Renegade Wife

chapter Ten


“I’m sorry for you, Molly. I know the disappointment you must feel right now. But if Charlie is out there, we’ll find him.” Bennett smiled and pressed his hand to hers.

Molly sat in a tall comfortable chair in the dining room with Kane’s grandfather, grateful to see that his health hadn’t declined while they’d been gone. Bennett actually looked better and Molly felt hopeful. But she also knew that when one was ill, they had good days and bad days. Today, Bennett was having a good day, most likely because Kane had returned home. Not that Kane had spent much time with Bennett. As soon as they’d returned, he checked on his grandfather, making sure all was well, then rode off. Molly didn’t know where Kane had gone, but he sure as heck had taken off like a jackrabbit while Molly had soaked in a tub before joining Bennett for dinner. “I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve already done. It made our days on the trail easier.”

Bennett waved a hand in the air. “Ah! I did nothing but send a few wires. There’s more to be done. Don’t you worry, now.”

Molly managed a smile while she picked at her food, a plate filled with spicy meat and potatoes, vegetables and fresh tortillas, cooked up special by Lupe. She should be famished since she hadn’t eaten anything since this morning. Her usual healthy appetite had waned since her conversation with Kane earlier. That, and the sad fact that she hadn’t found her brother and had nowhere else to turn at the moment definitely stifled her hunger. Yet, she found that she’d missed Bennett’s company. The old man had truly wedged a way into her heart.

“Eat up, Molly. You might be eating for two.”

Molly gasped, dropping the fork from her hand. “For…two?” she managed, wondering how Bennett found out about her encounter with Kane last night. Had Kane told his grandfather?

But then Molly realized her mistake. Of course Bennett would naturally assume that she and Kane would soon conceive a child. Bennett believed the marriage real. He had no knowledge of the bargain she’d made. And even though he’d been first to dupe her, Molly felt shame and guilt about lying to the old man. Her duplicity weighed on her like a deep sea anchor. More than anything she hated lying.

“You and Kane will give me a great grandson before I die.”

Molly couldn’t blame the man. He wanted his legacy to be passed on to the next generation of Jacksons. She didn’t have the heart to quell Bennett’s hopes. “I, uh, maybe someday.”

“Soon. I haven’t got much longer,” he said in a voice booming with life. Molly hadn’t realized just how much better Bennett looked today, his appearance surely contradicting his words. Sunshine seemed to have colored his face, bringing on a healthy glow. He sat tall in his chair and he appeared to have put on some weight.

“I certainly hope not. I hope you have a long, long time, Grandfather.”

Molly didn’t feel she’d earned the right to call Bennett Grandfather, but he’d made her promise and had reminded her again when she’d returned this afternoon.

Bennett smiled. “You’re good for my grandson. I hope he has come to realize that by now.”

Molly sat silent. She wouldn’t try to explain her relationship with Kane. She didn’t quite understand it herself. She took a bite of food, reminded of Lupe’s wonderful cooking abilities. If nothing else, Molly decided that while living on the ranch she would spend time in the kitchen and learn some of Lupe’s recipes.

Surprisingly, Molly finished the entire meal. Bennett had smiled at her with approval. And after both enjoyed a dish of cherry cobbler, Bennett rose from the table, reaching for Molly’s hand.

“Tomorrow, after you’ve gotten some rest, we’ll talk about finding your brother.”

“Thank you. I don’t know what else to do. I appreciate any advice you have for me.”

“Don’t give up, child. I didn’t. It may have taken years, but Kane came back to me, just as your Charlie will come back to you. Come, let me walk you upstairs. You need a good night’s sleep.”

Fatigue finally hit her after the grueling two weeks she had spent searching. She’d been through a great deal, including getting mixed up with a bunch of rebellious ladies, almost having her dignity taken by two ruffians in that shanty and then last night, the most tumultuous of all, giving herself to Kane only to find disappointment and rejection this morning.

Yes, Molly was tired. She took Bennett’s hand and he escorted her to her room. Pride wouldn’t allow her to ask about Kane’s disappearance from the ranch tonight, but Molly wondered where he’d gone. And she wondered if Bennett knew anything about it.

