Dancing With the Preacherman (Book Two of the Red River Valley Brides) Page 8

  "Come on in," Ma motioned.

  Something about the look on her face told Luke something was wrong. Besides, Ma wasn't smiling, and she always smiled at him.

  Her sudden aloofness stunned Luke.

  "What's wrong?" He asked sitting in his usual spot and waiting for her to join him. His smile slowly faded, like a sunset, quiet and calming. He didn't want to appear obtrusive.

  "Sarah," Ma shook her head and put his coffee down in front of him. She joined him at the table with a cup of her own. Just the way she set the cups down on the table told Luke she was upset.

  "What about her?" Luke prodded her on.

  Ma took a sip and leaned back in the chair to relax. Only she wasn't relaxed, she was stewing over something.

  "She went out with that Josh Reynolds early this morning, and hasn't returned. That's what." Ma's lips firmed as though she realized she shouldn't have said a word.

  "Is that a bad thing?" Luke's voice dropped as though he didn't want everyone to hear.

  "She left hours ago." Ma's hands kneaded in her lap. Luke stared at her hands. When she looked up at him, her eyes conveyed her worry. "She was just going for a ride; he was taking her to see his land. She hasn't come back, and yes, I'd say that's very bad. It's going on way past noon, and there's not a sign of either one of them. We didn't expect her to be gone over an hour or so."

  His glance narrowed on Ma and how distraught she acted. A silent warning echoed in Luke's mind. No matter what others said, he considered Sarah quite naïve. He had pictures in his head of Josh manhandling her. He didn't know why he felt protective of Sarah, but he certainly did.

  "Is Josh courting Sarah?" Luke seemed to hold his breath for the answer.

  "Land sakes, no! I wouldn't allow him to. The rascal is too old for her, and he knows it. But I'm concerned for her. She can't handle a man like Josh."

  "A man like Josh?" Luke frowned, his brows going together in a knot. Luke had always managed to stay away from judging people, but Ma's very expression had him worried. "What's that suppose to mean?"

  "Oh I don't know Luke, just intuition I suppose." Ma got up and moved about the room, flailing her hands in the air and coming back to sit down. "Josh has been married Luke. And the girl he married before was pretty and educated. What she wanted with Josh, we'll never know. But they got married, it lasted three months. I still say it was his fault, but I can't prove it. He's a bit overbearing and I suspect his wife had every reason to leave him."

  "People get married Ma. And the law considers that their business."

  "And divorced?"

  "They divorced?"

  "They sure did, two years later. She ran off with a salesmen, and never came back. At least that is his story. He lays all the blame at her, but I'm not so sure."

  "That doesn't make Josh automatically guilty, Ma." Luke insisted. "Sometimes we judge people when we shouldn't."

  Ma shrugged. "I just don't want anything bad to happen to Sarah. She tends to believe everything a body says. She's not really naïve, she's…trusting." Ma's eyebrows went together in a worried frown.

  Luke sighed aloud. He knew what Ma wanted before he asked. "Would you like me to go look for her?"

  Ma shot him a concerned glance, "I'd hate to ask it…" She paused looking at him. "But, would you mind?"

  Luke smiled once more. "Not in the least, if it will set your mind at ease. Well, if she's okay, I won't interfere, but if she needs help, I'll certainly be there for her." Luke drank his coffee down and put his hand on Ma's. "Don't worry."

  "Thanks, Luke…It's not Sarah's fault, she's just so trusting of other people. She's not a child, she's a grown woman, and she has a contract she has to honor. She's doing everything she can to honor that contract, but most people, like you even, think of her as a child. All these girls have a contract and I worry over each and every one. There's a certain amount of pressure about that. For some reason she's having a lot of trouble finding a husband for herself. Land sakes, I don't understand it, as pretty as she is."

  Luke couldn't help but smile and consider her words. "Yeah, I've noticed that about her. The trusting. Look, don't worry; I'll be back, directly. I'm sure she's fine. And if I find out she is, I'll come back and tell you."

  "I appreciate it." Ma fretted.

