Whirlwind Bride

Miz Susannah Phelps had some explaining to do. Riley told himself it should be enough that he’d escaped her marriage trap. It wasn’t. Aware now of the real reason she’d come to Whirlwind—to him!—he had to know what would’ve happened if he’d agreed to marry her. Would she have told him she was expecting?

Trying to calm the angry disbelief perking inside him, he saddled Whip. He made it to town in record time, going straight to the Whirlwind Hotel. She wasn’t there. He asked the desk clerk, Penn Wavers, if he knew where Susannah had gone, but the nearly deaf old man just smiled and told Riley to sign the register.

Jaw clenched, he walked out and looked up and down the dusty street. Just like yesterday, cool sunshine glittered off the plate glass of Whirlwind’s businesses. There were only so many places she could be; if he had to go in every one of them to find her, so be it.

Turning, he moved quickly down the planked walk, going into the bank, the Pearl Restaurant, peering into Davis Lee’s office, but there was no glint of silvery-blond hair. Just as he turned away from the sheriff’s window, he saw Susannah coming out of Haskell’s General Store across the street.

“Miz Phelps!”

She turned and he saw apprehension flicker across her pretty features.

As he neared, she backed up against one of the rough wood columns that supported the awning. Shoulders taut, she looked poised to bolt. He figured if the lady thought she had a prayer of outrunning him, she would’ve chanced it.

She held a soft, lumpy package wrapped in brown paper and tied with string. She clutched it closer as he stopped inches away from her.

Her delicate scent teased him. She wore a white, soft wool dress with thin red stripes, too pretty and frothy to be practical for this part of the country. Thick, gleaming hair was piled atop her head like silky sunshine. Just the sight of her made Riley’s mouth water, and it wasn’t because she reminded him of his favorite candy.

She looked cool and sweet; he just bet she would taste that way, too. Damn.

Sky-blue eyes regarded him warily. Her chest rose and fell rapidly. The fabric of her dress pulled taut across her breasts with each breath. She was one fine-looking woman. He might not want to marry her, but that didn’t mean he was blind. He forced his gaze to her eyes.

“Mr. Holt.”

He doubted she’d be so formal once he told her what he knew. “I need to talk to you.”

“I’m on my way to—”

“Now.” He gripped her elbow, not hard enough to bruise that creamy flesh, but firmly enough that she knew he meant business.

He tugged her over so that they stood away from the street and against the wall of the store. The wall without a window.

She pulled away from him, paper crackling as she hugged the package to her. “What do you want? I don’t like to be manhandled.”

“There are a few things I don’t like, either, such as being lied to.”

She went as still as a spooked rabbit. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about your little secret.”

She started to turn away. “I don’t have time for—”

“Your baby.”

The words were enough to stop her. She faced him, eyes wide with horror. “Adam told you?”

“Damn straight.”

Tension vibrated in her body, and he knew if he touched her, she’d be as rigid as a wagon axle.

“I asked him not to say anything,” she whispered harshly, her gaze darting around.

“He didn’t say it plain. Still protective as all get-out.” She was so pale that Riley thought she might faint. That wouldn’t surprise him a bit. “He reminded me of a situation with a girl we knew at university. The same thing happened to her.”

“So he didn’t—”

“No. Your secret’s safe, though you can’t keep it quiet forever.”

She let out a slow breath, a hint of color returning to her face. “I don’t know why you’re concerned. It’s not your problem.”

“I have to wonder if you would’ve told me the truth, had I agreed to marry you.”

“Of course!”

“Now, how do I know that?” His gaze skimmed over her full breasts, her still-defined waist.

Before he could ask when the baby was due, Tony Santos rushed up. Doffing his hat, he gave Riley a quick hello before turning to Susannah. “Miz Phelps, did you get the telegram all right?”

“Yes, thank you, Mr. Santos.”

“I sent my nephew as soon as it came in, just like you asked.”

“I appreciate that.” She smiled, not showing any signs of the impatience clawing through Riley.

He cleared his throat, giving the older man an expectant look.

Tony shifted from one foot to the other, then smiled at Susannah. “I hope you’re having a nice day, ma’am.”

“Thank you.”

Riley stared hard at him until the older man stammered a goodbye.

