Renegade Wife

chapter Sixteen


The next week flew by, as Molly kept busy with her duties at the Cheyenne village. Kane only allowed her to teach on the days he would visit. He would set her down from the wagon, take her hand and deliver her to her makeshift classroom, politely wishing her a good day. But as she taught the students, enmeshed in her task, often she would look out upon the village and their eyes would meet. Kane watched her from a distance even as he taught young Cheyenne men ranching skills, even as he spoke with his mother outside by her lodge.

And on the days she wasn’t able to teach, Molly spent time working on her lesson plans, realizing that while the younger of the children seemed more satisfied, the older ones became frustrated easily, impatient to learn and to grasp the knowledge she offered. The sessions went slowly, Molly taking care and time to see that each one understood the lesson before she moved on.

And each night after supper, she would sit outside the house with Bennett and Charlie, enjoying the cool evening air, sharing the events of the day. Bennett seemed to enjoy Charlie’s company, but it was Charlie who had completely been taken by Kane.

He spoke of little else but what new skill Kane had taught him that day. How good Kane was with a rope and a gun, and too often he’d expound on one of Kane’s adventures while seeking out his late wife’s killer. This surprised Molly because she knew Kane didn’t often speak of those times, keeping most of that time in his life to himself. But somewhere deep in her heart, Molly believed Kane, had a purpose in sharing with Charlie what his life had been like then. Kane, if Molly was correct in her thinking, wanted to halt any notions that being a gunfighter, even if the cause was a noble one, wasn’t all Charlie thought it to be. In truth, Molly believed Kane in the short time he’d known her brother, had changed Charlie’s way of thinking.

And Molly loved him all the more for his efforts.

Tonight, after supper, Molly found Kane sitting outside with Bennett and Charlie. She didn’t hesitate to take a seat on the bench next to him, brushing her thighs to his. Kane inhaled, a little catch that no one else noticed but Molly. And though she hadn’t been able to break down his defenses yet, each night before bed Molly would ask for a good-night kiss before he would enter the room where he slept. And each night, Kane would take her into his arms and kiss her until her knees buckled. Each night their embrace lasted longer and longer, both having more and more difficulty parting.

Molly laid her hand on Kane’s thigh and smiled at him. He continued speaking and covered his hand over hers, intertwining their fingers. Molly knew it was an unconscious act, one that he did on instinct.

“Charlie’s getting pretty good with a rope,” Kane said, and Molly noted admiration in his voice.

“Kane’s been teaching me a new way to toss it and, well, I’ve done better here than I did during the whole time on the trail.”

“It takes practice, Charlie,” Kane said, “and you’re getting your fair share on the ranch. Toby says you’re working out just fine.”

Charlie beamed from the compliment. “I do all right.”

Molly chuckled. “Charlie’s roping calves now? Boy, if only Mama could see you.”

With that, Charlie’s expression fell, and his good mood disappeared in a flash.

Kane broke the awkward silence. “She’d be proud, Charlie. A mother wants her child to succeed in whatever path they choose. There’s no reason to think different.”

Molly agreed. “Yes, Mama would have been proud of you. She wanted you to be happy, Charlie. We all do.”

Charlie’s expression lifted and Molly witnessed the subtle change in him—from a little boy with a guilt-ridden face to the young man with hope lighting his eyes.

Bennett coughed and all heads turned toward him. He’d been happier these last few days than Molly had seen him, and his coughing had been to a minimum. But tonight at supper and now, Molly noticed his ashen face. “And how was your day, Grandfather?”

Bennett waved a hand in the air. “The usual. I slept most the day away.” He coughed once again, and Molly’s stomach clenched, the queasiness she experienced borne of fear in losing such a remarkable man. She’d been preoccupied lately and hadn’t spent the time she wanted with him. “Are you ready to turn in?”

Bennett glanced at her. “If you’re willing to read me to sleep.”

Molly chuckled once again. The Jackson men always seemed to be making deals. “I’d love to.” Molly stood and took his hand.

“And make it more interesting than that damn story about those little women.”

Charlie jumped up with an offer. “I have dime novels. Don’t have much use for them anymore.”

Bennett looked at Charlie with affection then slapped him on the back gently. “I’d like that, boy. You go get them and bring them up to my room.”

