Renegade Wife

chapter Four


Fighting rushing waters that slapped at her thighs, Molly made her way to the bank of the creek, fighting another battle in her head. She didn’t think anything could have equaled her eventful day yesterday, learning about her fate at the hands of a sly old man, but today’s events had far outweighed her first day in Bountiful. Today, she’d nearly been nearly bitten by a venomous snake before fainting dead away, only to find herself unclothed then dunked into the creek like yesterday’s wash. And then to her mortification, Mrs. Rose and the sheriff had been privy to the lusty encounter she’d had with Kane Jackson.

Her betrothed.

The man she would marry.

Temporarily.

Molly shook her head, clearing water out of her ears and attempting to free her thoughts enough to make some sense out of all this.

Molly was engaged to marry just as she’d hoped. But the proposal had been less than inspiring, coming from a man who had moments ago kissed the stuffing out of her. A man who would rather send her back home than make her his wife.

Kane had been trapped by his own sense of nobility. He’d offered her marriage to protect her reputation and perhaps ease a dying man’s last days. He’d agreed to help her find Charlie, and Molly believed Kane would honor that promise. At least, Molly had that. At the very least, she would have aid in locating her wayward brother and then, perhaps she and Charlie could start life all over again here in west Texas.

Molly crossed her arms over her chest, mindful that Kane watched her from behind. He’d already seen what there was to see, but the keen sense of propriety her mama had instilled in her while Molly was growing up had her covering up the best she could, betrothed or not.

When she reached her clothes, she bent and donned her gown quickly, but her rapid movements couldn’t shut out the notion of Kane unclothing her, one button at a time, until the garment fell away exposing her skin. She couldn’t vanquish the thought of Kane slipping his hands inside, removing the gown entirely. Had his eyes lingered on her? When he picked her up to carry her to the creek, had he been tender with her body?

“Don’t dally, Molly. We have to get back to the Bar J.”

Molly whirled around. Kane stood beside her, holding his buckskin shirt as sunlight beamed down on bronzed skin, wet, raven-black hair and a strong powerful body. Molly’s breath caught in her throat, gazing at the man she would marry, a man who very much appeared a savage right now. Lord have mercy, she’d been held and kissed and viewed by this man and soon he would become her husband.

A shiver coursed through her body, not from damp clothes or a sudden breeze, but from the very thought of bedding Kane Jackson. “You plan to take me to your ranch?”

Kane nodded, lifting his shirt over his head, giving Molly one last view of his muscled chest. She looked away when Kane caught her stare, his lips quirking up. “My grandfather is anxious to meet you.”

“All of my things are at Mrs. Rose’s.”

“I left the wagon in town. We’ll get your things and then head out.” Kane lowered himself to the ground and yanked on his boots.

“But…but I look wretched. I’ll need a bath to tidy up.”

He glanced up, trying to hide a smile. “You just had your bath.”

Molly stood her ground, running a hand through her hair trying to smooth her unruly damp locks. She didn’t know how women behaved in the West, but Molly had been schooled differently. Even in poverty, she always held her head up high. “I can’t meet your grandfather looking like this.”

Kane stared at her, his penetrating gaze traveling from her hair, to her mouth and down her throat, lingering on her chest in a complete sweeping perusal of her body. “You’re pretty enough.”

She ignored the slight compliment, whatever pretty enough, meant. “But…”

“Listen,” Kane said, coming to stand in front of her. He took both of her hands in his. “My grandfather duped both of us. He’ll be more than happy to meet you, no matter that you look like you’ve just been…”

Molly’s eyes grew wide. “I look like I’ve just been what?” Nearly bitten by a snake, dunked in the creek, embarrassed in front of townsfolk?

“Dallied with,” he said with no hesitation.

Molly’s hand flew to her mouth. She gasped then whispered, “Is that how I look?”

Kane glanced at her swollen lips and lifted a brow. Even now, she felt the heat of his passion and the gentle bruising on her lips when his mouth had claimed hers.

“We made a bargain, Molly. I’ll help you find your brother and we’ll play out the ruse of marriage to satisfy a dying man. Grandfather will be overjoyed meeting you today. Trust me.”

“I’m not certain whom to trust anymore,” Molly said in earnest, releasing her hands from his.