As Tony walked away, she glared at Riley. “There’s no need to be rude.”

“How far along are you, anyway?”

“Just at five months,” she said tightly, flushing a dark rose. “I hardly think this conversation is appropriate.”

“Honey, you tried to hitch up with me. It doesn’t get more appropriate than that.”

“Must you keep bringing that up? We were both there. It’s not as if I don’t know what an idiot I made of myself.”

“I wouldn’t say you were an—what is that?”

“What?” Still sounding vexed, she looked over her shoulder.

“On your hand.” He’d caught a glint of something shiny, something gold. On her third finger. Lifting her left hand, he felt his jaw drop. “What is this?”

“A ring.”

“A wedding ring,” he clarified, his gaze shooting to hers. Her hand was stiff and hot. And tiny. Surely she hadn’t already married? He’d dropped her off at the hotel less than twenty-four hours ago!

“Yes, a wedding ring.” She snatched her hand away.

“You move fast.”

“It’s none of your concern.”

“I may not be marrying you, but I am still a friend of your family. I can’t just let you—”

“You have no say, Mr. Holt. None.” Color blazed in her high cheekbones, turning her eyes the color of heated sapphires. In spite of the irritation spiking inside him, Riley’s body hardened. She scrambled his thoughts quicker than a kick to the head.

He gestured to the ring. “What about this poor clod? Did you tell him? Who is it? One of the Baldwins?” For some reason, the possibility made him sick.

“I’m not married. I’m … a widow.”

For a full two seconds, he stared at her. “You’re what?”

“A widow.

A woman without a husband.”

“I know what a widow is!”

“Keep your voice down,” she whispered, looking around nervously.

“You’ve never been married.” What did he really know about her? “Have you?”

“No.” She stepped closer and he felt anger and desperation pouring off her. “But I refuse to let people know my baby as a bast—as illegitimate. The child is the innocent party here.” Riley agreed. Susannah’s delicate scent tugged at something inside him. How long had it been since he’d smelled anything besides himself and horse sweat? He cleared his throat. “Your condition will be obvious soon—”

“And by then people will have seen the ring.” She touched the band on her finger. “Hopefully, they’ll draw the conclusion that I’m a widow.”

“Who’s gonna believe that? You didn’t have the ring on yesterday.”

“I wore gloves,” she said defiantly. “Except at your ranch. Don’t you think this has gone on long enough? We’re starting to draw attention. Surely you can’t like that.”

He glanced around and noticed several people walking past with curious looks on their faces. Others stopped in the street, watching openly.

Riley lowered his voice. “What about your last name? It’s the same as your brother’s.”

She looked stricken for a moment then brightened. “I’ll say I married a distant cousin.”

“That would work.”

Jake Ross, a widower whose ranch adjoined the Rocking H, ambled up. Tipping his hat to Susannah, he said, “Mighty nice day, Miz Susannah.”

“Yes, it is.” Her eyes lit with hope, as if she thought Jake might rescue her.

Riley exchanged greetings with the typically shy man, waited until he’d moved on before turning back to Susannah. “I want you to tell me why you cooked up this scheme.”

“I don’t owe you any explanations.”

“Lady, you came here because of me.”

“Only because Adam assured me you wanted to marry me.”

“And you would’ve gone through with it, too. For that reason alone, I deserve an explanation.”

The color drained from her face. “All you need to know is that I’m posing as a widow so that I won’t bring disgrace to my child. I know how cruel people can be.”

Pain flared in her eyes, then was gone. Riley wondered what experience she’d had with cruelty. If Adam had sent her all the way to Texas, there must’ve been some. No doubt from wealthy families who called the tune in Susannah’s circles.

She was so delicate looking. His voice softened. “What happened to the father?”

“That’s none of your business.” Her face closed up. “I have it in my power to protect my child and that’s what I’m doing. You know what it’s like for an unmarried woman in my condition. Adam sent me here because of the scandal in St. Louis. This is my chance to start fresh, a place to give my baby a life where he or she isn’t shunned because of being illegitimate. I’m asking you to keep this between us. Please.”

Riley had already shot to hell the one plan her brother had for keeping her respectable. Now Adam’s presumptuous plan didn’t seem so presumptuous; instead it seemed protective and desperate. He’d sent her far away, where no one knew her, yet where he had a friend he could trust. Someone she could lean on if necessary.

