A Good Man for Katie (32 page)

“What?”

“He’s in love with you,” she repeated, her voice full of conviction.

Heat rose to Kathryne’s cheeks. “You must be mistaken.”

“I don’t believe I am. I know love when I see it, and I saw it in the way he looked at you. What’s more, I saw the way you were looking at him. You’re in love with him, too.”

Oh, dear Lord! Does everyone know? Am I that transparent?
“Don’t be ridiculous. He’s an outlaw.”

“You don’t believe that for a moment,” Laurel said, her smile widening. “Wasn’t it you who recounted all his good deeds? Wasn’t it you who said you’d continue to be friendly toward him if you met on the street?” She laughed. “I should have realized then you’d gone soft for the man.”

“No, I haven’t,” Kathryne protested and opened the gate.

“Admit it, Kate.” Laurel followed behind her. “You are.”

“I will admit no such thing, Laurel Stewart! And don’t you say a word about this to anyone!” She almost ran up the walkway leading to the back of the house and Emeline’s kitchen door, her face burning with embarrassment as Laurel’s laughter followed.

Chapter Twenty-One

Kathryne studied her reflection in the mirror, adjusted the ornate comb holding her hair back from her face then pulled the brush through the shining tresses one more time. Satisfied, she rose from the dressing table and twirled, the bottom of her red velvet gown swirling like a bell around her legs. Sarge lay sprawled on his blanket in front of the fire, his muzzle resting on his paws. “How do I look?”

The dog raised his head, brows twitching before he sighed and lowered his head.

“I suppose that means I won’t frighten small children.” Excitement bubbled through her veins and yet, her stomach clenched. Would Chase come? Would she have the opportunity to dance with him just to be in his arms for a moment? The thought made her heart pound a little harder. She hadn’t seen him since she ran into him at the Wagon Wheel, but sometimes, she thought she could feel him watching her.

She inhaled and exhaled slowly in an attempt to soothe her rattled nerves. The Christmas Dance, traditionally held a week before Christmas, wasn’t scheduled to begin for another hour, but being on the committee, she was expected earlier to help with last minute arrangements. Kathryne grabbed her cape from the hook beside the door and adjusted the collar so the fur tickled her neck. “All right, boy, what do you want to do? Do you want to stay here and doze in front of the fire? Or do you want to come into town with me?”

Sarge rose from his spot and shook, his ears flopping against his head before he trotted past her to the kitchen door. His nose nudged the doorknob. Kathryne opened the door and the dog ran out in front of her.

The evening couldn’t have been more perfect if she’d special ordered it. A full moon rose up above the mountain, casting its light on the winter wonderland, and a million stars twinkled in the inky black sky. Kathryne made a wish on the brightest one as she started walking toward town, Sarge romping through the snow ahead of her.

As she approached the town hall, she noticed Francine’s brother, DeWitt. Visiting for the holiday, he graciously accepted their invitation to perform, the leather case containing his violin rested on the sidewalk beside him. His breath plumed from his mouth as he stomped his feet and rubbed his hands together to keep warm.

“Mr. Foxx, why are you standing out here?”

“I was waiting for Fran. As usual, she’s late.”

Kathryne opened the door. “Please come in from the cold.” She held it so he could enter then turned to Sarge, who started to follow the man inside. “You stay here, Sarge.”

The dog gave his little growl-groan before he sank to his haunches beside one of the benches on the sidewalk. Kathryne scratched him behind the ear. “You be a good boy.”

Assured he would stay, she let herself into the building. Emeline and Laurel and some of the other women from the Ladies’ Society were already inside, lighting the candles and making last minute adjustments to the colorful banners hung on the wall. Edna, Jake, and their son, Arlis, were there as well, as the Wagon Wheel had been hired to provide refreshments. A long table, set up in the corner and covered with a hand painted tablecloth, bore the fruits of their labor. Cakes, pies and platters of cookies adorned the table, separated by bowls of punch and the little glasses that matched the bowls.

Kathryne looked around as she unbuttoned her cape and hung it on a hook by the door. Her breath stuck in her throat. In the daylight, the decorated room had a festive charm. Now, with the candles aglow and shimmering against the walls, the venue seemed to have been touched by magic. A smile crossed her lips when she noticed Walter stealing a cookie from one of the platters on the table. He took his bounty and hid behind the evergreen tree, which the children had strewn with strings of popped corn, pinecones and colorful ribbons earlier in the day.