But his dark solemn eyes held her attention. “I’ll never break my word to you, Molly.”

“You’re marrying me, Kane. But it rings false. We both will be breaking those vows.” Marriage was sacred, whether entered into by love or by way of a contract. Molly had never conceived on entering into matrimony with anything but a true commitment.

“Think of it as a marriage deal, a bargain to satisfy our needs. Once we meet those needs, the deal will be over.”

How lovely, Molly thought wryly, trying to see the good in all this. Soon, she’ll have Charlie by her side. Right now, that’s all that she would have to hold on to.

“Can you walk the distance to town?” he asked, looking doubtful.

“I think so.”

“You’re light as a blue jay.”

The last thing Molly wanted was to be carried into town by Kane Jackson. She didn’t trust herself in his arms. Whenever Kane touched her, her body warmed, her heart raced and she quivered like a frightened little rabbit.

Besides, she would die of mortification if anyone in town caught a glimpse of her that way. Even though they were to be married, Molly had more pride than that. “The last time you carried me somewhere, I ended up soaking wet.”

“You’re forgetting I took that dunking, too.”

Molly hadn’t forgotten. She’d never get the image of Kane, dripping wet, looking like a mythical god coming up from the water, out of her mind. But she had forgotten one other more important detail. And again, propriety wouldn’t allow her to ignore giving Kane his due. “I didn’t forget.” Then Molly tilted her head and said sweetly, “But I did forget to thank you for saving my life today.”

But Kane ignored her thanks, walking on ahead in silence.

“Welcome to the Bar J, Molly.” Bennett Jackson smiled and his aging eyes beamed with joy. Molly had a hard time disliking the sickly man who had graciously welcomed her into his home and his family. “Please take a seat.”

She smiled and sat down on a beautifully upholstered crimson chair in the main room. “Thank you.”

“I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.” The older man grunted as he lowered himself down into a matching chair.

Molly waited until he made himself comfortable, noting the look of pain on his face he had tried to conceal. “I have, too, but I must say that you did use a bit of deception to get me here.”

The old man chuckled. “I like you, Molly. You speak your mind.”

“Sometimes, too much,” Molly agreed.

“Never. You’ll be a good match for my grandson. He’ll not bully you into anything.”

“Hmmmph.”

Molly glanced up at a grumbling Kane, who stood by the fireplace, resting an arm on the mantle, drinking bourbon. He wasn’t too happy with her right now. She’d cajoled and needled him all the way into town, until he’d finally agreed to allow her time to wash up, redo her hair and change into something more suitable. She wore a gown of soft pink taffeta, one of her mother’s few remaining garments that hadn’t been ruined by age. Molly had taken time to alter several old gowns, making them more stylish for a young lady. And though Molly had been grateful to Kane for his patience, he hadn’t remarked one way or the other regarding her appearance.

Bennett continued, “You will find a home here at the Bar J. You will wed my grandson and I think you will both find happiness.”

“Yes,” Molly said, guilty about lying to the older man. She would wed his grandson, but there would be no happiness. There would be no future for her here at the Bar J. Molly understood Bennett’s motives better now. The Jackson ranch was prosperous, thriving under Bennett’s guidance, but he must fear that once he’s no longer capable of running the ranch, his legacy, all of his hard work and sweat and sacrifice, would go to ruin. No wonder he wanted to secure Kane’s future here. No wonder he hoped to settle his grandson and make him a true part of his heritage.

“But part of our, uh, after we marry, Kane has agreed to help me locate my brother. He’s been missing for quite some time.”

Bennett nodded. “I have some experience in searching for a missing boy. I will do what I can as well.”

“I do appreciate that. As you know from my letters,” Molly added, certain now that it had been Bennett and not Kane who had read her letters, “my brother took off for west Texas nearly one year ago. Mama and I only received one letter from him, and though he promised to write often, that’s all we’ve heard from him. I promised Mama right before she passed that I would find Charlie and one day we’d be reunited. He’s all the family I have left.”

Bennett bent close and reached for her hand. Molly leaned over far enough to take the offered hand. “You have my word that we will find him. But you’re wrong about Charlie being your only family. You have Kane now. And me. You’ll be a Jackson.”

Touched by his sincere gesture of welcome, Molly’s heart lurched a bit. Maybe Bennett wanted her in the family, but Kane surely did not. “Thank you.”

