming a partner? Abercrombie and Dandridge Emporium.”

“Why? This is your store, John,” she said softly.

He wearily rubbed a hand over his eyes. “Frankly, I can use the help. The business was in bad shape when you came. With your hard work, it's slowly beginning to turn around. But I made some really bad financial decisions.”

“Of course, you know I'll be happy to do whatever it takes. You gave me a job when I was at my wit's end. All right, but I'll be a silent partner only and I insist that you make no changes to the sign out front.”

Relief rippled over his face. “Thank you. Now, about something else…”

“Yes?”

“I want to hire a woman to fill in. You're going to be busier than a windmill in a hurricane, what with your women's club projects and getting your new place up and running.”

“I can see your point. Do you have someone in mind?”

“Emmylou. She's a bright girl. Just needs a chance.”

Delta recalled the day Emmylou had come into the mercantile and how upset it made the persnickety Mrs. Hatfield to see a working girl from Miss Sybil's brothel breathing the same air. “I wholeheartedly agree. Are you afraid of the repercussions, though? It could make things very difficult for you.”

John's jaw tightened. “No one will tell me how to run my store. If they want to ride over to Corsicana to shop, they're welcome do so. I won't be blackmailed.”

“Good for you. There's something to be said about taking a stand for what's right.”

“Then it's agreed?”

“Absolutely.”

“Good. I'll go talk to the girl this afternoon.”

With that settled, Delta got to work. Keeping her thoughts on her job proved harder than trying to herd a bunch of cats, though. In between customers, she found herself daydreaming and making plans. The sudden windfall had changed everything.

Except her love for Cooper. Nothing changed that.

She wished she could talk to him about all this. Each time the bell jangled over the door, she prayed it'd be him.

But the day passed without the rumble of his voice.

Four o'clock came and Delta removed her apron, hanging it on the nail. It was time for the Women of Vision to gather at the boardinghouse. She was anxious to see what had developed since their last meeting.

Again, the yard overflowed. It looked like they'd increased their size by ten. Each woman in attendance seemed hungry to help in whatever way they could.

Delta clapped her hands. “Okay, ladies, let's get started. Will the newcomers say your names so Mabel King can add you to the roster?”

Once that was done, Delta welcomed them and announced, “As of this morning, we no longer have to worry about where the money will come from to fund our projects. I was greatly fortunate to come into a sizable sum and I'll be happy to donate whatever we need. I just want us to be successful in our endeavors.”

Enthusiastic applause erupted.

“Now, ladies, let's get down to business. Do we have a report from the schoolteacher committee?”

Jenny wore a huge smile. “The mayor grumbled but said that the city can only afford to pay ten dollars a month and not a cent more. He made it clear that we'll have to come up with books and a place to teach.”

“Thank you, Jenny. I think we can manage that if we put our heads together.” Even if she had to shoulder all the cost out of her pocket, the school would happen. “Back where I came from, each student brought one egg to school every day. The teacher sold them and used the money for books. We could implement something like that here.”

A murmur of agreement rose up.

“Would you like to speak to Mr. Quigley and get an advertisement in the newspaper right away? We want to strike while the iron is hot.” Delta turned to Gladys. “Did you speak to Abner Winchell in regard to the seed library?”

Gladys fidgeted and Delta's hopes fled. “I asked him right out an' he said he might could be talked into it. He'll only speak to you, though.”

“At least he didn't say no. That's good. Yes, I'll talk to him. Thank you, Gladys.”

Delta beamed at her little army. “I think we're moving along quite well. Can everyone meet in front of the mercantile at nine o'clock tomorrow morning? We'll begin our town renovations.”

Then everyone would either fight their efforts or join in. She prayed they'd drop their weapons and pick up a paintbrush. She'd had enough animosity to last a lifetime.

Hidden in the bushes nearby, Tolbert Early watched Thorne's woman. Taking the twit would be easy. And his revenge on Thorne would be even more satisfying. He just needed to throw the bloodhound off his trail. His old enemy had run him from all his hiding places.

Except one.

Thorne would never think to look there.

Not in a million years.

Time to make a plan and set the rancher on a false trail.

***

Over the last few days, Cooper had stayed hot on Early's trail. Rand and Brett rode by his side. The fact that they kept Early from holing up anywhere made the chilly nights a tad warmer. Early had to be exhausted, just as they intended.

As long as the devil's spawn focused on putting distance between him and his brothers, he would leave Delta alone.

This wouldn't be over soon enough for Cooper. Delta had a permanent spot in his thoughts and in his heart.

In the quiet darkness when everyone slept, Cooper took out his recollections of their time together. He recalled every detail, the way her bare skin reacted to his touch, the fragrance of her hair, the taste of her lips.

