But no, Nick reined his gelding to a stop in front of her. The big brute was blocking her path, and she wasnt referring to the horse. The years had drawn lines in his face and wariness into his eyes as blue as a Montana sky, but no amount of time had changed his attitude.
The brim of his hat shaded his face, but she could see the strong square of his jaw quirk as if he were surprised. Mariah Scott. I might have known it was you. Not many women in this county can take on a pack of hungry coyotes and win.
Not many women, huh? She ought to be used to that attitude. As if, because shed never married and her youth had begun to fade, her feelings had gone, too. It hurt.
Good thing she had a thick skin. She lifted her chin and circled around his horse so she could continue on her way.
Aw, cmon, now. Hooves clomped on the hard earth behind her. I only meant you have the fortitude to scare off any rascal. Cant you accept a mans thanks?
Sure, when a man thanks me.
Mariah, I didnt mean it that way. Im grateful to you.
Fine. Youre welcome. Dont look at him. Looking at him would make her forgive himjust a little bit. There was no way she wanted to own up to the smallest feeling for Nickunless it was a comfortable dislike.
She grabbed hold of the fence, careful of the barbed metal hooks.
He halted his horse beside her. Youre angry with me.
She wasnt angry, but she could never explain it. Shed do best to ignore him, and thats exactly what she intended to do. Let Nick Gray think she was angry, what would it matter? He may be looking for a wife, but she was smart enough to know hed never consider her.
Bye, apple lady! Georgie called across the field.
Goodbye. Mariah waved at the little girl clinging to her uncles arms. Somewhere along the way Nick must have handed off his daughter to his brother.
Georgies fingers waved in response over her uncles shoulder, so sweet Mariah felt her cold heart warm. At least the child was safe.
As for Georgies father, Mariah refused to acknowledge him as she slipped through the fence as fast as she could. Her hem caught in a wire, and she stumbled, but at least she was on the other side.
A safe distance from the man on his horse, sitting so tall and proud he touched the sky.
I was glad it was you, Mariah. That you were the one riding along at the right time.
Me, too.
She stumbled onto the rutted road, dust kicking up at her quick step. With every step she took, she could feel Nicks gaze on her, bold as a touch. Why was he even speaking to her? She blinked fast to keep her eyes from blurring. Walked faster to get away from him.
She reached the wagon and pulled herself up. Was he still watching her? She turned her head just enough to see him at the edge of her vision, astride that black horse of his, one arm crossed jauntily on the saddle horn, the other at his hip.
He looked invincible. As if nothing could ever scare him. Or diminish the confidence he radiated like a midsummers sun.
She would give anything to possess his courage. Maybe then shed be able to look him straight in the eye, but she tumbled onto the wagon seat. She heard the gate hinges creak. It would be better to leave and leave fast before the shaking deep in her stomach radiated through the rest of her.
There was no way she was going to let Nick Gray see how frightened she was. Why were her hands shaking like that? She took a deep breath. The worse part was over, wasnt it? The coyotes were gone. The child was safe.
Except Mariah could still feel the hot breath on her neck and the weight of the coyote on her back. One rein slipped through her fingers. She scrambled after it, dropping onto her knees.
Mariah? Nicks horse halted at the side of her wagon. His shadow fell across her. Are you okay?
I told you, Im fine. She had to be. What choice did she have? She wasnt Georgieshe couldnt lean into Nicks arms and find comfort. She had no comfort anywhere in her life. The last thing she intended to do was to admit it. Where did that blasted rein go?
Here. Its on the ground. Nick leaned forward in his saddle, leather creaking with his movements, and reached for the thick strap.
His big, sun-browned fingers snatched it, the movement masculine and commanding, and she hated noticing it. Noticing him.
He straightened, looking her up and down with his steel-blue eyes. No emotion flickered in their depths. Youre in no shape to drive. Maybe you ought to rest a spell. Let me take you up to the house.
Sitting here isnt going to get my laundry delivered. Pretending that his concern didnt matter, she snatched the leather strap from his gloved fingers. You go back to Georgie and keep her safe this time.
Still as prickly as ever, arent you, Mariah? His jaw tightened. Fine. Have it your way. Sure youre all right?