“Hmmmph,” Kane grumbled again, gulping down the amber liquid until he emptied his glass, a true testimony to his sentiments.

Guilt assailed her again, lying outright to Kane’s grandfather. Of course, Kane wouldn’t see it that way. He’d already commented how his grandfather had duped them both. But sitting here in this lovely parlor, in a ranch house that was more refined than most Eastern homes Molly had ever visited, she truly didn’t fault the old man. Well, not overly much.

She hadn’t bargained on any of this, but as her gaze lifted to Kane standing by the mantel, tall, well-muscled and more of a man than any of the Eastern boys Molly had envisioned marrying one day, bittersweet feelings emerged. She’d come here to marry him, and she had received her wish. For the time being, Molly would become a Jackson. Molly had wanted more—she’d wanted a true marriage with the hope of children one day.

But ironically, though Kane made her crazy at times with his surly attitude and demanding nature, she found she wanted to marry him. Silly of her, she knew. But she looked forward to becoming his wife and belonging to, if only for a short time, part of the Jackson family.

“The nuptials are scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. I took the liberty of inviting a few guests,” Bennett announced.

Molly blinked, surprise registering before reality set in. She was to be married tomorrow. To Kane. She would become a Jackson sooner than anticipated.

Kane’s face paled and there was no doubt in Molly’s mind that he would escape this situation if he could. He strode from the fireplace to face his grandfather and boomed, “What?”

A coughing tirade set in, Bennett hunching over in a fit. Molly rose immediately to help him, coming to kneel before him. “Mr. Jackson,” she called urgently. “Kane, get some water, quickly!”

Seconds later, Kane handed her a glass. When the old man’s coughing subsided somewhat, Molly offered the water. “Here, drink slowly.”

He sipped from the glass, until he caught his breath. “Better now.” He smiled warmly at Molly then reached out to touch her cheek. “I’m sorry you had to see that, but these fits come more and more lately.”

Bennett held his chest, hunched over, his face white as a sheet. She saw so much in his deep gray eyes and understood why he’d set the wedding date so soon. The poor man didn’t think he would be of this earth much longer.

Bennett peered up at Kane, and to his credit, he appeared as shaken as Molly, seeing his grandfather in such a state. “Kane, she’s a sweet one. You’ll be happy, you’ll see. Tomorrow?”

Kane placed a reassuring hand on his grandfather’s shoulder, but his gaze fastened to Molly and he nodded. “Tomorrow.”

“This will be your room, Senorita Molly. It is nice, no? But tomorrow, you will move to Mr. Kane’s room.” Lupe Perez said with a wide grin, setting down her valise. “You will need a big bed to share with such a man.”

Molly’s face heated. She’d only just met the Jackson cook and housekeeper a few minutes ago, and already the woman had reminded her of her upcoming wedding night. “This is lovely, Lupe. Thank you,” Molly managed, glancing around the finely furnished room with bright yellow curtains and sunlight cascading in. This was a room in which she could find comfort and solace. But no room would hold her for long. She had to find Charlie.

Lupe walked behind a light oak partition with decorative carvings of long stemmed flowers and polished to a shine, the workmanship both delicate and precise. “You will wear this mañana,” she said, coming out from behind the partition with a gorgeous white lace gown. “It is muy bonita, no?”

Lupe held up the gown with pride.

Stunned, Molly walked over to touch the dress. Soft as spun cotton and so fine, she marveled at her wedding gown.

“Mr. Bennett, he told me to make a beautiful dress.”

Molly’s head shot up. “You made this?”

“Sí.” She nodded and smiled. “It will fit you, I think.”

Molly perused the gown entirely, deciding that Lupe had remarkable talent. “Sí, yes. I think it will fit me.”

Lupe nodded again, satisfied.

Overwhelmed, Molly had trouble with words. She’d come all this way, with more than a few bumps in the road, but finally, reality hit her. She would wed tomorrow. She would become Kane’s wife. And she would step up to the altar in the most luxurious gown she’d ever seen. “This is so…thank you, Lupe. Thank you for making me a magnificent wedding gown. Thank you.”

“You will be a beautiful bride, Miss Molly. You make Mr. Kane happy.”