“Good night,” Molly said. “And I’m glad you’re feeling better.”

Bennett’s eyes rounded in surprise, then he slumped a little, as if standing tall had taken all of his energy. “I wish I was feeling better,” he said. Amazing how that one gesture had changed his appearance suddenly.

“But you look…healthier today.”

Bennett made an attempt to smile, but with sadness in his eyes. “Looks deceive, Molly. I’ve found that in life, often times things are not truly how they appear.”

“Oh, well, I’m sorry you’re not feeling well. I had hoped…” But Molly couldn’t finish her thought.

Things are not truly how they appear. How true a statement. Guilt assailed her again at having to lie to Bennett about her relationship with Kane. The old man deserved more, but she couldn’t bring herself to destroy his hope.

Bennett kissed her cheek. “Good night, Molly. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Yes, I’ll see you in the morning.”

Once inside her room, Molly undressed quickly, putting on her nightgown and climbed into the big, cozy, comfortable bed. She relished the feel of clean sheets and a soft mattress and soon she succumbed to much-needed sleep.

Kane entered the bedroom quietly just after midnight and walked in silence toward his bed. Silhouetted by moonlight, Molly slept with the covers tossed off, her hair tangled around her throat, her nightdress hiked up her legs thigh high. Deep in sleep, she appeared peaceful. And beautiful.

Kane walked around to his side of the bed, regretting his decision to leave the ranch once he’d seen his grandfather. Bennett had looked well, which eased Kane’s mind a bit, but even though Kane had others to visit today after his long absence, guilt tore at his gut at leaving Molly alone tonight.

True, she probably hadn’t been all alone. His grandfather had taken a shine to his wife, and he’d bet his last dollar that Bennett more than made up for Kane’s absence today.

Kane hated to admit that he’d missed Molly. He’d planned on spending the night out on the range, leaving Molly to sleep in peace, but thoughts of her kept surfacing, entering his mind at steady and unwelcome intervals, until Kane found himself riding hard and fast back to the house.

He unfastened the buttons on his shirt and tossed it down. Next he removed his boots and off came the rest of his clothes. He glanced once again at Molly and almost turned away from the bed, but her peaceful form beckoned him. He’d slept with her for two weeks, and damn if he didn’t want her back in his arms again.

He knew they would never make love the way they had the other night. No, they both had too much to lose. But he wanted to be close to her once again, and know the same sort of peace he’d had last night.

Kane climbed into bed, rolled over quietly until he came up so close that Molly’s flowery scent filled his nostrils. He breathed it in and closed his eyes, laying an arm over her middle, protectively.

“Kane?” she whispered so quietly that he barely heard her.

He opened his eyes, sorry that he’d disturbed her. “Shhh, go back to sleep.”

Only half awake, Molly scooted closer, her backside dangerously near his groin. She was a petite woman, yet their bodies adjusted accordingly, like two pieces of a puzzle, fitting in all the right places. Soon his desire would become evident, so Kane pulled that part of his body away. He refused to move away entirely though, wanting the peace Molly offered with her soft sounds and welcoming body.

“It’s late,” she murmured.

He didn’t respond.

“Didn’t feel right sleeping without you,” she said, her voice drifting and Kane wondered if she’d recall her words in the morning.

He’d be a fool to deny her claim. They’d only been together a short time in a marriage that held no meaning to him yet it didn’t feel right without her beside him.

He stroked her shoulders, rubbing them gently, soothing her back to sleep. Kane couldn’t have her awaken and turn to him with sleep-drugged dewy eyes. He couldn’t have her snuggle closer and touch him the way she had last night.

Kane thanked the Almighty that the day’s journey had exhausted her. She fell back to sleep instantly.

Kane closed his eyes then, finding the peace he sought.

In Molly’s arms.

Three days later, Molly sat in the kitchen watching Lupe make bread. Morning rays warmed the room and brought a brightness that Molly didn’t feel. There was nothing sunny about Molly’s disposition lately. She slumped in the seat making mental notes on a recipe she would surely forget. Despondent from their failure to find her brother, and Kane’s complete withdrawal from their marriage, Molly had little else to do and knew a good measure of boredom.