Now in the twilight, as they let the horses drink from a creek, he listened to the swirling water and murmured low, “I miss you so much, darlin'. I wish…”

What exactly did he wish?

That he was a different man?

That Delta Dandridge hadn't ridden into town and made him yearn for impossible things?

Or that he could spend all his nights in her arms?

Cooper realized with clarity that all except one of those wishes were true. If he only had the power.

“Mount up. Let's find this rotten cayuse.” Cooper put his foot in the stirrup and threw his leg over.

“We could do with a little more rest, Coop,” Brett said quietly. “I'm itching to find Early and be done with this, but we're dead tired. Exhausted men make mistakes. You know that.”

“Do you share Brett's feelings, Rand?”

“I do. We have to be smart. Smart men don't push themselves and their horses past what is possible. But if you want to keep riding, I'm right beside you.”

Cooper sighed. “You're probably right. Let's call it a night and meet at the Long Odds at daybreak.”

They crawled back in the saddle and headed their separate ways.

After catching up on ranch business with Zeke, Cooper filled his belly with two plates of hot food. By the time he finished, the mottled sky had faded and darkness cloaked the hills and valleys. Instead of finding his bed, Cooper saddled a fresh horse. There was only one place he wanted to be.

Was it wise? Probably not.

Did it offer peace and contentment to his soul? Hell, yes.

Though he wanted to ride like a madman, he took it slower out of care for Rebel. He was desperate to see the one woman who'd accepted him as he was, wanting nothing in return but simply to matter to someone. She sure as hell mattered to him. Delta Dandridge had given his life meaning.

When he rode up to the boardinghouse, a light glowed in her partially raised window. He looped the reins over a low limb of a spindly tree, then stood a minute to assess the lay of things. He'd about decided that climbing the trellis again was out, but if it was the only way, he'd do it in a heartbeat.

The old boardinghouse looked different. He walked closer. Someone had begun whitewashing it and left a ladder lying against the side.

Wasting not a second, Cooper lifted it. Once it was in place at her window, he climbed up and rapped on the glass.

Unlike last time, he didn't have to sweet talk Delta into raising the shade.

“Cooper. I was so afraid.” She raised the window higher.

Once inside her room, Cooper had doubts about his visit. Maybe he shouldn't have come. He took off his hat and laid it aside. “I had some time to kill and wanted to see you. If you object, tell me and I'll leave.”

For answer, she threw her arms around his neck and clung to him. “I was hoping you'd come. I've missed you so much. Did you capture Early?”

“First, I have to kiss you. I can't tell you how many times I've dreamed of tasting your lips since I left here.”

***

Love for this man who refused to break shook Delta to the depths of her being. She lifted her face and he crushed his mouth to hers with a savage intensity. Heat rushed to her nerve endings like a fuse to dynamite.

Clutching his shirt tightly, she took all that he wanted to give, while giving back in return. She couldn't get enough. She didn't want to talk. She wanted to take him inside her and feel his flesh caressing hers. Savoring. Riding the stars.

But evidently Cooper had other ideas.

When the kiss ended, he sat down on the end of the bed and pulled her on his lap. “You, darlin', are addictive. I couldn't wait to see you again.”

“I have so much to tell you, Cooper. But I'm dying to know about Tolbert Early.”

“He's still on the loose. We get close and about to slip a noose around his neck and he slithers away.”

“I can see how weary you are of all this.” Delta caressed his stubbled jaw, taking in the deep lines at the corners of his strong, full mouth, the exhaustion in his gray eyes. “When have you last slept?”

“Been so long, I can't remember what a bed feels like. Catch an hour here and an hour there when I can. Rand, Brett, and I have covered every inch of this countryside.”

“I'm so sorry. I wish I could help.”

“You help by staying safe. Promise me you'll take no chances.”

“That may be difficult. I've bought the Zachary place.”

He suddenly got to his feet, spilling her from his lap. She fought to keep from falling. Without a word, he strode to the window and stood looking out. Delta chewed her lip. He stood so straight, almost as though he had a steel rod running up his spine. She didn't know what to do or say.

“I was saving money to buy it. Almost had enough,” he said in a flat voice. “That land was all I needed to reach my dream.

Tears welled in her eyes. She wished he'd turn around. She wouldn't truly know how he felt until she saw his eyes. Those grays turned cold and icy when he was boiling mad.

“Then it's yours,” she whispered. “I'll sign over the deed tomorrow. All my life I never had two cents to rub together or anything much of value. I always yearned to own a piece of land, become a woman of substance. It's not important, though. Nothing's as important as the thought of losing you.”

“Where did you get the money?” He finally turned.