Molly only smiled briefly, the mention of happiness and Kane in the same sentence created queasiness in her belly. Again, the falsity of their marriage struck her. It went against everything Molly believed in, everything she’d been brought up to uphold. She turned away from Lupe’s joyful face to retrieve her valise.

“I will do.” Lupe took the valise out of her hand and opened it, taking out each garment with care. “You take a bath now. In the room at the end of the hall.” She gestured in the direction. “Lupe has the water all ready for you.”

A bath? Molly had had a dunking earlier today and Kane had only allowed her time to wash up a bit before changing her clothes, but a real bath? It sounded heavenly. She wouldn’t argue with Lupe. A bath is just what she needed. “Thank you, Lupe. I would love to take a bath.” With pleasure.

Ten minutes later, Molly soaked in a rose-scented bath, the steamy water easing tension and relaxing her tired bones. She washed and rinsed her hair, then lavished leisurely for as long as she possibly could, before stepping out of the porcelain tub. She dried off slowly, taking her time, running a towel through her unruly auburn locks. She wrapped herself up in a huge bundle of towels, making sure she covered herself adequately, then peered out the door, and once satisfied that no one would see her in that state, she raced out of the bathing room and down the hall to her room.

Closing the door behind her, Molly removed the towels, and sank onto her bed. Her hands skimmed over the soft quilt as she tested the mattress only to find it quite comfortable. Without hesitation she climbed in, far too tempted by the warmth and softness offered not to close her eyes for a bit.

Before she knew it, she’d drifted off into an exhausted sleep.

Kane stood outside Molly’s door and knocked softly. “Molly, it’s Kane.”

When she didn’t answer, Kane elbowed the door open and entered, holding a dinner tray. “Damn,” he muttered quietly.

Molly slept peacefully in her bed, her auburn locks still moist in a curly tangle around the pillow. Her face sweet with sleep, her shoulders bared and the very peak of one rosy tipped breast peeking out from under the coverlet, Kane swallowed hard, both tempted and disgusted with himself for enjoying the view before him.

His body grew tight and Kane cursed silently, realizing that not once, but twice today, the woman who would become his wife had affected him this way. Kane watched her sleep momentarily, noting her attributes and condemning himself for lingering, and more so for lusting after Molly McGuire.

Had he not learned his lesson with Little Swan? Had he not contributed to her demise in such a way that left his heart cold and barren? The lust he felt for Miss McGuire was nothing but one man’s physical desire for an appealing, quite lovely young woman, but nothing else remained within Kane. He’d been emptied, hollowed out inside, and no good would come of his body’s traitorous yearnings, no good would come of claiming his soon-to-be new bride. She would remain pure, and he would end their marriage as soon as both had met the conditions of their bargain.

Kane’s word was solid and true. He would help Molly find her brother and in turn, she would enter into this ruse of a marriage for as long as his grandfather was of this earth.

He set the dinner tray down atop the armoire, leaving Molly’s evening meal within reach. She might wake late at night famished, since Kane knew she had precious little to eat today. She’d been through quite an ordeal and would need her nourishment.

He turned and headed toward the door, taking one last glance at Molly’s restful form. Just then, she sat up hastily, quite surprised at finding him in her room. The coverlet fell away, leaving her bared to her waist for the briefest of seconds, before Molly pulled it up to her chin. He kept his face expressionless for her sake, but the mental image of Molly’s porcelain-smooth skin and ripe young breasts had already penetrated his head, leaving an everlasting mark, he feared.

“Kane?” she questioned him with dewy-eyed innocence.

“You missed supper. Lupe didn’t want to disturb your sleep. She sent up a tray.”

Molly clung tight to the coverlet. “Oh, dear. I’m sorry. Your grandfather invited me to dine with him and—”

“You’re forgiven. Nobody knows better how a body becomes taxed from an eventful day than Grandfather. He’s already asleep. I sent Lupe off, too.”

Molly glanced at the tray upon the armoire. “I’m starving.”

“Then eat up.” Kane reached for the doorknob.

“You’d have me eat alone on my first night at the Bar J?”

Kane turned to stare at her and while he fully expected to see a haughty expression on her face, all he witnessed was genuine loneliness. “You’re hardly dressed for company, Molly,” he whispered, recalling glimpsing her bare body just moments ago. “You can’t ask that of any man.”

