Mail Order Bride - Westward Sunrise: Historical Cowboy Romance (Montana Mail Order Brides Book 9) (9 page)

              “Yeah.  That sounds good.  You’ll love her music,” Elliot said.

              “Not nearly as much as I love you,” she said.

              “I love you, too.”  Elliot sighed.  “It’s such a relief to be able to say that to you.”

              “I know,” Abby said.  “I was afraid to say it because I didn’t know if you felt the same way.”
              “I’m certainly glad that I just jumped in with both feet,” Elliot said with a wicked smile.

              “Me, too,” she said, and kissed him.  “Okay.  I’m going to go so you can work and I have some things to do.  How about we go for dinner and then to the bar?”

              “Perfect.  I’ll come get you, okay?” Elliot said.

              “Yes,” she said, and stood up.  “Bye, Moose.”

              “See ya, Mouse.”

Joe watched Elliot and Abby walk into the bar.  They held hands and the way they looked at each other told him the whole story.

              “I’ll be damned,” Joe said out loud. 

              Jack asked, “What did you say?”

              “I said, I’ll be damned.”

              “Why?” Jake asked as he poured Gus a beer and slid it down the bar to his friend.

              Joe pushed his hat back on his head and said, “Look at Elliot and Abby and tell me what you see.”

              The bartender turned his blue eyes on the couple and watched them closely for a few moments.  “Hot damn,” he said.

              “Hot damn, indeed,” Joe said.  “Still waters run deep.”

              “I’ll say,” Jake agreed with a grin.  “I think there’s definitely a lot more to Elliot than anyone knows."

              Joe agreed as he watched the couple approach and said, “Hi, kids.  How was your day?”

              “Good,” Elliot said.  “The store was busy, which is always good.  Oh, I wanted to talk to Gus.  I’ll have a beer, Jake.  I’ll be right back, Abby.”

              “Okay,” she said.  “Are you going to sing, Joe?”

              Joe was having a hard time keeping a straight face.  He would definitely tease Elliot about this, but he would never say anything to Abby.  “Uh, no, Miss Porter, I’m afraid not.  I just came to talk to Jake about a couple of horses before going home.  I had a council meeting that ran late thanks to Dean.  I swear sometimes it was a mistake putting him on it.  He’s stubborn and likes to argue.”

              “I’m sure you’re ready to get home to Lacey and Emily,” Abby said with a smile.  She took the beer that Jake gave her and said, “Thanks again for your help yesterday.  He was so surprised.”

              Joe inclined his head and graciously said, “It was my pleasure, Abby.  Anything to further the cause of romance.”

              “It certainly did.” Abby smiled at him and took her beer into the barroom.

              Jake and Joe exchanged amused looks before the mayor took his leave of the establishment.

              As Abby wondered through the noisy barroom, she noticed that there were empty mugs on some of the tables.  She found a free table and put her beer down.  Her nervous energy didn’t permit her to sit right away.  As she began gathering up mugs and shot glasses, Abby hummed a tune.  She twisted and turned through the tables as she made her way in the direction of the bar.

              Jake saw her coming with a bunch of mugs and watched her as she put them on the bar.  Abby spotted a tray lying on the end of the bar and snatched it up.  She continued to hum as she went back to the barroom to pick up more.  Jake removed the empties and sat out another tray.  He wanted to see what she would do when she came back.

              When she did, she said, “Smitty wants three shots and a beer,” to Jake.  She put the tray of empties on the bar and took up the other tray.

              Jake poured the drinks and put them on her tray and away she went again.  She was graceful and handled the tray like she’d been born carrying one.  Jake watched as she gave Smitty his drinks and said something that made him laugh.  Then she continued to gather up more empties and he saw several of the men give her orders as she worked her way back to him again.

              “Four shots for Mike, two beers for Larry, and Eddie wants one shot and one beer,” she said as she switched out the trays again.

              Jake didn’t pour the alcohol right away.  He and Rebecca exchanged amused glances and a silent communication passed between them.  Jake turned back to Abby and said, “You’re hired.”

              “What?” Abby said.  “What do you mean?”

              “Tell me those drinks again,” Jake said, even though he knew what they were.

              She rattled off the list again and waited for the drinks.