  ~*~

  Sarah was a mess she spotted a rider approaching. Her hair was falling down around her shoulders, her feet were dirty, and she was hobbling along the roadside when he found her. She didn't want to be found, not like this.

  Luke came from the direction of town. Dressed in cowboy clothes, she almost didn't recognize him. She glanced up at him, and her heart did a heavy thump. He was so handsome standing there in his work clothes.

  She had to put the attraction away. Luke was not for her.

  She stared for a long moment, because in that moment she realized for the first time that Luke wasn't just a preacher. He was man, and that stunned her, fascinated her and scared her. What scared her most was falling for Luke, because he had no interest in her and let her know it.

  "Sarah?" The way he called her name, had her looking up once more.

  Sarah looked at him, wiped her tears away and nodded. "Yes, it's me!" Her voice rose and fell, announcing her disgust.

  "What happened?" He dismounted and came closer.

  "Oh nothing…nothing at all. Could you give me a lift to town?"

  "Sure, if you don't mind riding behind me."

  Sarah nodded and he helped her up. She wrapped her arms around Luke's waist and thought how ironic, she was finally close to Luke, and she'd loose any hope of ever having him when he found out about her.

  "What are you doing walking, barefoot I might add?"

  "It's a long story. And my feet are killing me."

  "Well, I've got some bandages in my bag. I'll wrap your feet for you. Let's stop over there."

  "That's not necessary…" She tried to insist.

  He took the blanket off his horse and laid it on the ground. Then he'd gone back to his saddlebags to retrieve the bandages before she could protest.

  When he came back, he poured water from his canteen on her feet. She wiggled her feet.

  "It's cold…" she grimaced, knowing she sounded hateful, instead of grateful.

  With his handkerchief, he dried them off, and saw the bruises. Something in that moment made him still and look at her. His hands were still on her feet.

  Almost shaking, he wrapped both her feet, and then looked at her again.

  "You do that like you've done it many times." She commented, unaware of how her voice shook.

  "I have. Around the ranch we are always having someone get hurt." Luke explained.

  Sarah stared at him then broke into a slight smile, "I don't know why, but I've never looked at you as a rancher before."

  "Well, I'm a rancher all the time, a preacher on Sundays." He explained.

  "I guess you are. It makes you a little easier to talk to, knowing that."

  "Really, I find that strange. Most people feel more comfortable talking to a preacher, than a cowboy." Luke smiled.

  He had no idea how that smile affected her.

  The expression on her face startled him. Her eyes glittered into his, but there were tears too, and he didn't understand it.

  "Now, you wanted to tell me something. I'm a good listener." Luke offered with a sexy smile.

  She opened her mouth to say something and Luke stared at her mouth.

  She swallowed. "Yeah…"

  "Something wrong?"

  "Yeah…something is wrong." Her shoulders slumped, her face filled with humiliation.

  He saw a sadness he'd never seen in Sarah.

  "Something has been wrong from the start, and it's time I told you. It's time I told everyone. It's been weighing on me for a long time."

  "Confession is good for the soul." He chuckled.

  "Oh please, don't turn preacher on me now." She scolded him.

  His head jerked up to meet her scrutiny. "
Okay, today, I'm not a preacher then. I'm a cowboy, listening to a pretty little lady. Now, let's talk about it. Maybe I can help." He suggested. "Sometimes the things we dread talking about the most seem easier when we tell someone."

  "This isn't easy…" She was breathless now. "It could never be easy. Not for me."

  "What do you mean, not for you?" He studied her.

  His glanced into her eyes once more.

  The intimate act of sitting on a blanket with Luke sent her stomach plummeting.

  Sarah felt butterflies in her stomach. She didn't know what to do. She did know that if she spilled the truth, he'd never have a thing to do with her again. Josh was right about that. But if she didn't tell him, others soon would. Now was the time for confession. Yet, he wasn't a preacher today. He was a man, she quickly realized.

  She drew a deep breath and knew he was waiting to hear her story.

  "I'm not what anyone in this town thinks I am. Well, with the exception of Ma. She knows."

  "Knows what?" Luke asked.

  "Everyone has a past, Luke." She began, her cheeks burning with remembrance.