Molly blushed crimson. “I don’t usually sleep…this way.”

God Almighty, he hoped not. He hadn’t slept with a woman for a long time, and he certainly hadn’t married any of them. But Molly would be his wife. He knew the consequences of bedding her and had vowed not to touch her. But he had needs like any man and sleeping beside a woman clothed up to her chin and down to her toes was one thing—sleeping with a naked beauty with soft curves and silken skin was another entirely.

Kane needed no further temptations. Wedding Molly would test his integrity and willpower to the limit.

“If I dress quickly, will you keep me company?” Molly asked politely. The coverlet slipped down past her shoulders, and she grabbed it fast with a hand to her chest before exposing more of her creamy skin.

Kane turned from her and nodded. He couldn’t fault her desire for companionship in a strange house, under even stranger circumstances. Kane remembered a time in his life when everything had been abruptly taken from him as well. As a small boy, he recalled waking up in an unfamiliar place, a home unlike any he had ever known. Faintly, he recalled the fear, trepidation and isolation of those days and was indeed grateful those memories had all but faded now. No, he couldn’t fault Molly her loneliness. “I’ll take the tray down and meet you in the dining room.”

“Thank you, Kane,” she said quietly.

Kane exited the room, realizing that Molly’s dreams of a future had been crushed, too. Neither of them would enter into this marriage with any expectations other than fulfilling their bargain to one another.

For Kane, it would be enough.

He only hoped that Molly would come to see it that way as well.

Molly finished her meal in unladylike fashion and sighed with delight, her appetite satisfied. She’d never had this spicy type of stew before, but she’d enjoyed every last bite. “Lupe is a wonderful cook. I must be sure to thank her.”

Kane sat facing her in a dining area with room enough for a large family. Eight high-back chairs surrounded a great oak table and lovely draperies of gold velvet parted in the center overlooked the small garden area of the ranch. Hibiscus and gardenia bushes grew in abundance amid smaller flowering plants. And sandwiched in between this lush garden sat a bench seat made for two.

From what Molly could ascertain, the Bar J, for its rich and stately interior, had only this one comfortable area outside in which one could relax. The rest of the property was strictly designed for animals and their caretakers, bunkhouses, barns and a pasture that went on for acres and acres. Molly didn’t know how she would ever become accustomed to the smell of horse dung, a herd of grazing cattle, dust and earth all mingled into one Texas-sized scent.

Kane glanced at her empty plate. “Still hungry?”

She sat back in her chair and smiled. “Oh, no. I’m so full I don’t think I could eat another bite for days.”

“Mmmm. Too bad. Lupe left you half a blueberry pie.”

Molly loved blueberries. And she’d never had them baked up in a pie before. “Half? She must think I’m too skinny for my bones.”

Kane swept his dark gaze over her body again, in that way he had of making her nerves tingle and her body heat up. “Lupe likes to keep everyone happy.”

“Well, then,” she said with a tilt of her head and a little smile, “maybe I’ll have a piece of pie.”

Kane’s lips twitched. “Sure you can fit it in?”

Again, his gaze moved over her body. “I wouldn’t want to disappoint Lupe,” she said, with a lift of her chin.

Kane stood. “I’ll be back.”

Molly rose from the table and followed Kane to the kitchen, eager to explore more of the house and to show her betrothed that she wasn’t some Eastern ninny who needed waiting on. Molly had always done her fair share of chores and wasn’t accustomed to having anyone serve her. “This feels more like home,” Molly said aloud, then caught herself when Kane turned abruptly.

“What does?”

“This kitchen, though it’s practically the size of the house I grew up in, I like it in here.” Molly glanced around to find this room less ostentatious than any of the rooms she’d seen so far at the Bar J. There were all sorts of kitchen utensils hanging up, copper pots and pans, and the cookstove looked similar to her mama’s although much larger. Flour and sugar containers along with other staples lined one long table and the worktable in the center of the room appeared worn from decades of meals having been prepared there. “It’s warm and cozy.”

Kane took the tin out of the pie safe and set it on the table. “Then have a seat.”

Molly glanced around, found two plates on the shelf, grabbed knives and forks from an opened drawer and brought them over. Without asking, she cut two slices of pie and served one to Kane. Then she sat down on a long wooden bench at the table.

