Jake's Honor (Cowboys 0f Coulee Crossing; Romancing The West Book 1) Page 11

  “Because you made it one.” Levi pushed back from the table so fast, his chair skidded away. “Why don’t you just marry Connie and let Megan be your daughter?” He slammed from the house.

  Jake glanced around the table. No one looked at him. “Is that what you all think?”

  Audrey lifted her head. “There are worse reasons for marrying, but you’re the only one who can decide what’s right for you.”

  He jerked to his feet, ignoring his painful ribs, and strode outside. Levi, thankfully, was nowhere to be seen.

  Audrey’s words sliced through his thoughts. Worse reasons for marriage? Was she suggesting that Jake marry Connie just to give Megan a home? As if she would agree to it. She’d been absolutely clear that she didn’t intend to take Celia’s place. And how else would she see such an arrangement?

  Besides, marrying for such a reason was not a risk he meant to take, especially when he was so confused about his feelings for Connie.

  He plunked down on one of the chairs and waited, hoping Connie would come out.

  An hour later Connie hadn’t come out, and he dozed in the warmth of the day. His brothers had gone to the barn as if they couldn’t abide his company and Audrey had wandered up the hill saying she needed some time to think. He didn’t ask what she needed to think about. He was too wrapped up in his own miserable thoughts.

  A little later he heard Megan cry and Connie’s soft voice calming her. Would she stay indoors or bring the little one out?

  Bowser immediately went to the door and barked.

  Megan answered in her baby babble, and Bowser turned around in excited circles.

  “Crazy dog,” Jake muttered. “What are you going to do when she leaves? Mope around?” Bigger question, what was Jake going to do? He’d let himself care far more than he should. He hadn’t been able to stop himself. But he could rein in his heart here and now.

  He took a firm grip on himself just as the door opened and Connie carried Megan outside.

  Bowser yipped, begging Connie to put Megan down. She did so, and Bowser lay down to let the baby crawl on him.

  Connie sat down with a chair between them. He couldn’t help but think it was on purpose.

  “I am not responsible for what Levi says.” He heard the hurt tone in his voice.

  “I know. But I realize I’m bound to cause speculation from everyone who sees me here. They’ll assume one of you is the father. They’ll judge all of you. They’ll judge me. Worse, they’ll judge Megan.” A beat of heavy silence. “How long will it take to build the bridge?”

  “We have to go into the mountains to find trees big enough to span the coulee. That’ll take two or three days. Then we will need to cut cross pieces. If all goes well, it should be ready by the end of the week.”

  She didn’t say anything, but he could see she mulled over his words. Finally, she spoke. “I’m being an awful nuisance. And that’s something I’ve tried to avoid all my life.”

  “Because of what your parents said. I remember. The difference is we don’t mind helping you. I don’t mind helping you.”

  She glanced at him and away again as if she couldn’t bring herself to look at him. “Thank you for saying that.”

  “I’ve said it, but I don’t think you believe it.”

  Her gaze hit him full force. He didn’t blink or shift his gaze.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  He sorted through his thoughts to bring them into order. He was convinced he had hit upon a truth that applied to more than her fear of being a nuisance. He thought of how she compared herself negatively to Celia and assumed everyone else did too. “My pa used to say you could win an argument but that didn’t mean you’d changed your opponent’s mind. He said people had great difficulty giving up a notion they’d clung to for years. I think it’s that way with you. You heard your parents say you were a nuisance, and you believed it to be true. What if it isn’t true?”

  She blinked. Opened her mouth and closed it again. She turned away and stared into the distance.

  “I didn’t mean to offend you.”

  “Of course not. But if you’re right and I’m wrong—” She shook her head. “I know what I heard.”

  “I’m not suggesting you didn’t. What I’m saying is does it apply to any other part of your life? Connie, you aren’t a nuisance. You’re a welcome guest. We enjoy your company.”

  “I’ve done my best to help out though I confess I’m often sidetracked by needing to care for Megan.”