              “You’re hired,” Jake said.  “You’re clearing empties and taking orders and serving them like you’ve been doing it for years.  If you want the job, it’s yours.  I’ll pay you well.”

              Abby’s eyes lit up.  She’d been wondering what she was going to do for work and here it was falling right into her lap.  “Okay.  What kind of money are we talking?”

              “Sixteen a week and you keep your tips,” Jake said.

              Abby whistled.  “That’s good money.”

              Jake nodded.  “I think you’re worth it.  Now, look; you didn’t come to work tonight.  Can you start tomorrow night, though?”

              Abby squealed and bounced on her feet a little.  “Yes!  Thank you!”

              “No, thank
you
,” Jake said.

“It’s gonna be so fun,” Abby said. “I know I’m not working tonight, but I still have to take those drinks.”

              “All right, but this is it then, okay?” Jake said as he began working on them.

              “Yes.”

              “Yes, what?” Jake said with a smile.

              Abby laughed and said, “Yes, boss.”  Then she took her tray and did a little dance as she left.  Not a drop of alcohol spilled, Jake noted.

              Rebecca laughed and said, “Honey, I think you just found the perfect waitress.”

              Jake said, “Or she found us.  Either way, it’s gonna be great to have her aboard.  Honey, can you watch the bar a minute?  I think I saw Owl earlier.  I want to talk to him a minute.”

              “Okay, but there’s a price for my services,” Rebecca said suggestively.

              Jake kissed her and said, “I’ll pay whatever it is you want.”

              “Owl!”

              The Lakota brave turned around at the sound of his name being called.  He was playing darts with Hannah.  “Hi, Jake.”

              “Hi.  Hey, Hannah,” Jake said.

              “Hi, Jake,” she said.

              “Owl, I just hired Abby as a waitress.  Do you know any of your Lakota buddies who would be willing to walk her home at night?  She’s living in Jolene’s cottage,” Jake explained.

              Owl thought about it for a moment and then said, “Yes.  I think I know someone who would be available.”

              “Ok.  Send him to me so we can talk money, okay?” Jake said.

              “Sure,” Owl said.

              Jake clapped him on the back and said, “Thanks.  You guys have fun.”

              As Elliot had talked to Gus, he’d noticed Abby going back and forth with a tray and bringing back empty mugs and such.  Knowing Abby’s inability to sit still long, he just smiled as he watched her.  When he was done talking with Gus, Elliot followed Abby back into the barroom and sat with her at the table she’d chosen. 

              He was startled when she grabbed his arm and said, “Jake just hired me to be his waitress!  Isn’t that great?  It’s really good money, too.  He wants me to start tomorrow night.  I didn’t mean for that to happen.  I was just helping out a little until you were done with Gus.  I can’t believe it.”

              Elliot’s eyebrows rose.  “You’re going to work here?”

              “Moose, pay attention.  That’s what I just said.  I’m so excited.”

              Elliot wasn’t sure how he felt about it.  He knew the saloon could be rough and he was concerned for her safety.  Of course, Ben wouldn’t let anything happen to her and Elliot knew that Ben was as lethal as Sammi.  With Abby’s boundless energy and unusual ability for memorization, Elliot could see where she’d be a big asset to Jake.  He looked at Abby’s eager face and smiled.

              “Well, I don’t think Jake could have chosen a better waitress.  Congratulations on your new job, Miss Porter,” he said.

              Her smile stole his breath away.  “Thank you!  I can’t wait to hear Rebecca play.  Oh!  I have to tell Ben that I’m going to be working with him.”  She kissed Elliot and then ran to find Ben. 

              Ben liked to silently prowl the barroom and strike as soon as a problem started.  Sometimes all it took was a few choice words to settle down a bad actor, but other times he had to get physical and those times were the ones he loved best.  He and Sammi shared the same affinity for controlled violence and had traded many stories about experiences they’d had while on the job.

              When Ben had said that he was impressed with Sammi, he hadn’t been kidding.  That a woman could hold her own against almost any man the way she could had made quite an impression on him.  He, too, was extremely skilled in the art of fighting, but if there was ever an occasion where he had to come up against Sammi, he wasn’t sure who’d come out on top. 

              Before he’d started working for Jake, he’d almost jumped in a couple of times when trouble had arisen, but had known better than to step on Sammi’s toes because he’d have been next on her hit list.  So he’d refrained from acting.  He’d been entertained not only by her physical prowess, but by her smart mouth.  

