“Looks like we have another house to build!” Parker said. He stood and shook Willis’ hand then leaned down and kissed Iris on the cheek.

  Georgie stood too. “It’s wonderful news.” She wore a look of doubt, but she hugged them both.

  Chapter Six

  What had she done? She didn’t know him well enough to marry him. Iris brought the coffee into the main room to wait for Lex and Sondra to return. If he even found Sondra. After setting the coffee out for Parker and Georgie, she went to the front window and tried to find any sign of either of them.

  “You know you don’t have to marry Willis if you don’t want to,” Georgie whispered.

  Iris turned from the window. “It’s so dark tonight. Where could they be? Where would Sondra go?”

  “I’d bet she went to Veronica and Max’s house. I doubt very much she’d bother Glory and Kent,” Georgie told her. “That didn’t come out right. Sometimes Sondra can rub people the wrong way, and Glory was rubbed. They’ve been cordial to each other, but I don’t think Sondra would consider Glory a friend.” Georgie momentarily covered her mouth. “I’m talking too much aren’t I?”

  “Not any more than usual, dear.”

  Georgie gasped as Parker chuckled.

  “I’m teasing you,” Parker told her.

  Iris paced in front of the window. Marriage was for a lifetime, and she still had the knowledge of being an unwitting spy hanging over her head. If the rest knew her family had been in collusion with the Yankees… It wasn’t right to involve the good people here in her problems. She cared deeply for Lex, but was that enough? He’d only asked her to keep the peace even though they were courting.

  “We don’t even know each other!” she burst out. “Why did I say yes?”

  “Don’t marry because Sondra needs a place to live. It’s her problem, not yours. You were promised a job here, and you do everything so well. Take your time if you need it. No one else but us knows he proposed.” Georgie stood and together they stared out the window.

  “It’ll hurt him.”

  “I doubt it,” Parker said. “Willis never planned to get married. He likes his freedom too much.”

  Georgie turned toward her husband. “He proposed, so he must have changed his mind.”

  Iris turned away from the window and sat down on the sofa. She leaned toward believing Parker. She could picture Lex saying he planned to stay free. Once again, Sondra had somehow gotten herself involved in Iris’ life.

  The front door opened, and Lex came in. He took off his hat and ran his fingers through his hair. “She’s with Veronica and Max. Sondra made the whole thing seem to be Iris’ fault. She said she’d like to speak to Georgie alone in the morning.” He sat down next to Iris. “They said to tell you congratulations.”

  Her lips formed an O. “Well, I… That was nice of them.”

  “What’s going on? You look distressed. Did something happen while I was Sondra hunting?” He took her hand and caressed it with his thumb.

  “No, I do think I made Georgie and Parker dizzy from watching me pace back and forth, though. I’m glad she’s fine. I’m not so glad she made everything my fault, but that’s the way Sondra is, I suppose.” Heat swamped her face at his perusal.

  “Parker and Georgie have already been talking about building us a house.”

  “I’ll even let you help me design the house,” Parker said with a teasing grin.

  “Help? Who drew the plans for all the houses on this ranch?” Lex asked. He chuckled at Parker.

  “When are you planning on getting married?” Parker asked.

  “As soon as I can get the house built.”

  Iris turned toward Georgie, and they exchanged startled glances. How long did it take to build a house? What had she done? She’d be tied to a house again, and that scared her. She was in a fine mess.

  “Iris, I’d like to say goodnight. Would you walk to the porch with me?” Lex asked. He grinned at her and she was lost. Why did he have to be so happy? What was it about him that drew her so?

  She stood and preceded him onto the front porch. When she turned toward him before she knew it she was in his arms. Looking into his soft eyes made her forget her reasons for not getting married.

  He pulled her close and leaned his head down. It was a whisper of a kiss, but before she could wonder about it, he kissed her with relish. His kiss made her weak in the knees. He’d obviously had a lot of practice. The next thing she knew, he set her away from him. It was as though he’d taken all his warmth away from her.

  “Goodnight, Iris.” He hesitated for a moment then turned from her and walked into the night.

  What a contrary woman she was. One minute she wanted to marry him and then her good sense would sneak into mind and she didn’t dare marry him. And then she could picture herself so happy with him but she could also picture him hating her when she was taken away. She wasn’t even sure if it would be the North or the South that would condemn her. It was no way to live.

  She’d heard Yankees didn’t trust their spies. The Confederates would come for her if they knew. The war had ended, but for some it would never be over. Were the men who killed her family looking for her? While in the cellar, she’d heard the soldiers talking about hunting her down, but as time went on, it was the Yankee occupation that took up their time.

  After looking out in the darkness one more time she went inside. Georgie was wearing a secret smile.

  “You were watching us?” Iris asked, surprised.

  “I told her not to,” Parker said, his big grin made his admonishment null.