Relief at the absence of anger bolstered her. “Mr. Parmer of Parmer, Hutchinson, and Mansfield appeared a few days ago with a bank draft. Seems a Mr. Merriweather paid quite handsomely for my mother's property in Cedartown. He plans to build a fancy resort there. Parmer sent letters, but I tore them up. Thought they were from my father. When I didn't reply, he came in person. Do you know what I can do with fifty thousand dollars, Cooper?”

His eyes widened as he grinned. “You're a rich woman, Miss Dandridge.”

“I still can't believe it. I've pinched myself until I'm black and blue. Are you mad?”

“I'm happy for you. So you've bought yourself a ranch, and no, I don't want you to sign over the deed to me. It's yours, darlin'. The house looks in pretty good shape also. What are you planning to do with all that land?”

“I want to buy some cattle and learn how to be a rancher.”

“Do tell.” His grin widened as his eyes danced. “Anytime you want some lessons, I'll be happy to show you a few things.”

“Mr. Thorne!” She gasped and narrowed her eyes. “I have a feeling you're not talking about cows and ranchland.”

“However did you guess?” He sauntered toward her with that lazy walk of his. Picking up his hat, he plunked it on her head. Then he proceeded to show her a few “things.”

Her breath hitched when he unbuttoned the bodice of her dress and peeled it off. Then he focused on the ribbons and lace, stripping away everything until she wore nothing but a smile and his hat. It didn't take any urging to move her to the bed, relieving her of the hat on the way.

Delta was all thumbs as she tried to unbutton his shirt. Finally he pushed her hands aside and yanked it over his head. Boots, gun belt, and pants hit the floor.

No slow, tender caresses this time. They'd been apart too many hours and days to waste one second. He plunged inside her.

This was about satisfying the burning passion inside.

About taking and giving without fear or worry.

They made love in a fiery frenzy, their breath mingling in the sultry air as their bodies joined.

She climbed on the shuddering waves and rode them as they crested. Release came quickly and with all the power and force as before.

Limp and spent, she turned to Cooper. “Thank you.”

He kissed her palm. “So you liked the things I showed you?”

“I did. Anytime you want to show me more, say the word.” She rose on an elbow and brushed back his dark hair. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd ever meet anyone like you. Or that you'd…we'd be doing this. I don't know anything about love. Lord knows, I've never had occasion to see it between a man and a woman. But you've stolen my heart. I've found the man who can finally
see
me.”

His brow furrowed and she wished she'd held her tongue. She'd clearly made him uncomfortable. And worse, she didn't know how to make it better. While she tried to think of how to take back her declaration, he frowned, then pursed his lips. Why, oh why, hadn't she kept silent?

“Cooper, I'm…”

“Don't fret about it.” He nibbled on her ear and kissed the hollow of her throat. “Now, tell me the rest of your news, Miss Dream Squasher.”

“What did you call me?”

“Dream Squasher. Because you stomped mine under your pretty little foot. Now, let's get to your news.”

“I'm part owner of the mercantile. John approached me about it and said he was having some financial difficulty. So I said yes and made the first executive decision. We hired Emmylou to take my place running the store.”

“Of all things.” His grin was back, which dispelled the pall. “I'm away for a few days and you've become a business owner in addition to rancher. What else have you been up to?”

“The women's club has taken off and we have almost forty members. Everyone is so excited and wants to take part.” She paused to fully absorb the impact of Cooper's mouth nuzzling her breast. If she'd been standing, her legs would have gone out from under her. “We're…calling…ourselves…Women of Vision. Please don't stop. I don't think I could stand it.”

Cooper raised his head and growled when her hand, boldly exploring lower and lower, brushed his erection. “You're playing with fire, pretty lady.”

“I do hope so.”

They made love again. Achingly slow, smoldering love. All the sizzling urgency from before settled into slow hot touches and passionate kisses. Then he eased inside her again. She quickly adapted to his rhythm.

Each shuddering wave arched higher and higher, carrying her along a raging stream with nothing to cling to except Cooper's scarred back.

They reached a shuddering climax simultaneously. A long minute later, Cooper rolled off and wrapped her in his arms. His ragged breath ruffled the loose hair at her temple.

As Delta's breathing returned to normal, she traced each scar.

“Penny for your thoughts,” Cooper murmured, voice low.

“I'm a most fortunate woman. I left Georgia with an empty purse and a few letters. Now I have everything I could hope for.” Except marriage. But maybe it would just take time for Cooper to sort things out.

And if he didn't?

Lord help her, she didn't want to consider that. How could she live as a fallen woman like her mother, shunned by society? She'd seen firsthand the difficulties of that type of life.

Yet did she have the strength to let go of the love she'd found?

Why did her choices always have to be all or nothing?

For once, why couldn't she just accept the things that were offered and not want more?