              As he slowly made his way around the back of the barroom, he noticed Abby coming his way and wondered what was going on.  She looked excited.  And beautiful. 

              “Ben!  Guess what?” Abby said.

              He smiled at her and said, “Well, now, Miss Porter, I’m skilled at many things, but mind reading isn’t one of them.  I give up.”

              “Well, that’s not very sporting.  You’re not even going to try to guess?” she said.

              Ben said, “All right.  Does it have to do with us now being coworkers?”

              “Aw, who told you?” Abby asked.

              “You did.  Well, I overheard you telling Elliot as I passed by.  I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, I swear,” Ben said.

              “That’s ok.  Isn’t it great?” Abby said, and grabbed his forearm.

              “Yes, it is.  I look forward to working with you.  Rest assured I’ll keep you safe.  If anyone lays one finger on you, I will make them extremely sorry,” Ben said.

              There was something menacing in Ben’s words, but Abby recognized that it wasn’t directed at her.  “Thank you.  Okay, well that was all I wanted to tell you, but you already knew.  I’m so excited.  You probably realize that by now, but, well, anyway, I’ll let you get back to work.”  She gave Ben’s arm a last squeeze and then ran back to Elliot.

              Ben watched her go and grinned as he thought once again how pretty she was. 

              Elliot watched Abby, but he also watched Ben.  His eyes narrowed as he recognized the male appreciation in the bouncer’s eyes as Ben followed Abby’s progress back to their table.  When Abby sat down, he paid attention to what she was saying but he caught Ben’s eye and silently issued a challenge.

              Ben wasn’t expecting the steely glare Elliot sent his way.  He got Elliot’s “hands off” message loud and clear.  He hadn’t known he’d given away his appreciation of Abby, but then again Elliot was a very sharp fellow, so it wasn’t all that surprising.  Ben gave a nod to Elliot and smiled.  Elliot nodded back and then turned away from Ben and gave Abby his full attention.

              Reckless walked Abby home the next night.  His name meant the same thing in English and Lakota and he lived up to his name.  If a challenge or dare was issued, he was the first one to attempt it.  When Owl had asked him if he wanted to make some money, Reckless had jumped at the chance and thanked his uncle.  His father, He Who Runs, had given him permission to take the job and the Lakota youth had been very appreciative.

              He liked Jake and had been amused at Jake’s confusion over his young age.  At seventeen, Reckless didn’t necessarily look dangerous, but he was strong and quick and his propensity for danger made him a wild card in any situation.  Jake knew that if Owl was vouching for Reckless then the boy must be able to handle the job.

              Reckless laughed almost the whole time they walked.  That Abby spoke Lakota was refreshing and he actually enjoyed hearing about her night.  He quickly found out that she had a habit of latching onto people’s arms when she got excited about something.  It had disturbed him at first, but he got used to it.  This kind of behavior was not usually exhibited by Lakota women and he found it odd.

              When he’d first met Abby that evening she’d shocked him by saying, “I’m sorry for your loss.”

              She’d noticed his short hair and understood that in his culture, the only time hair was cut was if a person was mourning.  Reckless had lost his favorite aunt on his mother’s side a few weeks prior.  Abby’s sensitivity impressed him.

              Even while he was being entertained by Abby, Reckless was constantly on the alert for danger.  As they neared her cottage, Reckless made a Lakota silencing signal to Abby.  She understood and became concerned when he put himself in front of her as he pushed her into taking a wide berth around the corner of the cottage.

              Peering into the shadows, Reckless saw a figure standing by the cottage door.  The person moved and Reckless recognized Owl.

              “Checking up on me, uncle?” he asked with a smile.

              Owl said, “Sorry, but I had to make sure you didn’t take Abby along on some wild adventure.” 

              Reckless laughed.  “No.  I’ll always make sure she’s safely home before doing anything like that.  You have my word.”

              “I believe you.  How was your first night at work, Abby?” Owl asked.

              “It was great.  I made a ton of money in tips,” she said.  “Your nephew has been wonderful.  I feel completely safe with him.”

              “Good.  I’m not surprised about you getting a lot of tips.  You’re already a good waitress,” Owl said.  “Well, both of you have a good night.  Try to behave, Reckless.”