J. T. Baldwin’s big voice boomed behind Riley. “Miz Phelps, how are you feeling today?”

“Fine, thank you, J.T.”

“You’re the loveliest thing this old town has seen in quite a while.”

Fighting a sharp surge of impatience, Riley chewed on the inside of his cheek.

“You’re quite the flatterer, J.T.”

“Only when called for. Say, my boys and I are heading over to Abilene for a horse race this weekend. Would you care to join us?”

Riley saw her face pale at the mention of horses, but she smiled. “Thank you, J.T., but I have some matters I must attend to.”

“Well, maybe next time.”

The big, ruddy-faced man bid them good day, but before Riley and Susannah could continue their conversation, Davis Lee stopped to inquire after Susannah’s health. “Hello, Miz Phelps.”

“Davis Lee.” A soft smile curved her lips.

“You two have met?” Riley leveled a look at his brother.

Davis Lee grinned. “Last night in the restaurant.”

“I suppose you were just out for a walk?”

“Yep.”

Riley knew he shouldn’t have discouraged his brother from meeting Susannah. That had been like waving scent in front of a bloodhound.

“Have a nice day, ma’am.” He clapped Riley on the shoulder as he stepped around him. “And you behave.”

Had she already met every man in town? Riley was starting to think he should’ve dragged her behind a building so they would have some privacy.

Once they were alone again, he picked up where they’d left off. “What happened between you and the father?”

Her lips tightened and the ice in her gaze could’ve frozen a Texas summer day.

“Were you betrothed?” he pressed.

“It didn’t work out.”

“I’m sure Adam knows.” Riley couldn’t imagine any man—or woman—walking away from a child.

Her lips twisted. With a look of determination, her gaze locked onto his and she said in a fierce, low voice, “His name was Paul LaFortune. I fell in love with him. I thought we were to be married. He said he wanted that. But when I told him about the baby, he disappeared. I thought it was from shock or surprise. After two weeks, Adam hired a private investigator. They found him and he wasn’t interested in the baby.”

“Or you,” Riley said softly, reading volumes beneath her careful words, the too-smooth, emotionless speech.

She lifted her chin, eyes bright with anger. “Have you heard enough?”

“He seduced you.”

She blinked in surprise, then said stoically, “I was also party to the deed. He didn’t take advantage.”

“I imagine it depends on who you ask.” Riley found himself strangely compelled to touch her, reassure her in some way. He stuffed a hand in his pocket.

“My idea of love seduced me. I realized then I didn’t know what love was, but that’s all right. What my baby needs is security.”

“Miz Susannah?” It was Russ Baldwin who interrupted them this time. “You ready to drive out to Widow Monfrey’s old place?”

Susannah gave him a blinding smile. “I’ll be right with you, Russ.” She turned back to Riley, her voice urgent and pleading. “You won’t say anything, will you?”

“Why are you going out to the Monfrey place? It’s been empty for about three months.”

“Promise you won’t tell anyone about my ruse or the baby. Please?”

“Are you looking to live out there?”

“It’s none of your concern.”

“That place is run-down.” Riley turned and waved off Baldwin. “Miz Phelps isn’t going today, Russ.” The big man looked at her. “Ma’am?”

“I’ll be with you in one minute, Russ,” Susannah said with a forced smile.

“Go on, Russ,” Riley said. “I’ll take Miz Phelps wherever she needs to go. She did come to visit me, after all.”

“All right, Miz Susannah. If you change your mind, let me know.” He touched a finger to the brim of his hat and strolled off.

Her eyes sparked with anger and her lips tightened in a way that made Riley want to kiss her until they went soft beneath his. “How dare you!”

“You can’t stay with me,” he blurted, then cursed silently.

She stiffened. “I never asked—”

“I mean, it would be improper for you to stay with me,” he said in a more gentle tone, “but I can find you a place. I already know of one.”

“There’s no need,” she said hotly.

“I feel a need.”

“No,” she said.

“Let me make up for the way I acted yesterday. It was poorly done.”

She looked at him a long minute, then her features softened. “We were both under false assumptions. And you can rest assured Adam has already heard from me for his part in that.”