Kane stood to wish his grandfather good-night. “Enjoy the rest of your evening. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Bennett narrowed his eyes, his gray brows nearly touching. “You take care of Molly now, boy. She’s been working too hard and she needs tender loving.”

“Grandfather!” Both chorused in unison.

Bennett coughed a few times, his shoulders slumping. Molly waited for this bout to cease, the queasiness in her belly increasing.

But then Bennett didn’t stop there. He went on, addressing Kane directly. “And why aren’t you sleeping in your room? Did she kick you out? Can’t say as I blame her.” Bennett winked at Molly, even as she blushed full out. “Don’t deny it, boy. I hear you going into the room down from mine every night.”

“That’s none of your business,” Kane said, keeping a steady tone.

“It’s because I haven’t been feeling well, Grandfather. We didn’t want to worry you.”

“What’s wrong?” he asked with deep concern on his face. God, Molly hated lying. She hated deceiving this sweet, dying man. So she told him a half truth. “I’ve been having stomach upsets.” Which wasn’t much of a lie. Every time she thought about Bennett’s worsening condition, she felt poorly.

Molly laid her hand over her stomach and Bennett glanced down, his eyes suddenly a bit more bright. “Now, that’s the best news I’ve heard in months.”

Kane was about to correct his assumption, but Molly stopped him with a stern look. “Well then, let’s get you upstairs, so we can both rest. Reading always soothes me.”

Bennett agreed. “Good night, Kane.”

Kane nodded and stared at Molly as she helped Bennett into the house. She’d noticed the concern on his face as well and Molly wondered if Kane feared that Bennett’s days were numbered.

But two hours later, after Molly spent the better part of the evening reading to Bennett, she found out the true reason for Kane’s sullen expression. She opened her bedroom door to find Kane staring at her stomach. “Are you really feeling poorly?” he asked.

Molly tugged on Kane’s arm, gesturing for him to enter the room. She closed the door behind her and placed a hand on her stomach. Though she didn’t want Kane’s sympathy, she was glad he’d come to their bedroom tonight. His noble effort to keep his distance had put her on edge and every look and accidental touch reminded her of how much she wanted her husband. And his passionate good-night kisses told her that Kane wanted the same. “Yes, at times my stomach aches. Nerves, I think. And worry over your grandfather. He didn’t look well tonight.”

Kane drew a breath that sounded like relief. “He’s sleeping?”

“Yes, I guess my reading does that. Puts a man to sleep.”

Kane smiled at her little joke and her breath caught in her throat seeing that genuine expression. She missed her husband and wanted things back to the way they’d been before Kane had decided his need for her had been unfair. Perhaps he’d been right, but Molly no longer cared. She only knew what her heart told her.

“Actually, I’m glad you’ve come to see me tonight.”

Kane’s eyes narrowed. “I come every night, to say good night.”

“Yes, but,” she began and turned around, pointing to her back. “I’ve been struggling with this dress. I can’t quite undo the buttons.”

Kane hesitated, the silence deafening. “Where’s Lupe?”

“Asleep. Wouldn’t you know she’d help me put on the dress this morning, but she probably figured it was your job to take it off me.”

Kane cleared his throat.

“Please?” She swiveled her head to see why he hesitated.

He stood with hands on hips with an apparent battle going on in his head.

Molly turned to face him and in a velvety tone she’d practiced earlier, she said, “You’re so good at taking off my clothes, Kane. Or have you forgotten?”

Kane pinched the bridge of his nose, a gesture she noticed him do, more and more lately. “No, I haven’t forgotten.”

And when he finally relented and approached her, Molly’s heart pounded against her chest. She held her breath when he touched her, his hands brushing the curls off her shoulder. His fingers worked quickly, unbuttoning the tiny buttons until she felt cool air caressing her back. She turned to him slowly and let the dress fall from her shoulders then she shimmied the rest of the way out of the garment, keeping her gaze trained on him.

“What are you doing?” he asked in a raspy whisper.

Molly crossed her arms over her chest to slip her fingers under the straps of her satiny chemise. She pulled the straps down and stood before Kane, nearly naked but for the tug of one flimsy garment. “Seducing my husband, I think.”