              He faded from sight and Abby couldn’t tell where he’d gone.  Reckless stood guard while she unlocked her door and went inside.  “Thank you, Reckless.  It’s been so nice meeting you and I look forward to being friends.”

              “Thanks.  Same here.  See you tomorrow night,” Reckless said, and slipped silently away.

              Abby locked the door and moved to light a lamp, but a hand clamped down on hers and she cried out. 

              “It’s ok, Mouse.  It’s just me.”

              “Damn it, Elliot!  You scared the hell out of me!” Abby said, and struck out at Elliot.

              He grunted as she made contact with his side.  “I hope you don’t mind that I used the key you gave me.”

              He cupped her face and ran his thumbs over her cheeks. 

              “Other than scaring me, no.  Warn me next time,” she said.

              “So it’s ok if there’s a next time?” he said, and lightly kissed her.

              Abby nodded and said, “Mmm hmm,” against his mouth.

              He broke the kiss and she said, “It’s late.  Shouldn’t you be sleeping?”

              “Couldn’t,” he said as he picked her up.

              “Elliot!” she said with a giggle.  “Don’t you drop me.”

              “Never,” he assured her as carried her to her room and dropped her on the bed.

              “You said you wouldn’t drop me!” she said as she bounced a little.

              “I meant I wouldn’t ever drop you where you could get hurt.  I should have clarified that.  Sorry,” Elliot said.

              Abby sat up on the bed and Elliot tipped her over.  “Hey!” she objected even as she laughed. 

              “What’s the matter?  Why can’t you stay upright?” he teased her as he took off his shirt.

              “You’re a bully, Moose,” she said as she scooted away from him and sat up again.

              “Me?  Nah.  Not me,” he said, smiling.  He took off his glasses and sat them on her dresser. 

              Abby was itching to touch him and knew there was one sure fire way to get him close enough to her for that.  She started taking off her dress and before she was finished he took her in his arms and began helping her.  Elliot finally understood what passion felt like. He wanted more of Abby and knew he always would.  That night they played and loved and fell asleep somewhere near dawn.

              Jack was in the foulest mood Dean had ever seen.  He was surly to everyone and when he smarted off to Tessa about something, Dean had had enough.

              They’d been eating dinner and when he made his rude comment, Dean stood up and pointed out the door.  “Outside, now, Jack.”

              “What for?”

              “You don’t talk to your mother like that.  Now move it!” Dean said, and pointed again. 

              Jack tossed his fork down on his plate and slammed out the door.  The twins weren’t perturbed by this at all.  In fact, they laughed.  Mikey kept silent.  He had been on the receiving end of his father’s anger and didn’t envy Jack. 

              “What’s your problem, Jack?” Dean asked as he came outside.

              “Why do you always have to know my business?” Jack said.

              Dean said, “When you speak to my wife in that tone, whatever is bothering you becomes my business.  Let’s get that straight right now.  Don’t make me ask you again.  The only time you act like this is when you’re really upset.”

              Jack struck out and hit one of the porch roof support posts hard enough to make it shake a little.

              “Jesus, Jack!” Dean shouted.  “Don’t break the damn porch!”

              Jack’s chest heaved as he said, “She’s getting married.  Her father set up an arranged marriage.”

              “Oh, crap,” Dean said.

              Jack sat down on the porch swing and put his head in his hands.  “I’m an idiot, Pa,” he said.  “I shoulda married her while I had the chance, but I was afraid that it would have caused more trouble between Dawson and the tribe.”

              Dean sat down with him.  “It probably would have, son.  As much as this hurts, you did the right thing.”

              “Then how come it feels so wrong?”

              “Because you love her and when you’re in love like that, the only thing that feels right is being with the person you love,” Dean replied.  He felt terrible for Jack and helpless because there wasn’t much he could do for his son.

              “I don’t know if I’m gonna make it through this, Pa.  I didn’t go to the camp right away this year because she wouldn’t be there and I knew it would make the hurt worse.  Then I finally decided that I needed answers and went.  I was right; it made it worse.  The answers I got sure as hell weren’t the ones I wanted to hear,” Jack said.

              “I know, and I can’t tell you how sorry I am,” Dean said.