Wanting to coax a smile from her, Riley grinned. “I would’ve paid good money to see that telegram.”

A smile curved her lips, and it kicked through him like a steel-shod hoof.

“What did you have in mind?”

He stood there, a bit stunned, before he realized she’d asked him a question. “Oh. You can stay with Cora Wilkes. She’s newly widowed. Just yesterday, in fact.”

“She doesn’t need someone invading her grief.”

“She needs someone to help her,” Riley said firmly. “And so do you. It’s a good arrangement. I’ll take care of everything.”

A tiny frown puckered the smooth skin between Susannah’s eyebrows.

“I’ll come by the hotel in a few days and take you to meet her.”

“I don’t know.”

He took off his hat, stepped close enough that he could feel the warmth from her skin. “Let me do this.”

The struggle to refuse was plain on her face, but finally she nodded. “Thank you,” she whispered.

Her eyes, endlessly blue and liquid, did something to his insides. And when she smiled, his muscles clenched as if she’d run those small oval nails across his bare belly. Had any man ever turned her down? Probably not.

“Let me walk you back to the hotel.”

She nodded, but didn’t take his arm. As they walked, she kept a wary distance between them. They reached the hotel in silence, and after agreeing to meet on Friday, Susannah disappeared inside, skirts swishing.

Hell. Irritation shot through him and he pulled his hat lower on his head. Reaching into his pocket for the last piece of peppermint, he popped it into his mouth despite how it now reminded him of Susannah. She’d been here twenty-four hours and it seemed that every male in town—except him and Lester Hedges, who was just this side of dead—was already panting after her.

Yes, he would keep her secret, along with a healthy distance. Something about Susannah Phelps made him wonder about things he’d never given a second thought. Such as what it would be like to have a woman like her again. And then he remembered the agony of losing one woman to the ravages of this land, and felt himself take a mental step back.

He’d gotten his answers, found out why she’d really showed up in his barn yesterday. She was expecting, but she was just fine. That was all he cared about.

Only then did he wonder what she’d meant about providing security for her baby. Even though Adam’s plan had failed, did she still plan to marry? Judging from what Riley had just witnessed, Susannah wouldn’t lack for suitors.

For some reason, that thought had him clenching his jaw tight enough to snap.

Chapter Four

In the last three days, Susannah had barely spared Riley a thought. When she was asleep.

She stifled a groan of frustration and smoothed a hand down the skirt of her rose plaid day dress. After wrapping her chignon with a matching ribbon, she put on her short gloves.

As she waited at the Whirlwind Hotel for Riley to collect her and take her to meet Cora Wilkes, Susannah determined that the flutters in her stomach were due to wanting to make a good impression on the widow. They had nothing to do with the way Riley’s blue gaze seemed to see right through her. Or the fact that she hadn’t seen him since that day on the boardwalk in front of Haskell’s General Store. Had he been to town at all?

Drat the man, anyway. He vexed her, but she found herself easily vexed these days. Her emotions had played havoc with her in the last few months. Riley was helping her find a place to live, so she couldn’t be angry at him, but she didn’t want to think about him. Nor did she want to be beholden to him.

The small watch pinned to her bodice showed it was a little before three as she made her way downstairs and out to the front of the hotel. She smiled as she passed Mr. Wavers behind the desk. As she stepped out into the cool October day, she saw Riley in the street several yards away. One broad hand caressed his black-and-white paint’s nose as he looped the horse’s reins over the hitching post.

The short collar of Riley’s white shirt skimmed the back of a strong, tanned neck. He was broad and powerful from his chest to his legs. Intimidating even. Though not as intimidating as that horse, which made Susannah stay right where she was under the hotel’s awning. Riley Holt wasn’t the most handsome man she’d ever seen, but she couldn’t seem to take her eyes off him.

He wore a broken-in, gray felt Stetson today, reminding her that the small flat-brim on her head would serve only as decoration in the strong Texas sun.

He stepped up onto the walk before catching sight of her. “Hello.”

The pleasant surprise in his voice caused a new set of flutters in her stomach.

“Hello.” She twisted the satin strings of her reticule around her fingers. “I’m ready.”