Molly held on to hope, but with each passing day, her faith seemed to be slipping. And as for Kane, well, he’d slept with her every night, holding her protectively as though if he let her go, something vile might happen to her, yet he kept his distance in all other ways. And she wondered where he went at night, when he’d take off after their evening meal, only to return late in the wee hours of the night. If she were a suspicious woman, she might be jealous.

Oh, heck. She was suspicious. And jealous of whomever Kane spent his nights with. Tonight, she vowed to question him, no matter how late he came in.

“Senor Bennett will not come down today,” Lupe said, as she added spices and herbs to the dough before kneading it with her fists. “He is not well.”

Molly perked up, sitting straight in her seat now. “What’s wrong with him?”

Lupe shook her head. “He coughs. He is weak.”

“But he seemed better when we arrived home.”

“Sí. He had good days. But no longer. He does not want his breakfast, but I make it for him. He must eat to be strong.”

“Let me bring his breakfast up to him, Lupe. I would like to see him today.”

“Sí, he would like to see his new granddaughter. For you, he will eat his meal, no?”

“I hope so. I’ve grown fond of him, Lupe.” And Molly realized to her dismay that she’d fallen in love with both Jackson men, one wily, sweet old man who doted on her truly like one of his own, and Kane, the mule-headed man she’d married.

Molly watched Lupe prepare the meal. She helped by cutting up vegetables and frying eggs while the housekeeper fixed up a lovely tray complete with a small bouquet of vibrant bluebonnets.

Lupe placed the tray in her arms. “You make Senor Bennett feel better. Go!”

Molly obeyed Lupe’s command, happy for the diversion and concerned for Bennett’s health. She took the stairs carefully, holding the tray in both arms, and knocked on his door with the toe of her boot.

At first, there was no answer.

Molly knocked again, this time louder.

And she waited.

“What is it?” Bennett responded, his voice more irritated than weak-sounding, and Molly wondered if she’d caught him at a bad moment.

“Grandfather?” she said, sliding her hand on the knob and using her hip to push the door open while holding the tray steady.

There was a quick motion and when she glanced up, she saw Bennett tucking himself into the covers of his bed. “Good morning,” she said, cheerily. “I brought you breakfast.”

“Oh, I told Lupe I didn’t feel much like eating.”

Molly walked into the room, setting the tray down on a table by his bed. “You need your strength.”

Molly glanced at the wide-open window. Curtains billowed from a slight breeze as morning sunshine spilled in. Molly crossed the room and glanced out the window. She spied a wooden ladder leaning against the wall leading up to the window and immediate questions came to mind. If she didn’t know better…

She glanced at Bennett, who seemed to have slumped down in the bed, the sheets pulled up to his chin and his eyes closing as if he was just too tuckered out to keep them open.

Molly took a last look at the ladder then shook away her silly thoughts.

“How are you feeling this morning?” she asked, concerned by his sudden poor condition.

“Oh, ah…tired. Didn’t get much sleep, coughing half the night, you know. I think I’m gonna sleep the morning away. Thank you for breakfast, child.”

“I’ll stay while you eat.” Molly pulled up a chair. “The nourishment will do you good.”

Bennett sighed, the breath whooshing out of his chest in stages until Molly noted a resigned expression stealing over his face. “I guess I can’t get away from you women, forcing food on me. First Lupe, now you.”

“That’s right, you can’t. So you might as well make us happy and fill your belly.”

Bennett nodded. “All right. But I need some rest first. You go on, Molly. There’s no need to sit here and spoon-feed me, though I do appreciate your concern. I promise you, this food will get eaten in due time.”

Molly pulled her lower lip in, contemplating. Bennett seemed to want privacy and rest. “As long as I have your word?”

With a smile and a nod, he agreed. “You have my word. I’ll eat later, once I’ve rested.”

Bennett closed his eyes again, the struggle to keep them open, perhaps too difficult. Molly realized that her silly suspicions earlier had been ill-founded. Bennett was a prideful man and didn’t want the family to know of his declining health. He put on a good show for everyone, until the strength simply drained from his body. Today was one of those days where the illness took from him more than he wanted to give.