  “Which no one judges you for.” Seeing she was still unconvinced, he added, “Except you.”

  She jerked around to face him. “That makes me sound self-pitying.”

  “No, Connie, you aren’t self-pitying. You are strong and determined. Someone to admire.”

  “How do you see that?”

  “I saw how you were patient and gentle with Celia. Then, even though you were hurt when she left without explanation, when she asked for your help, you went to her side and stayed with her as she passed. You took a child who wasn’t yours. You faced condemnation from your own family, and you did not give in. Then you traveled out here and faced me.” He chuckled as he recalled something else. “You won over Sal with how you handled the chuckwagon, and that’s not something that has ever happened before.”

  “It was easy. He did all the work.”

  He ignored her attempt to deny what she’d done. “It all shows what you are made of. You are strong as steel, gentle as the dew.”

  Color stained her cheeks at his compliment. “Is that really how you see me?”

  “Connie, not only do I see you that way. It is who you are.”

  He detected a sheen of tears in her eyes. “Has no one ever told you good things about yourself?”

  She rocked her head back and forth, her gaze averted.

  “That’s a cruel oversight.” If he had the chance, he would fill her head with good words.

  Bowser rose, his hackles up. He growled as he looked toward the trail. He gave a warning bark that brought the others from the barn where they stayed to see what bothered the dog.

  Jake strained to see what had caused the dog to rise. It was a moment or two before the shape of a horse and rider emerged from the shadows of the trees. He’d forgotten about the man they had seen earlier. Assumed he was long gone. Perhaps this was another man. Though it was odd to see two riders in one day.

  Jake rose and stood on the edge of the porch. Connie picked up Megan and stood beside him. He kept his eye on the approaching man, fully aware that his brothers remained watchful from the barn.

  Audrey had not returned. Jake hoped she would stay out of sight until they could determine if this man posed a threat or was welcome company.

  The stranger waved as he drew nearer. “Howdy,” he called.

  Jake lifted his hand halfway, not yet ready to let down his guard. “Come on in,” he called.

  The rider approached slowly and reined in twenty feet from the porch. “Nice to see some friendly faces.”

  Jake thought the stranger’s smile was too wide, too eager.

  “Name’s Russ Howard. I been riding most of the day. You’re the first people I’ve seen.”

  “Where’re you headed?” Jake asked, not caring for the way the stranger eyed Connie.

  “Just lookin’ round. Heard about this country and had to see for myself.” He leaned forward, resting his forearms on his mount’s neck, looking casual and relaxed. His gaze swept his surroundings then returned to watching Connie. She edged closer to Jake, half hiding behind him. He shifted to provide better protection.

  “Help yourself to water if you want.” Jake pointed toward the barn and the pump though there was plenty of water in the creek and nearby springs.

  “Thanks, but I already refreshed myself.” He sat up. “Don’t think I got your name.”

  Because Jake hadn’t given it. “Jake Hooper. Those are my brothers over there.”

  “They got names?”

  �
��Blaze, Cash, and Levi Hooper.”

  “That your wife?”

  “Miss Sewall and her niece.”

  He knew the man looked at Megan, trying to determine who the baby belonged to. Jake offered no explanation.

  “Mind if I get down and stretch my legs a spell?”

  “Suit yourself.”

  Jake knew he wasn’t being hospitable, but something about the man didn’t sit right with him.

  The visitor dismounted and tied the reins to the hitching post. He took another good look around then returned to studying Connie and Megan, making Jake’s muscles clench, reminding him how he hurt all over.

  Behind him footsteps sounded. Audrey must have slipped in the other door that they seldom used. Then the door at his back opened. “Jake, invite the man in for coffee.”

  “My sister, Miss Hooper.” He provided Audrey with the visitor’s name. “He’s just passing through.” He stepped aside to allow the man to enter.