Positive. She snapped the reins. Goodbye, Mr. Gray.
To his credit, Bad Boy moved forward, leaving Nick in a wake of dust. She glanced over her shoulder and saw the outline of him through the chalky cloudlean and wide, all man.
She couldnt help longing just a little. It mortified her to think that she still hid a yearning for him after ten long years. Time had changed her, drawn lines on her face and given her a shield around her heart. But inside she was still that young woman who wanted to believe in love. In possibilities. Who dared to wish that the handsome, dashing Nick Gray would fall in love with her.
But he would choose another.
It doesnt matter. Its all in the past. She tried to be sensible. She was no daydreaming child, so why did she feel the same as she had so long ago? Because when Nick looked at her, he probably saw what everyone else did. A cold, hard-hearted woman whod never been courted.
Not once.
Bad Boy drifted to a halt in the middle of the road and she didnt have the strength to scold him. She reached under the seat and found the gunnysack by feel.
Mariah. A broad warm hand lighted on her shoulder.
She jumped. An apple shot from her grip and rolled across the wagon floor. Why couldnt he just leave her be?
Nicks shadow fell across her, towering between her and the sun. That was a real fight you put up. You have the right to be shaken up.
Me? Those coyotes didnt want me. They wanted your daughter.
I know, Mariah, and like I said, Im obliged to you.
You should have been watching her. You left her alone and she wasnt safe. Georgie could have been killed. She realized his hand was still on her shoulder, hot and comforting, and she shrugged away, breaking the connection. What kind of father are you?
One who isnt going to let that happen again.
See that you dont. She snapped the reins again, and this time Bad Boy moved, slow and stubborn.
Your ox could use some training. Nick rode past her to take the animal by the yoke and speed up his gait. Id be happy to work with him. Dont know what else to offer you for rescuing Georgie like that.
I dont want anything from you. That isnt why I helped your little girl. Anyone passing by would have done the same.
Either way, you still need help with this ox.
Thats none of your concern.
So, you dont want my help. Thats nothing new. Bad Boy slowed down and Nick gave a hard tug on the yoke. The trouble with you, Miss Scott, is that the rumors are true.
Thats none of your concern.
So, you dont want my help. Thats nothing new. Bad Boy slowed down and Nick gave a hard tug on the yoke. The trouble with you, Miss Scott, is that the rumors are true.
Rumors? What rumors? Fury rolled through her, hot and fierce. See what came from trying to have a civil conversation with the man? Nick was bold and overbearing and couldnt mind his own concern if she paid him to. Let go of my ox.
Im trying to thank you for saving my daughters life, and you wont accept it.
Im not uncharitable. I simply do not require any assistance. It hurt her that he still thought so little of her.
Her chin shot up and she sent Bad Boy into a lope. Dust rose up to sting her eyes and the bouncing wagon rattled her bones, but it felt good to leave Nick Gray behind in the dust where he belonged.
She refused to feel sorry for her harsh words. Or for losing her temper. Nick had a real life, and he had children of his own to love.
She had no life at all, just her laundry business and a house that echoed with loneliness.
When she looked over her shoulder, he was still in the middle of the road, watching her, the dust settling around him like mist.
The trouble with you, Miss Scott, is that the rumors are true. Nick believed that and so did nearly everyone in the entire county. Oh, she could probably figure out what people thought. She was strong and iron-willed and pricklyand far too independent for any man to show any interest in her. Well, that was true enough. She didnt need any man. She was getting along just fine. She had her own business, her own home and her own ox and wagon.
You should have let Nick help you, Mariah. She closed her eyes briefly against the glare of the sun and certainly not because of the stinging sensation behind her lids. Nothing good would have come from letting Nick Gray train the ox. Not one thing.
She had to be practical. Had to accept the kind of woman she was. She was meant to be alone. Not everyone had a heart that could love.
So it couldnt be her heart that was hurting as she turned the wagon toward the Dayton ranch, late for her next delivery.
Chapter Two
H olding his gelding steady, Nick watched Mariah disappear in a trail of dust. That woman could get his dander up like no other, that was for sure. Not even his late wife could get him het up so fast as the Spinster Scott could. Maybe he didnt like independent-minded women, but what other woman would have battled coyotes to protect his little girl without wanting so much as a thank-you?