  "That's true. But I can't imagine you having much of one." Luke smiled.

  "You'd be wrong. Before I came here…"

  Luke's expression was serious…

  Just then there was a rustling in the bushes and both their heads jerked about to see. It was skunk, and they both got to their feet at the same time.

  "Don't make any sudden moves, and don't say a word until he's out of sight."

  She nodded.

  The skunk seemed curious and started toward them, then turned and wobbled away.

  They both let out a breath.

  "Maybe we should get back now…" Luke smiled.

  Sarah nodded. "Yes we should, Ma will be worried."

  "You are right about that, that's why I'm here. I happened by Ma's and she told me you'd been out most of the day with Josh. She was…concerned."

  "Yes…" she walked toward his horse. "She would be."

  "So where is Josh?" Luke was standing, but he hadn't moved.

  "Let's say we had a slight disagreement and leave it at that."

  "A lover's quarrel perhaps?" Luke smiled.

  "Hardly. We certainly aren't lovers. Anyone in their right mind can see he's too old for me." Sarah spouted.

  "Well…of course…but…"

  "You thought I was interested in him as a husband?"

  "Well, yeah, I guess I did."

  "Naturally, I came with him because I needed to get outside. Take in some fresh air. Look, can we just get home…please." Sarah closed her eyes and willed herself not to get angry.

  "Did he mistreat you?" Luke asked quite seriously.

  "No, I mistreated him." She said boldly. "And let's leave it at that."

  Luke didn't understand, but he didn't argue. Instead, she could see he was smiling. He picked up the blanket, rolled it up and put it back on his saddle, then helped her up once more, this time; he put her in front of him. It was a real experience having his arms around her.

  Tension rocked her body. Being this close to Luke, with his arms around her nearly undid all her better judgement. This is where she had wanted to be so long, and ironically, she'd never be here again.

  Silently, it broke her heart.

  Sarah remembered all the fantasies she had of Luke.

  Warmth stole over her and before they reached home, she reached up, kissed him on the cheek, then snuggled against his chest.

  "Why'd you do that?" He smiled down into her face.

  "Just thanking you for coming and getting me. I know you did it because Ma asked you to. But just the same, thanks." She sighed and cuddled into him, going to sleep.

  Luke was very still for a moment, and he looked down at her and wondered why he'd never seen her as a woman. A very beautiful, young woman. He slowed his horse as he got to the boarding house. "Hey," he whispered near her ear.

  Sarah bolted upright and rushed down from his horse.

  "Sarah…wait…" Luke called.

  But Sarah ran up the stairs crying all the way.

  Ma came into the kitchen and stared at Luke. "What's wrong?"

  "I don't know, but I think Sarah might need you."

  "Did she go upstairs?"

  "Yes. Where has she been, I thought she went off with Josh Reynolds. What happened."

  "I think, under the circumstances you should ask her…"

  Ma studied Luke's serious face, and nodded. "Excuse me, Luke…"

  Luke didn't know if he should stay or go, but when Ma didn't come down after a short while, he decided to leave. He needed to have some time to think, himself.

  Those few moments, on the trail with Sarah were different from anything he'd ever experienced. And the strange part was, he knew she felt it too!

  Chapter Twelve

  Sarah was crying her eyes out and everyone was gathered around her wanting to know why. Nadine, Trish and Maggie tried to console her but it was Ma who finally managed to calm her.

  Sarah lay across the bed on her stomach, distraught.

  When Ma came up, Sarah raised her head, wiped her eyes and swallowed hard. She looked around at all of them and hung her head. She sat up for the moment.

  "Josh knows where I came from…" Sarah said in a low whisper. "He knows I used to work at Al's."

  Trish's face screwed up in a frown, "How in the world did he find out?"

  "That's what I'd like to know," Maggie's arm fell on Sarah shoulders.

  "I don't know how. But he knows, and before long, everyone in town will know…"

  "Things like this have a way of coming out." Ma said, but the look on her face told everyone she was as worried as Sarah was.

  "Sarah, Ma, don't you fret. I'll see to it, myself." Maggi e insisted putting her hands on her hips and nodding.