Kane groaned and came forward, his eyes hungry, his mouth hungrier. He kissed her hard, crushing his lips to hers, his hands flattening her breasts and his manhood pressing firmly against her belly. Molly moaned, throwing back her head allowing him access to her body. Kane moved her toward the wall and once he secured her against it, his hand came between her thighs. She cried out when his fingers parted the warm flesh and stroked her back and forth, creating sharp tingling jolts that seared through her entire body. “Kane, Kane,” she cried out, between kisses. “I miss you.”

“I miss you, too, Little Bird,” Kane admitted, his voice rough, “and now, fly.”

Kane stroked her faster, harder and her release came swiftly and with such power that she shuddered, her body rocking against the wall.

Kane undid the fasteners on his trousers and entered her, her body ready to take all of him in. His thrusts hard, lifting her up slightly so that she had to grab his neck for support. But she knew, even through his passion, Kane would not stay with her, if he lost control again.

“Careful, Gray Wolf,” she said softly, speaking his Cheyenne name for the first time.

And Kane understood. He slowed his pace and they began a steady rhythm of thrusts until Kane had nearly come to completion.

He kissed her one last time and left her body, holding her in a tight embrace, his own body still raw with need.

Molly took hold of his hand and smiled with love in her heart. “Come to bed, Kane.”

And a short time later, as Kane slept cradling her in his arms, Molly knew they’d come to terms with silent understanding. Kane was back where he belonged, in his bed with Molly right beside him.

“Tall Neck spelled out his name today on the slate.” Molly beamed, unable to hold back her excitement. She sat next to Kane on the wagon seat as they headed back to the Bar J. “And Smiling Eyes can recite the first ten letters of the alphabet.”

Molly knew she was bending Kane’s ear with talk of her students’ accomplishments, but she couldn’t remember a time in her life when she’d been happier. After just several weeks of instruction, her pupils had surprised her not only with their willingness to learn, but also with the rapid rate at which they did learn. Difficult as it was to hold each student’s attention due to the vast differences in their ages, Molly tried doubly hard to give each one individual instruction and she’d been greatly rewarded. The students were learning.

“They have a good teacher,” Kane said in earnest. “The children like your school, mainly because they like you. I confess I was wrong about you, Molly.”

Molly grinned. “I know, but it’s nice to hear you admit it.”

Kane grinned back, shaking his head. “Sometimes, Mrs. Jackson, you’re too clever for your britches.”

Molly liked the sound of her married name, especially coming from Kane’s lips. She placed her hand on his thigh. “And sometimes, Mr. Jackson, you’re too handsome for yours.”

Kane slanted her a quick look, his gaze hot and hungry and filled with promise for the night ahead. Molly took a deep breath in anticipation.

But her thoughts were interrupted as soon as Kane reined the horses to a stop in front of the barn. Lupe came running out of the house, yelling out in broken English and Spanish phrases, making no sense at all.

“Senor Kane, Senor Kane, something es wrong!”

She rattled the next sentences off in Spanish, speaking more rapidly than Molly had ever heard anyone speak in her life. Molly’s heart pounded like a hammer, thinking that something was indeed terribly wrong. Lupe was excitable, but she’d never been this upset before.

Kane bounded from the wagon and met Lupe in the middle of the yard. He took hold of her shoulders, trying to calm her.

“What is it, Lupe?

“Es Senor Bennett. He es gone!”

Knots formed in Molly’s stomach and they worsened when she witnessed Kane’s troubled expression. “Gone? Did we lose him?”

“Sí, sí. He es lost.”

Kane glanced at the house, his gaze traveling to the second story where Bennett must be lying in his bed. Oh, God. Tears stung Molly’s eyes. They’d just spent the evening with Bennett last night, Charlie entertaining the older man with his tales from the trail. And Bennett had laughed until he nearly cried from her brother’s anecdotes.

Molly jumped down from the wagon and stood by Kane’s side, taking hold of his hand. She had dreaded this day from the moment she realized her fondness for the older man. “Poor Bennett.”

Kane hugged her and the power of his embrace told her how much he ached for the loss himself. Then he turned to Lupe. “Were you with him when he died?”

Puzzled, Lupe’s brown eyes opened wide. “Died?” She began shaking her head. “No es muerto. No dead. Senor Bennett es gone. Lupe bring him his meal, but Senor Bennett no answer. Lupe tried to open door, but bedroom door locked. Lupe get Charlie and he open door. Senor Bennett no in his room.”