“It’s almost eight,” Emeline said as she glanced at the door a short time later. The residents of Crystal Springs were already lined up outside in the cold. “Are we ready?”

“I believe we are.” Francine adjusted one more banner then stood back and admired her work as Abigail and Laurel set up the last chairs against the wall.

“Kate, you may open the doors.”

Kathryne strode across the room and did as requested.

The first one through the door, Ty Kearney tipped his hat and held out his ticket. “Good evening, Miss O’Rourke.”

“So glad you could come, Marshal.” She took his pass and dropped it into the basket hung over her arm. “Enjoy your evening.”

“Oh, I plan to, ma’am.”

She couldn’t help the smile that crossed her lips as the marshal made a beeline for Laurel, nor could she ignore the twinge of jealousy that swept through her. Since meeting a few days ago, Laurel and Ty had been constant companions and her friend had never looked happier. She tamped down her envy and greeted Viola and Joe Rawlins.

She took more tickets, the pile in her basket growing as quickly groups of two or more filled the room until the entire town was present. Or, at least, with those who wanted to come. Kathryne noticed no one from Willow Creek arrived, although she knew Mrs. Kinsbrough and her ranch hands were aware of the dance. One could hardly walk through town without seeing a poster announcing the event. Perhaps they preferred more spirited libations than the bowls of punch on the table, and chose to listen to the tinny piano at Riley’s instead.

In truth, they and their penchant for causing trouble were not missed, but someone else was. Chase had not come, at least not yet, and disappointment weighed heavily in her heart. Too much had been left unsaid, too many opportunities for her to tell him exactly how she felt had come and gone. She missed him and their stolen moments at her cottage, missed the warmth of his touch, the gentleness of his kiss.

Her mother stepped through the door and placed a kiss on her cheek. “You look beautiful.”

“I’m so glad you could be here.” Kathryne returned the kiss then glanced at the general and nodded. “Father.”

“Kathryne.” Galen also kissed her cheek, surprising her, but she shouldn’t have been surprised. The more time she spent with him, the more he seemed to have changed. They argued less frequently. Indeed, they hardly argued at all now and he rarely mentioned her returning to Washington. Perhaps, he finally saw her as capable of making her own decisions. Or perhaps he realized she wasn’t going to change her mind. Whatever the reason for his attitude, she was enjoying her time with him.

“I’ll take your coats,” she said as the general helped his wife with her winter garments. “Oh, Mama, you look so beautiful,” Kathryne gasped as her mother’s gown was revealed. The cut emphasized her still stunning figure and the color, a deep, rich midnight blue, brought out the roses in her cheeks. She looked young and vibrant. Indeed, even the smile lines around her eyes seemed to have diminished.

She waited while Galen unbuttoned his coat and sucked in her breath. Resplendent in his military uniform, the ribbons pinned to his barrel chest a testament to all his accomplishments, the stars pinned to his collar polished to a bright luster, he looked every inch the general he was. She hung their things next to hers on a hook.

“Enjoy the dancing,” she said as her parents left her to join Emeline and Terrence near the refreshment table.

A few moments later, Francine took the stage and clapped her hands. The chatter in the room died. “Welcome to the fourth annual Christmas Dance. Let’s have a round of applause for Edna and Jake, who provided our refreshments and for Mr. DeWitt Foxx, recently returned from his tour of Europe and some of the grandest ballrooms in San Francisco and New York.”

The room exploded in cheers and claps as Mr. Foxx struck the first chord on his violin. Kathryne closed the door and strode across the room, the heavy basket swinging from her arm. Couples glided to the dance floor. A thrill trickled through her watching her parents in each other’s arms as they swayed to the music. Laurel and Ty were on the dance floor, too. They danced as if they were the only two in the room. Emeline and Terrence were there as well. Such tenderness radiated from their gazes, Kathryne’s heart sank a little more.

Oh, to have what they have! A sigh escaped her. Wishing for it didn’t make it come true.