Molly bent to kiss his forehead, finding his skin quite cool. Relieved by that good sign, she bid him farewell. “I’ll check on you this afternoon.”

Bennett smiled with relief. “Yes, this afternoon. After I’ve rested. I’ll look forward to it, Molly dear.”

“And I’ll read to you by the window.”

“I’d like that.”

Molly exited the room with a knot twisting in her stomach.

Poor Bennett wasn’t feeling better at all. In truth, he was doing everything in his power to pretend otherwise for all of their sakes. How sweet and kind of him, she thought, deeply worried. There had been so many keen losses in her life up until now.

Molly couldn’t bear to think of one more.

She exited the room, backing out and closing the door quietly. When she turned around, she bumped right smack into Kane. “Oh!”

The collision might have toppled her off balance if he hadn’t immediately reached out to catch her. He held her arms steady. “Leaving so soon?” he asked, glancing at Bennett’s door. “Lupe said you were up here.”

“Yes,” she whispered, “I brought up Bennett’s breakfast, but he’s too tired to eat right now. He’s sleeping again.”

Kane nodded and muttered, “Damn, I wanted to see him before I rode out.”

He was riding out again? Kane never seemed to spend time at the house. She assumed he worked the land and cattle, just like all the other ranch hands, but that didn’t explain why he came home so late at night. “Where are you going?”

Kane hesitated and she could see it in his eyes that he debated about his answer. “Into town.”

Molly’s heart raced and she nearly jumped out of her skin. “You’re going into Bountiful!”

Kane grabbed her wrist and pulled her away from his grandfather’s door. “Shhh,” he commanded in a low voice and Molly admonished herself for forgetting about Bennett for the moment. “We’re low on supplies and Rusty isn’t about to leave the ranch while we’re in the middle of branding. I figured I should volunteer, since I’ve been away a while.”

Kane’s touch, even the cautionary hold he had on her wrist was enough to send her nerves to tingling. “Were you going to invite me along?”

Kane’s mouth twisted and he let go a long sigh. He dropped her wrist and took a step back. “No. I came up here to see my grandfather. It’s a quick trip, Molly. I’m not fond of Bountiful and the town’s not fond of me.”

Molly knew better than to argue. She cast him a genuine warm smile. “Thank you, I’d be pleased to join you.”

“Molly,” Kane began, shaking his head.

“I need to check with the telegraph operator. We haven’t heard any word about those wires your grandfather sent out.”

“I’d planned on doing that.”

“I’ll save you the time. Please,” Molly begged, “your grandfather is wonderful and Lupe is so kind, but I need to do something to find my brother. I’m going stir-crazy in the house all day.”

Kane swept her a doubtful look. “Every time I take you somewhere, there’s trouble.”

“Not today. I promise, Kane. I’ll do just as you say. You won’t even know I’m there.”

Again Kane swept her a look, this time his gaze devouring her from head to toe. Molly felt naked, bared to him in all ways and that hungry look made her ache in her lower regions, reminding her of the night they’d made love.

Kane grunted his reply. “Little Bird, I always know you’re there.”

But Molly only smiled and mentally readied for her trip into Bountiful.

The day was looking up.

Later that afternoon, Molly entered Miss Deidre’s Dress shop, her heart nearly crushed with disappointment. She’d vowed not to give up, yet tucked away in her reticule were half a dozen returned messages from far and wide, all claiming they had no knowledge of a Charles McGuire. After reading each one with eager anticipation, she’d crumbled the pieces of correspondence in her trembling hand.

Molly had never known such dire frustration. She knew of nowhere else to turn. She could only hold out hope that the detective that Bennett Jackson had summoned to the Bar J would come up with a clue to Charlie’s whereabouts, yet Molly’s patience seemed at an all-time low. Detective Wheatley wouldn’t even arrive until next week, an eternity in Molly’s view. His investigation might be her last hope in finding her brother. She was grateful for Bennett’s assistance, but time seemed to be slipping away—the longer she went without word of Charlie, the less she believed the search fruitful.