Kane glanced at Molly then he took her hand. “Let’s check this out.” They did a quick search of the house, finding no trace of Bennett, but what they did find was a very suspicious opened window in his bedroom. Curtains billowed and a refreshing breeze blew in. Kane stuck his head out the window and spotted Toby in the yard. He called out to his foreman, “Hey Toby. Wait right there.”

They met Toby in front of the house and Kane questioned the foreman. “Bennett is missing. What do you know about it?”

Toby found the dirt on his boots real interesting. He shuffled around a bit, running a hand down his face.

“Toby? You do know something, don’t you? If my grandfather’s in trouble, I need to know.”

Toby took his hat off and scratched his head. “He ain’t in no trouble. That’s for darn sure. Except maybe with you all.”

Kane pursed his lips and stood rooted to the spot, his sharp gaze focused on the Bar J’s most trusted employee. “And why is that?”

Toby explained. “I’ve worked for Bennett Jackson for twenty years. He and I go way back. He’s the best damn cattleman in Texas. When Bennett asks me to do something, I do it and keep my mouth shut about it.”

“I’m sure my grandfather appreciates your loyalty, but there’s a lot more at stake here than you think. Now, where is he?”

Toby replied quickly. “Don’t know. I never asked.”

Molly saw Kane fist his hands, his patience ebbing quickly. She spoke up. “Toby, please tell us what you do know? Lupe and I are frantic.” She glanced at Kane. “We all are.”

Toby nodded, apparently taken by Molly’s sincere plea. “Okay, all I know is, some days Mr. Jackson asks me to put the ladder up by his window at a certain time of day. I get his mare ready and tie her reins out back a ways, behind a tree. I figure it’s his own business where he goes. But he always comes back a few hours later.”

Kane looked at Molly. “I’m going to find him. I’ll pick up his trail from that tree.”

Molly nodded and grabbed Kane’s arm before he got away. “Wait. I’m going with you.”

Before Kane could protest, Molly gave her reasons. “I have just as much at stake in this as you do. I want to know what Bennett is up to.”

Kane inhaled, taking a quick moment to think, then he agreed. “Have Charlie saddle up our horses. Make sure you take Sweet Pea, Molly. I’m going to check out that tree. Toby?”

Toby walked off with Kane to show him where Bennett made his escape. And a short time later, Molly and Kane were on the path, heading off the Bar J following the trail left by Bennett’s horse.

Kane rode in silence, his suspicions keeping him on edge. His grandfather was up to something and Kane feared he knew what it was, but he kept his thoughts to himself. No sense alerting Molly. They’d find out the truth soon enough.

Molly rode beside him, she, too, keeping quiet. But her silence was filled with worry and concern over a man who perhaps didn’t deserve it. Whereas Kane, well, he’d had his suspicions for a long time now. He just didn’t believe his grandfather capable of such deception. But then Bennett Jackson was nothing if not clever. He’d outsmarted his rivals from the day he stepped foot in Bountiful, building a herd and ranch bigger and better than any other in the territory.

Unfortunately, knowing his history for obtaining his goals meant that he very well could be guilty of the greatest deception of all.

“Do you know where we’re heading?” Molly asked in a whisper.

Kane nodded. “I have an idea. There’s only one thing up ahead. A lake. It’s small and secluded. I came upon it when I first arrived looking for a good place to settle the Cheyenne. But it was half the distance to Bountiful and off Bar J land where too many others might stumble upon it, so I chose the other area for the village.”

“What do you suppose we’ll find there?”

Kane chuckled, but in his heart he found nothing amusing about this. “My grandfather. And Lord only knows what else.”

Ten minutes later, Kane had them dismount. He tied the horses to a nearby shrub and took Molly’s hand. “It’s just up ahead. Keep quiet and move quickly.”

Molly followed him the short distance to the lake. And once there, both froze in place. Molly put a hand to her mouth, but that didn’t stifle her gasp of surprise. Kane, too, looked on, but with no such surprise. He’d had his suspicions.

There, sitting on a quilt at the bank of the lake and having themselves a fine time were his grandfather and Mrs. Penelope Rose.

“I don’t believe it,” Molly whispered. “I can’t believe what I’m seeing.”

Bennett took Penelope’s hand then and they walked to the lake. With his pants rolled up, Bennett entered the water, splashing and laughing, hardly the antics of a dying man.