“Would you care to dance?” Deputy Long stood before her, a sheepish grin on his reddened face. He held out his hand as the music changed tempo, going from slow and sweet to lively and upbeat.

“Yes, thank you.” She placed her hand in his and allowed him to lead her to the dance floor. From that moment on, she didn’t lack for partners and she danced with everyone who asked. A few ranch hands twirled her around in a spirited reel. She’d even danced with Joe, who managed to go through the intricate steps without once stomping on her foot. Viola, his mother, lovely in her Sunday-go-to-meeting dress of light blue festooned with tiny yellow flowers, watched from across the room, her smile warm, her eyes glowing. And yet, none of them could break through the melancholy that settled over her. None of them were Chase.

The music changed tempo again and several couples left the dance floor to avail themselves of the refreshments on the table.

“I have yet to dance with my daughter.” The general bowed before her and extended his hand. “Would you do me the honor?”

Kathryne grinned at her father. “I would love to.”

“Your mother is enjoying herself. I must admit, so am I.” He took her in his arms and started the graceful steps of the waltz that flowed from Mr. Foxx’s violin. “I noticed you have no shortage of partners, but I get the feeling you’re not happy. Are you not having a good time? Is there a special young man who’s yet to ask you to dance?” For the first time in a long time, genuine concern radiated from his expression.

Her father’s kindness was her undoing. A lump rose to her throat and tears sprang to her eyes, blurring her vision. “Oh, Father.”

“Ah, such a beautiful young woman should not have tears in her eyes.” He smiled as they whirled around the room to the flowing music. “Where’s my little soldier, hmmm? Where’s the girl who told me just the other day she was defying my orders and staying in Crystal Springs?”

She smiled, but it was half-hearted smile at best. “She’s here, Father. A little weepy at the moment, but she’s here.”

The music ended and for a moment, Galen didn’t release her. Instead, he drew her into a warm embrace. “Go now, before anyone sees those tears.”

Kathryne excused herself and took a moment to dab at her eyes with the handkerchief she pulled from the bodice of her gown. She took a deep breath to control the emotions swirling within and stepped outside.

“You look…lovely. More beautiful than all the stars in the sky.”

The voice came from the left, the words and the rich timbre thrilling her beyond what would be considered proper. In an instant, her heart picked up its pace to thump in her chest. She didn’t need to turn her head to know who’d made the comment, but she did anyway. He sat on one of the benches, his long legs stretched in front of him, one hand buried in the soft fur around Sarge’s neck. “Chase.” His name dropped from her lips in a whisper. “What are you doing sitting here in the cold? Why don’t you come inside?”

He shrugged then stood and approached her. “I wasn’t invited.” No rancor colored his voice for those who still shunned him.

“No one was invited, Chase. You could have purchased a ticket. They were on sale everywhere.”

“My presence would raise more than a few eyebrows, wouldn’t you agree? Especially with Townsend’s deputies in attendance.” He chuckled, but she sensed something sad in his tone as he removed his duster and placed it over her shoulders. “But I wanted to see you, had to see you.” His hands grasped her upper arms and his voice lowered as he whispered in her ear, “You’re the most beautiful woman in that room, Katie.”

The garment retained his warmth and filled her with undeniable longing. His words made her shiver.

The sweet stirring strains of another waltz floated through the window and Chase turned her in his arms so she faced him, the hard muscles of his chest beneath her hands. Her breath caught in her throat as he lowered his head, but he didn’t kiss her. Instead, he asked, “May I have the honor of this dance?”

He didn’t wait for an answer. He bowed and took her hand. Kathryne let her breath out in a sigh as they started to dance.
This
is where she wanted to be—for now and forever—in his arms, the warmth of his body pressed close, his gaze on her, seeming to see into her soul. He swirled her off the sidewalk into the street to waltz in the bright glow of moonlight. Her heart banged against her ribcage, faster than the beat of the music as they swayed as one. There truly was a place called Heaven and she’d found it.

Sarge, perhaps feeling a bit left out, danced around them, the growl-groan that showed his happiness emitting from deep in his chest.

The music ended too soon to a light round of applause and the announcement that Mr. Foxx would be taking a short break. “You’d better go back inside before you’re missed.” He took her hand and placed a kiss on her knuckles. “Thank you for the dance.”