  The others trotted over from the barn. They were soon seated around the table with cups full of coffee and a plate piled high with cookies. Connie sat beside Jake and he positioned himself to partially hide her as the man continued to openly look at her.

  “How long you planning to be in the area?” Blaze asked.

  “Don’t have a time limit. I’ll stay until I’m satisfied with what I see.”

  Jake wondered if that meant Connie.

  “Looking for anything in particular?” Blaze’s tone indicated he had his doubts about the man too.

  “Just looking.” Mr. Howard shifted his gaze to Blaze. “See the trail stops at the coulee than begins again on the other side. I’m guessing there used to be a bridge.”

  “Uh huh. It washed out.” Blaze answered the man.

  “Suppose you’ll be rebuilding it.”

  “At some point we will.” Blaze’s responses were spoken politely but it was plain he didn’t mean to share any information with this man.

  Mr. Howard’s interest returned to Connie. “Sewall. Seems I should recognize that name.” He narrowed his eyes and studied her openly. “You seem familiar. Do I know you from somewhere?”

  * * *

  Connie leaned back, hiding behind Jake. Bowser had followed the men in and pressed to her knee, a low growl coming from him. She patted his head, finding comfort and strength in his protectiveness.

  She’d seen the visitor or someone like him back in Broadstone. But it had been from a distance so she might have been mistaken. From the moment he’d ridden into the yard, she’d been trying to remember every detail of the man she’d seen. What she mostly recalled was holding Celia back. She recalled Celia’s words at the time.

  “I want to see where they’re going. Did you see the leader? He’s handsome, isn’t he?”

  He was lean like this man. Sparse even. He’d worn a felt cowboy hat, rolled at the sides. Like this man wore, but that meant nothing. She’d only glimpsed his face as he passed. All she could remember was dark eyes. This man had dark eyes. Which proved nothing. Yet her sense of caution said he could be the same man. Unlikely as it seemed

  That day she’d told Celia, “Stay away. You’re inviting trouble.”

  “Phooey. You’re so afraid of getting into trouble that you miss all the fun.” She’d pulled free and hurried down the street in the direction of the man and the others with him.

  Connie had rushed after her, caught her arm, and forced her to stop. “What’s wrong with you? You’ve been seeing Jake. Spending time with him. Are you leading him on?”

  “Of course not.” Celia had looked longingly at the group of men who had stopped further down the street, and then she slowly turned away. “Guess you can’t blame a girl for wanting a little excitement now and then.”

  They’d returned home and Connie thought that was the end of it.

  But was it? Had Celia looked up the man without Connie’s knowledge? A year and a half ago, she would have said it wasn’t possible. Celia told her everything. But then she learned Celia had her secrets.

  Still, if this was the same man, what was he doing out here? It seemed a huge coincidence.

  She realized the man waited for her answer. “I’m sure I would have remembered.” She had to be mistaken. Getting edgy because of the way he looked at her. “I need to tend the baby.” Megan in her arms, she hurried down the hall.

  A few minutes later she heard the scrape of chairs being shoved back. The outer door opened and closed. Footsteps thudded on the porch floor. She strained to hear a horse ride away and when she did, she let out a hot breath. But they might have invited him to stay for supper and the horse was only being led to the barn, so she remained in the room despite Megan’s protests.

  Footsteps sounded in the hallway and someone knocked on her door.

  “Connie,” Jake called softly. “He’s gone.”

  She opened the door. “I suppose I’m being foolish, but he made me nervous. The way he looked at me. The questions he asked.”

  “He was much too bold.”

  “If he recognized me, it would be from back at Broadstone. What would he be doing way out here?”

  “It could be that he’s bluffing. He didn’t mention Broadstone. Perhaps he thinks acting like he recognizes you will make you favorably disposed to him.”

  “Maybe.” It made more sense than thinking he was the same man she’d seen in Broadstone. She felt considerably relieved. “Where did he go?”

  “I don’t know. Hope it’s a long way from here.”

  “You didn’t care for him?”