              “Thanks.  I’m sorry for the way I’ve been acting.  I’ll go apologize to Mama,” Jack said as he rose from the swing.

              Dean watched their son go back in the house.  He wished there was something that could be done about the situation.  He sighed, looked up at the heavens, and prayed for a solution.

              Abby’s first week at work passed quickly.  It was a blur of fun and romance.  She enjoyed the work, which kept her moving, and Jake was a great boss.  When Saturday morning came, she ran into the store and found Elliot stocking shelves near the back of the store.

              “Hi, handsome,” she said.

              Elliot loved it when she said things like that to him.  He smiled and said, “Hello there, pretty lady,” in his best Texan accent.

              Abby laughed.  “Not bad.  You should do that for Joe and see what he says.”

              “I’ll have to do that.  So what are you doing?” Elliot asked.

              “I was thinking that since it’s a nice day, it would be nice to go on a picnic,” Abby replied.

              Elliot’s face lit up.  “That’s a great idea.”

              “All right.  I’ll get it all ready and then you come and get me,” Abby said.

              Sudden inspiration hit Elliot.  “Wear your Indian outfit.  There’s somewhere I want to take you.  Don’t ask where.  It’s a surprise.”

              Abby groaned a little.  “Now I’m going to be wondering about it all day.”

              Elliot chuckled. “A little anticipation is good for you.”

              “You’re mean,” Abby said.

              Elliot nodded.  “I know.”

              “I guess I should go so I can get our lunch together,” she said.

              “Okay.  I’ll come just as soon as I can,” Elliot said.

              She gave him a kiss and went on her way.

              Elliot finished stocking shelves and went up to the register.  Ben Walker entered the store and Elliot’s stomach clenched as anger started inside his chest.

              “Ben, can you come with me?” he asked as he walked over to Ben.

              “Sure,” Ben said.

              Elliot left Rachel in charge of the counter again and took him into his office. He shut the door.  Elliot rounded on Ben and pushed him against the wall.  Ben’s shock showed in his green eyes.

              “I’m only going to say this once, Ben.  I see the way you look at Abby and I don’t like it.  If I find out that you make any inappropriate advances towards her, I’ll make you sorry.  We’re in love and we’re going to be married.  She’s taken.  Do you understand me?”

              Ben wasn’t afraid of Elliot. He could have snapped Elliot’s wrist at any time.  However, Ben respected Elliot for confronting him head on about Abby.

              “I don’t see a ring on her pretty little finger,” Ben said.

              Elliot’s nostrils flared and he pushed Ben harder against the wall.  “You will very soon.  It might not be physically present, but the intent is there.  Remember that.  Do we have an understanding?”

              Ben nodded.  “Yes, Elliot, we do.”

              Elliot removed his hand and stepped away from Ben.  The two men looked at each other for a few moments and then Ben left the office.

              Elliot was proud of himself for taking charge of the situation and making his position clear to Ben.  When he came out of his office, he whistled as he went into the storeroom to organize merchandise.

              Dean heard Tessa screaming his name and raced from the field in which he’d been working.  She spotted him and began running in his direction.  When the met, she threw herself in his arms and hugged him close.  She was laughing and crying at the same time.

              “Honey, what is it?” Dean asked as he pulled back from her.

              Her eyes were alight with joy as she said, “They want to publish my book!  They want to do it very soon.  And look how much they want to pay me for it!” she said as she handed him a letter.

              Dean read it and his eyes bugged out of his head at the figure listed.  “Holy hell, Tessa.  That’s incredible!”

              She hugged him again and her happiness was transmitted to Dean.  He picked her up and spun her around in a circle as they laughed and kissed.

              “I am so proud of you, honey.  You worked so hard and I just knew they would want it.”

              “You did?” Tessa asked.

              Dean nodded.  “I did.  I’ve always had faith in you.”

              “I know and I can’t thank you enough for giving me the freedom to pursue my dreams,” Tessa said.

              “I would do anything to make you happy,” Dean told her.

              She kissed him and said, “I have to go to New York to sign the papers.  They want to meet me.”

              Dean absorbed that information.  “All right.  Let’s go then,” he said.

              Tessa’s eyes widened.  “You want to go with me?”

              “Yeah.  Let’s make it a honeymoon, sweetheart.  We never got to go and I think it’s high time we did,” he said with a grin.