Even from this distance, Kane heard his booming voice, the laughter, devoid of any violent coughing, and noted his grandfather’s fine physical form. “Dying, huh?”

“What are you saying?” Molly asked.

Kane shook his head. “Let’s find out for sure.” He took Molly’s hand once again.

“Wait, we can’t just interrupt them.”

Kane grinned a devil’s smile. He found himself relishing the idea of catching his grandfather in the act. “You bet we can. You coming, Little Bird?”

“Yes, yes. But this is so…so awkward.”

“All the better.”

They were nearly at the bank of the lake when Bennett and Penelope noticed them. Penelope nearly fainted. Bennett grabbed her by the waist to keep her from falling into the water, but his gaze was focused on Kane. “You should know better than to sneak up on a body, boy.”

“Oh, dear,” Penelope sighed, her face flushed with embarrassment and guilt.

Bennett walked her up the bank and out of the sun. “Are you all right?”

Penelope nodded, but her eyes were directed at Kane. “I’m better.”

Bennett faced Kane head on. “You followed me?”

Kane quelled his anger for the moment. “After you gave Lupe and Molly a scare, damn right I followed you.”

Bennett appeared repentant, giving Molly a sincere look. “Sorry for the worry, dear girl.”

“That’s…okay,” Molly said. “As long as you’re all right.”

“He’s fine, Molly,” Kane said harshly. “Better than fine. My grandfather is healthier than all of us. Isn’t that right, Bennett?”

Bennett guided Penelope back to their quilt. “Have a seat, Penny.” He helped her sit down and once certain she was comfortable, he turned to face Kane squarely. “Yes, that’s right. I’m fit as a fiddle. And I make no apology about it.”

“You lied to us both.”

“Yes, and I’d do it again. Hell, boy, you’ve got yourself a beautiful wife and a fine home and someday you’ll own the Bar J entirely. You got nothing to complain about. I did it for you. A man’s got to have a family, Kane.”

“So you pretended you were dying? That’s just plain cruel, Grandfather.”

“I don’t see it that way. You need a wife and child, Kane. Whether you know it or not and you’re halfway there. Hell, boy, I thought you’d have Molly with child by now, so I could stop the deception. What’s wrong with you, anyway?”

Molly blushed full out and Kane took Bennett’s comment to heart. “I told you over and over, I didn’t want a wife and I certainly don’t want a child.”

“You’re a married man, Kane. You’ve got a home and land so abundant, that it’d be a sin of God not to pass down the legacy to your child.”

“There is no child, Grandfather. And I’m thinking you’re the one sinning in front of God, not me. You deliberately deceived Molly into coming here as a mail-order bride. And you worried us all for weeks, thinking you’re on your last days.”

“I’ve got me at least twenty more years, boy. And I plan to make the most of it.” He glanced at Penelope and this time—the talkative woman blushed pink and kept her mouth quiet. “And what’s more, I’ve asked Penelope to marry me and she’s agreed.”

Kane glanced at Penelope Rose and saw her in a new light. The woman appeared happy and much younger. When she rose to stand beside Bennett, Kane noted that the two made a fine-looking couple. But Kane was too angry with his grandfather to offer congratulations. He was surprised though that Molly hadn’t chimed in to offer her own congratulations. If Molly was anything, she was sentimental.

But he noticed that Molly had left his side. He turned around, searching for his wife. He found her mounting Sweet Pea, her face downcast and sullen. She reined her horse around and without waiting for Kane she spurred the mare on, heading for home.

Bennett didn’t miss her departure. “You’ve said some real unkind things, Kane. Maybe it’s time you gave some serious thought to what you really want in life. Go after your wife. Make things right. You’d be a fool to lose such a wonderful gal.”

Kane watched Molly ride away until she was long out of sight. He knew that there was no way to make things right by Molly. Bennett’s deception had hurt them both in ways his grandfather would never understand.

The bargain Kane made with Molly was now null and void. His grandfather wasn’t dying, a fact Kane didn’t relish at the moment. He’d wanted to strangle the man himself for his meddling and lies. And now that Charlie was home, there was no reason to keep up their ruse of marriage.

Kane’s gut clenched. He felt a stabbing in his heart.

It was time to let Molly go.