“You look real nice.” His gaze skimmed over her before coming back to her face. Wide shoulders blocked the sun, threw a long shadow across the planks. “We’ll walk if that’s all right. Cora lives just at the end of town.”

“Yes, I’d like that.” In truth, Susannah had walked a bit already today and her ankles were starting to swell, but she preferred walking to riding in something that might force her to sit too close to Riley.

Heading west, the direction Riley lived, they made their way down the wooden walk past the post office and the Pearl Restaurant.

“What have you been doing with yourself?”

“Did you think I might have left?” she asked coolly.

“I figured you stayed. Just to show me.” He grinned, taking any sting out of his words.

Released from school moments ago, children darted past them, skipped into the street to dodge horses and a lumbering wagon driven by an old man.

Riley waved as they passed his brother’s office, and Susannah glanced at the window to see Davis Lee lift a hand. She waved, too. Her skirts swished softly against the planked wood.

“Thought you might’ve missed me the past few mornings.” Riley gave her a teasing smile. “You doing all right today?”

“Yes, thank you.” She didn’t like him asking after her all the time. It made her think he cared, made her wish.

“Do you need anything?”

“No, thank you.” She’d had no luck finding a job and was growing concerned, but she wouldn’t tell Riley that. As they stepped off the walk and into the street, she slid a look at him. “What have you told Cora about me?”

“That you need a place to live.”

“Nothing about … my condition?”

“No. That’s for you to tell her.”

Grateful, she studied him for a moment. “Are you sure it’s all right to call on her? Her husband has only been gone three days. At home, mourners don’t receive visitors for at least a month.”

“Well, things are different here.”

“Yes, so you’ve said.” His reminders were starting to fray her nerves. “I assume you still observe some niceties.”

“Some.”

He sounded amused, which caused her jaw to set. “I thought you said Cora lived at the end of town?” The clang of metal on metal sounded sharply as they reached the blacksmith’s barn.

“She does. Well, outside of town a bit.” He guided Susannah to the left and they walked past Ef Gerard’s smithy. Riley pointed. “See the stage stand?”

Susannah followed his gaze down a gentle slope to a small house behind the shed-size building that served as the stagecoach stop. She hadn’t noticed the house when she’d arrived in Whirlwind, but then she’d been more than preoccupied with the thought of marrying Riley. “Oh, I see.”

A few minutes’ walk brought them close enough for Susannah to see the house was made of rough, unfinished wood. The well-kept home had a certain charm for all its sturdy practicality.

Riley pointed to the side of the house where a wall protruded. “Ollie built on an extra room there. I thought it would be nice for you. It’s not large, but it’s private.”

Touched at his thoughtfulness, Susannah reminded herself that he was looking after her out of a sense of obligation to Adam. And that was fine. Soon she’d be able to take care of herself.

She lifted her skirts to climb the two rough-hewn porch steps. Riley swiped his hat from his head and knocked. She barely had time to smooth her hair before the door was opened by a slender woman.

At least six inches taller than Susannah’s five foot three, the woman smiled, though it didn’t reach her hazel eyes. “Good afternoon, Cora.”

“Hello, Riley.” Patting her neat brown hair, Cora turned to Susannah. “You must be Mrs. Phelps.”

“Yes.” Susannah shook Cora’s hand, marveling at the strength in her long fingers.

She stood straight and tall, putting Susannah in mind of her posture lessons from Miss Wentworth. The sun picked up an occasional gray thread in Cora’s sleek bun. Her slightly lined face bespoke someone who usually met life’s challenges with a smile.

Susannah’s heart tightened at the woman’s recent loss. “I appreciate your seeing me.”

“I welcome the company. Gettin’ a little sick of my own.”

“I’m sorry to hear about your husband. If this isn’t a good time, we can come back later.”

“No, no, come on in. Now is fine.”

Riley put a hand to the small of Susannah’s back, sending a burst of warmth through her as he guided her into the house. She stepped away once they were inside.

“Let me show you the place.” Cora closed the door behind them. “It’s not much.”

A colorful rag rug warmed the rough pine floor in front of a dormant fireplace where a kettle hung. Savory scents of meat and bread lingered in the air. “This is the kitchen and back there is our bedroom. We have a room built onto the side. Ollie did it so we’d have an extra if we ever needed one.” Her voice drifted off.