  Ma looked at her, "Got an idea, do ya?"

  "Oh yeah." Maggie stopped and pointed a finger. "You see, I know why his wife really ran off, and if he opens his big mouth, I'll open mine." Maggie smirked.

  "Oh Maggie…" Sarah reached for her hand. "How could you know, he didn't even tell me?"

  "He didn't tell me either. He told Jenny, down at the Golden Slipper. He's got a big mouth when he's been drinking. I kept quiet because it wasn't any of my business, but it is now. He could ruin things for all of us. That is if he knows that all of us came from there."

  "Well, are you gonna tell us what he's hiding?" Nadine asked when Maggie didn't volunteer the information.

  "No, because it is no one's business. But it will become town business if he opens his mouth." Maggie assured them. "I'll see to that myself. He won't get away with this, I can tell you. And he won't want me to open my mouth either."

  Sarah stared at Maggie, "How do you know so much about what is going on in this town?"

  "Easy honey, the Mayor is kind of sweet on me, and I talk to people a lot." Maggie smiled.

  Ma waited until that news settled, and then she looked at Sarah.

  "Now why don't you tell me what happened today?" Ma asked as she sat on the edge of the bed, and reached for Sarah's hand.

  Sarah composed herself and glanced around her.

  "First off, because of Maggie's advice, I told Josh I wasn't interested in him courting me. I didn't want to lead him on, so I made sure he knew that before he took me for the ride. I also told him that I wasn't ready for marriage."

  "How'd he take that?"

  "Well, he said he wasn't either." Sarah shrugged. "I didn't know what that meant until later."

  "Then how come you found out about him knowing?"

  Sarah sighed heavily. Ma put her arm around her. "We got to talking, about the ranch and stuff. Then he told me he'd been married. He said she ran off with some kind of salesman and he divorced her later. Then he tried to kiss me, well, he did kiss me, but he tried to again, and that's when I jumped out of his carriage and told him I'd walk home."

  Maggie cheered her on.

  Everyo
ne waited for her to finish but she got quiet again. "Then what happened?" Maggie prodded.

  "Well, that's when he told me he knew. Said he knew I was sweet on Luke too. So no matter what he tells, I'm in trouble. I've got to leave here and not come back." Sarah announced. "If I don't, it will just bring problems for everyone else."

  "No me, I'm going to marry Chester." Trish announced.

  Ma stood up, "Oh Trish, have you considered this…"

  "Yes, I have. I need a husband. He's got a nice place, and we get along fine."

  "But Chester?" Maggie frowned.

  "He is no looker, but I think I can be happy." Trish shrugged.

  "Happy, with him?"

  Trish shrugged.

  Ma glanced back at Sarah. "You will not leave," Ma told her firmly. "You came here to marry. Ain't nothin' wrong with that."

  "Once the town realizes what we've done they will run us out of here. I just know it." Sarah cried. "And I won't be the cause of all of you losing this opportunity."

  "He won't tell, I promise you that." Maggie's voice was sarcastic, but bold and knowing too.

  "But how?" Sarah cried.

  "There are ways…" Maggie smiled seductively. "And you aren't leaving. If Luke is half the man I think he is, he won't care one bit. Oh it might throw him for a loop at first but that's because he's even more naïve than you, Sarah."

  "He cares about being a preacher Maggie. Luke is off limits…but…I did kiss him. On the cheek…I can keep that memory forever."

  Maggie smiled, "Did you really? I'm proud of you girl."

  "Only as a thank you for coming after me. He bandaged my feet, too."

  Everyone glanced at her feet. "What happened?" They all asked at once, since blood was seeping through the bandages.

  "I took my shoes off, because they hurt and walked barefoot." Sarah explained. "The rocks…"

  "I'll get some medicine…"

  "I'm alright…"

  "No, they need disinfecting." Ma insisted.

  Sarah stared at Maggie, Trish and Nadine, "I tried to tell Luke. I wanted to tell him before Josh does, but now that won't happen. It's too late. I had my chance."

  "Quit fretting. All will be well…" Maggie kept assuring her.