Kane stared at her.

She stared back.

“You surprise me,” he said finally.

“Why?” she asked, wondering what she had done to bring about that reaction.

Kane shook his head. “Never mind.”

He dug into his pie and ate briskly whereas Molly took her time, enjoying every last bite. She found his gaze on her more times than not, watching her devour the pie, licking the utensil clean and cooing with delight. He inhaled sharply and shifted in his seat never saying a word. She supposed she’d have to get used to his ways, whether she thought him rude or not.

“It’s late. You’d best get back to bed,” he said, standing up ready to clear the table. But Molly beat him to it. She took hold of the dishes and utensils and walked them to the sink area. She tried to pump water into the basin, but couldn’t get a drop to flow.

“How does this work?” she asked, fidgeting with a pumplike device she’d not seen before.

He stood close behind her, his breath caressing her ear. “My grandfather employs people to do this.”

“I prefer to clean up after myself.”

Kane didn’t argue. He wrapped his arms around her, showing her how to hold the pump correctly. “It’s touchy. Pump it slow, Molly. Three times and then wait.”

Molly concentrated on the task at hand, trying to ignore Kane’s presence, trying to block out his warm breath, his body pressed to hers from behind and his arms securely wrapped around her. He held firm on to the pump, his hand next to hers and together they pumped slow, up and down, three times.

Water spurted out, a little at a time, until finally the liquid flowed out evenly. “There,” she said, feeling a sense of accomplishment. She turned around and smiled. “I did it.”

Molly found herself pressed against the sink and encased in Kane’s arms. When he didn’t back away, her heart fluttered and she glanced up at his lips. He had a beautiful mouth, she noticed with wide full lips that were at the moment, parting slightly.

“You have blueberry on your…” Molly began, reaching up toward his face. Her finger stopped at the corner of his mouth, hesitantly, watching Kane’s brow lift in curiosity. She remembered those lips on her and shamefully, she hoped he would kiss her again. Right now. Here in the kitchen. She wanted Kane’s kiss.

She moved her finger to the edge of his mouth and wiped clean the stain. “There,” she said softly, but couldn’t quite manage removing her fingers from his face. She caressed his cheek tenderly and stared into the eyes of the man she would marry tomorrow. He may not want this marriage but Molly would do her best to be a good wife to him.

Kane grasped her hand and brought it to his mouth. She watched in awe as he kissed her palm then wound his tongue around the finger with the blueberry stain, licking it clean. Molly’s insides turned to warm jelly and her breath hitched in her throat. “Oh, my,” she breathed out.

Kane’s dark eyes gleamed and he stepped far away from her. “You’re too innocent to know what a temptation you are. Go to bed, Molly. Now. And don’t argue with me.”

“But?”

Kane squeezed his eyes shut. “Now, damn it.”

Molly stood her ground and when Kane opened his eyes, she witnessed his surprise and fury when she hadn’t obeyed him. “I’m not a child, Kane. I’m a woman, if you hadn’t noticed.”

Kane spoke through tight lips and suddenly his mouth didn’t look beautiful anymore. “I’ve noticed. I’ve spent half the night noticing.”

“We’re to be married tomorrow. I would expect—”

“Don’t expect anything from me, Molly. Not one fool thing. The marriage isn’t real. There’ll be no happy endings.”

Tears stung Molly’s eyes though she wouldn’t allow them a path down her face. She held back, refusing Kane the satisfaction of tormenting her fully. “I’m aware of that.”

“Good.”

“Yes, good. Then I think I’ll get to bed now.”

Kane threw his arms up. “That’s all I’m asking.”

“Well, good night.”

Kane grunted.

Molly walked past him but stopped to turn and gaze directly into his eyes. “And I’m not that innocent. I’ve been kissed a time or two, back in St. Louis.”

Kane’s chuckle came from deep in his throat. “Woman, what I was thinking had less to do with kissing and more to do with warm and cozy on top of that table over there.”

Molly gasped, not so much from shock, but from the images fluttering around in her head of such a devilish thing. Surely, tomorrow she would find out what it would be like to be wedded and bedded by Kane Jackson.

Contrary to what he might think, Molly looked forward to becoming Mrs. Kane Jackson.