  “Like I said, he was much too bold.”

  They reached the kitchen. Seeing that Audrey prepared supper, Connie said, “I’ll help. Jake, would you mind taking Megan outside? She tends to get underfoot.”

  “Of course.” He groaned as he took her in his arms.

  “I’m sorry. I forgot how much you hurt.”

  “I’m fine. We’ll enjoy each other’s company, won’t we, Miss Meggie?”

  Megan patted his chin, bringing a chuckle from Jake.

  Connie realized it was a gesture the baby reserved for Jake alone. Not that it meant anything.

  The door closed behind them and she turned to help Audrey.

  A little later the meal was ready, and the men trooped in. Jake carried Megan and they laughed together about something.

  Connie watched them. If only.

  But there were no if onlys. She couldn’t waste time dreaming impossible dreams. As soon as she could get back to Fort Macleod she had to get down to serious living.

  The next morning Levi, Chase, and Blaze left to get material for the bridge.

  “I agreed to stay back,” Jake explained at Connie’s surprise that he wasn’t with the others. “Partly to let my ribs heal.” They were on the porch where they had bid the others good-bye. He squinted down the trail to where they would build the bridge. “But also because none of us are comfortable leaving you ladies here unprotected.”

  Connie’s conscience had smote her last night. “I haven’t been completely honest with you.”

  “How is that?”

  “I might have recognized Mr. Howard, though I can’t be sure.” She told him how he reminded her of someone she’d seen back in Broadstone. “But that doesn’t seem possible. Of all the places in this vast country, what are the chances he’d accidently stumble across my path? So, I have to believe he only bears a resemblance to the man.”

  “The idea that he would be the same man seems far-fetched. But he seemed to know you…or recognize your name.”

  “Like you said, he might be pretending in the hopes I would welcome his attention.” She shuddered. “I wouldn’t.”

  Aware that Jake studied her long and hard, she kept her gaze lowered to where Megan and Bowser played. She didn’t want to see disappointment or judgment in his eyes.

  “Why is that?” His question was so different than what she expected that she looked at him and then couldn’t turn away from the intensity of his gaze.r />
  “Why is what?” She couldn’t think what he meant.

  “Why wouldn’t you welcome Mr. Howard’s attention?” His gaze probed into her deepest thoughts, her darkest secrets.

  She blinked, shuttering them from him. She wouldn’t even admit to herself the things she longed for, because they were impossible and must stay buried. But she had to say something.

  “Because if he is the same man then he is looking for Celia, and I will never be a Celia substitute.”

  “Why would he be looking for Celia? You said she didn’t go after him.”

  “Celia started going out every evening and didn’t tell me where she was going. Or said she was going out with you. But then one time when she said that, I saw you and Cash riding down the street, so I knew she wasn’t telling the truth. I’m sorry. I never meant to tell you that.”

  “It isn’t anything I didn’t suspect.” He rocked back in his chair and stared into space. Then leaned closer to her. “Do you think he’s…?” He tipped his head toward Megan.

  “Her father? Surely not.” She shuddered at the prospect. “If he thinks so, will he claim her?”

  Jake laughed, a sound totally lacking in merriment. “Celia knew he, or whoever the father is, wouldn’t have a chance at getting Megan with my name on the birth records. Besides, Mr. Howard didn’t strike me as the sort to want to raise a child.”

  They both watched Megan toddling after the dog.

  “Then what does he want?” she asked.

  “I’ll have to believe he doesn’t really know you. Or Celia.”

  “I hope you’re right.” But what if it was the same man and he had a nefarious reason for having followed her here?

  11

  Jake could see that Connie was worried about Mr. Howard even though he’d done his best to convince her the man couldn’t be the one she saw back in Broadstone. He had to do something to lighten her mood.

  “Would you like to go for walk? We might encounter some more wildlife. And even if we don’t, the views are always worthwhile.” He’d stay close to the buildings and keep a watch for any intruders.