The bell above the door jingled, startling Molly out of her sullen thoughts. She looked up and glanced around the shop, noting all the finery, from bolts of silk and taffeta and lace, to ready-made gowns, detailed to delicate precision. Yards of ribbon in every color of the rainbow brought one wall to life, while the other wall housed beautiful chemises and petticoats and undergarments.

Garments all female in nature decorated the shop, and an array of flowery scents mingled through the air from one corner of the shop designated for sachets and tiny fragrant soaps.

When Molly saw a familiar face, her sour mood changed into something more pleasant. She’d been so lonely and bored, that even this woman’s presence was welcomed. “Mrs. Rose?” She walked over to the older woman, who held a lovely dress in her arms. Oh, it wasn’t a fancy gown fit for a social affair, but it was certainly a dress that would brighten any woman’s wardrobe. “Hello. It’s good to see you.”

Penelope Rose appeared startled for a moment and she shoved the dress she’d been holding back onto the rack. “M-Molly, dear girl,” she said, stumbling with her words. Molly noted an odd expression on her face. “Yes, it’s g-good to s-see you as well.”

Molly smiled, deciding that catching the woman off guard did have some merit. “It’s a beautiful dress. Are you making a purchase?”

Flustered, the woman’s gaze darted around the shop before finding Molly again. “Oh, well, I don’t know. Where would I have occasion to wear such a nice dress?”

“Well, um. I don’t know, but it’s certainly a lovely color.”

Molly reached in and pulled the soft cream dress off the rack again, giving it a second look. “Yes, it’s a perfect color for you. It will show off your pretty brown eyes.”

“My eyes?” Penelope Rose seemed to take interest.

“Yes, and the lace is lovely, don’t you agree?”

“Yes, yes. I do agree.”

The proprietor of the shop walked up. “We have this dress in two other colors as well. But you may not want the pink one. Miss Lacey Shannon purchased it just this morning. Seems she’s smitten with a young cowhand. If Lacey has anything to do with it, when he comes back from the trial drive, Roper McCall won’t stand much of a chance.”

Molly blinked.

She shook out her ears.

And stared at Miss Deidre for all she was worth.

“Excuse me,” she began, her mind filling with myriad thoughts. “But did you say, Roper McCall?”

“Yes, yes. I’m sure of it. Miss Lacey went on and on about him. She’s hoping for a beau and you know how young girls are. Why, I get half my business from gals trying to gain a boy’s favor.”

Deidre glanced at Penelope Rose. The older woman’s face drained, as if she were guilty of some forbidden act. Molly thought it strange, but she couldn’t dwell on that. She had to get to the bottom of this Roper McCall person.

“Did she say what he looked like?”

Deidre put a hand to her head in a mock swoon. “Oh, yes. He’s the most handsome boy of all,” she said with a sigh. Then her voice changed to an even pitch. “Aren’t they all at that young age?”

Molly’s heart pounded against her chest. All of a sudden she felt light-headed and if the afternoon had been a tad warmer, she might have fainted. But hope settled in her heart. Dear, dear sweet hope.

“Roper McCall,” she rushed out, turning to Mrs. Rose, “was one of the dime novel heroes my brother was always reading about. He worshipped him! Could it be?” But Molly knew it had to be. It all made sense now. She hadn’t been able to find Charlie McGuire anywhere in west Texas because her runaway brother had changed his name.

Beyond excited, Molly asked the proprietor, “Tell me, how can I find Miss Lacey Shannon?”

“Why, her father owns the Lazy S Ranch, but Lacey might still be in town. She left my shop just half an hour ago.”

Molly hugged Deidre tight then did the same to Mrs. Rose. “You buy that dress now, Mrs. Rose,” she said. “Even if you’re not trying to entice a man, you deserve something new and pretty!”

Mrs. Rose nodded, seeming to take her advice and keeping strangely quiet for longer than Molly had ever recalled.

Molly dashed out of the shop, searching for Kane. And if she couldn’t find him, then she’d set out to search for Miss Lacey Shannon on her own.

One way or another Molly would have news of her brother today!