Hell, it would have been civil of her to accept his gratitude. She could have taken him up on his offer to train her young ox. But, no, not Mariah.
He swept off his hat in exasperation and raked his fingers through his hot, sweaty hair. The air felt good, almost as good as the relief of knowing his little girl was safe and sound and in his brothers care.
The wind warmed him, but that wasnt enough to stop his shivering. The image of hungry coyotes circling Georgie and Mariah chilled him to the meat of his bones.
Darn lucky she came along when she did, his brother Will commented as he handed Georgie over. No other woman in the county could do what she did. Miss Mariah Scott is tougher than a bad-tempered grizzly. Even those danged coyotes know it.
So they say. Grim, Nick cuddled his little girl to his chest. What would have happened to her alone in this field? He was damn glad hed come along when he did. Glad his son had run to him, telling of Georgies escape.
Best thing to do would be to head home and give Georgie that serious talking-to she needed, but there was Mariahs wagon, tiny in the distance. He could still barely make it out, a small brown dot rolling along the expansive prairie. As he watched, her vehicle dipped down a rise and out of sight.
Mariah Scott. He hadnt cause to think of her in a long while. But he thought of her now.
Pa, I want down. That lady said I could go with her and her ox.
Im here now and so Ill give you a ride on my horse.
But you dont love me. Georgies sob rattled through her. My mama does.
A well-honed blade could not cut his heart this deep. Nick grimaced. He held his daughter with more gentleness. Searched for words that would explain this fierce jumble of pain inside him. And failed.
He didnt have the words. He didnt need to ask Georgie where shed been heading. This wasnt the first time shed done this, running off in search of her mother gone and buried.
Poor Georgie. Lidas death had hurt her the most of all. He pressed a kiss against the crown of her sunbonnet, willing to do anything to take away her grief. I love you, baby.
She sighed deeply, feeling frail and ready to break. Such a little girl, and not even his comfort seemed to help her. Georgies arms wrapped tight around his neck. Is heaven long gone and far away?
Very far away. Not even my horse can get us there. If I could, Id take you to see your ma. It just cant be done.
Georgies arms tightened, her face pressed hard against his throat. Not even an ox can get there?
Nope.
Georgie wiped her tears on his collar and said nothing more.
He held her, all sweetness, until the big house came into view. The orchards gnarled black branches shielded the porch from sight, but he knew his son was waiting there, too small to be seen from a distance but keeping careful watch.
Sure enough, there was Joey, darting into the path between the trees. Worry was stark on his pale face and his blond locks were waving on the wind.
Nicks chest punched. Joey had always been a serious boy, with a frown between his brows when he considered something mightily. But in the three weeks since Lidas death, hed changed.
Their lives had changed.
Joey planted his boots and shook a finger at his sister. You cant go runnin off like that. Youre in big trouble, Georgie.
I am not! Her mouth compressed into a tough line. You are.
The both of you, code of silence, right now. Nick knew he sounded too stern and too tired.
He was just wrung out, that was all. He was at the end of his rope dangling by a fraying thread, and he had to hang on. His children and this ranch needed him. Look at Joey, all twisted up with worry, shivering in the cool wind. His trousers were wrinkled, his boots scuffed, his jacket crumpled and hanging crooked on his shoulders. Joey, button up that coat and go to the house.
Yes, sir. There was a tired look to the boy, as if Lidas death had used him up, too.
Nick wanted to curse her for her choice to leave the children like this. Wanted to hate her. At least hed been the one to find her, crumpled in the field near the small grave where theyd buried her baby last fall. A baby he knew wasnt his.
Bitterness filled his craw and he tamped down a blinding rage he refused to give in to. The woman was dead. Shed suffered enough in this life, and hed torn himself inside out trying to make her happy.
Georgie whimpered against him, bringing him back to the present, cuddling close. Her hold on his neck was choking tight.
It hurt, seeing her like this. Hurt worse to hand her over to his father, who ambled out on the porch, looking frayed and exhausted.
Glad you found her, son. Pop nodded once in approval, said nothing more as he settled Georgie in his arms.