  “You look radiant, and yes I peeked. I can’t help myself where love is involved. Lex has been alone and…” She appeared to be trying to be serious, but the way her lips twitched gave her away.

  “I’m going to bed. Lex is sweet. Goodnight.” She hurried up the stairs, pleased she’d have the room to herself; she needed to think. Touching her lips, she sighed. She felt safe and more alive when she was with him. He made her body tingle and sing. Should she be worried? Did other women feel this way? Neither her mother nor her sister had ever talked about it.

  After putting on her nightgown she kneeled at the side of her bed, putting her hands together. Lord, you’ve been with me every day of my troubles. Please be with me now. I will have to discourage Lex, and he’ll need you, Lord. Please keep me strong as I do what I know needs to be done. I’m afraid my heart might rip out when I find another mail-order husband. The people here have become too dear to me, and I can’t allow my troubles to come upon them.

  Tears filled her eyes. Deep down she wanted to have a life with Lex. She wanted to have friends like Georgie, Glory, and Veronica. Why hadn’t her parents made an escape plan? If they had, they never told her. They’d never told her much of anything.

  She let the tears fall onto her pillow. She should be grateful that she was still alive, but her heart hurt.

  * * *

  Willis had just finished eating a hearty breakfast in the bunkhouse when he heard horses outside. It sounded like many men had ridden in, and he grabbed his gun belt. He put it on and then grabbed his rifle.

  The rest of the cowboys did the same and waited by the door. Willis cracked the door just enough to see what was going on. It relieved him it wasn’t the men in white hoods. After waving the others away, he put down his rifle and walked toward Parker’s house to see what the Yankee’s wanted. Usually the Union Army left them alone.

  Major Cooke the new Captain McGregor, both got off their horses. They got to Parker’s before Willis did, but he heard enough to know it was trouble.

  “She’s wanted. It’s as simple as that,” Major Cooke said.

  Willis’ heart dropped. They were here for Iris. He walked in front of the waiting army and up the porch steps. Iris stood just inside the door. Her arms were wrapped around her middle and her eyes were filled with fright.

  “You have the wrong woman, Cooke," He widened his stance and stared at the officer. “Nice try, though. I saw how all of you were looking at her the day she arrived in town. Iris is engaged to marry me, so you all can leave.”

  “We have the wanted poster, and I verified it with some men in Washington, D.C.; Iris Sands is wanted for espionage and crimes against the Union,” Major Cooke said. “I can verify it’s her. I danced with her at a couple parties. Captain McGregor thought he recognized her. You must hand her over.”

  “I will not let you touch her. You might as well go back to town.” Willis put his hand on his gun.

  Iris quickly came out of the house and put her hand over Willis’. “Don’t. I couldn’t bear it if you were hanged too. Everything I told you was true, so maybe… Parker, keep him here on the ranch so he doesn’t do something that’ll get him killed.” She stared into Willis’ eyes. “It would have been good, us together I mean.” She didn’t give him a chance to say anything.

  It was torture to watch her walk down the steps and hold out her arms to the captain who tied her wrists together. The captain sneered the whole time and after they bound her; he tossed her up on an extra horse they’d brought.

  Iris didn’t protest or make a sound. She sat on the bay horse straight and tall as though she was mustering all the dignity she had. Finally, she met his gaze, and he saw his future crumbling in front of him. He had never felt so powerless. His heart pounded as he stared back at her. He nodded, hoping she knew he would be there to help her. She gave him a sad smile, and the soldiers turned and led her horse away.

  He watched until he could no longer see her. His eyes misted. She mattered much more to him than he’d known.

  “Willis, what was that all about?” Parker asked.

  The concern in his friend’s voice was almost his undoing, but he swallowed hard. “Let’s go inside, and I’ll tell you what I know.”

  He couldn’t just sit so he stood as Parker, Georgie, Max, and Kent came in and sat down. They waited for him to start.

  “Iris’ parents and sister spied for the Union Army.”

  There were gasps.

  “She was only thirteen when they started, and she didn’t even know what it was all about until Confederate Soldiers murdered her family. Her mother had hidden her in the basement, and she lived there for almost a year as the soldiers lived right above her. I guess her parents stockpiled food and supplies in case of an occupation. She heard her parents being shot and her sister screaming in pain before she too was shot. She admits that her mother told her to dance with certain men and ask certain questions. She thought her parents were looking for a husband for her. As she grew older, she knew something wasn’t right. Their town was taken over by the Union and she had to dance with them too, but she didn’t have to ask them questions. That’s how Major Cooke knew who she was. Our Southern boys took the town back months later, and one day they came for her family.”

  “So she was a traitor?” Sondra asked loudly.

  He hadn’t even seen her come in. “In the very barest way. She was just as angry when she realized what her family was doing, but they were already dead and she was stuck living in a dark, cold cellar. It outraged me before she told me the whole story. She became a mail-order bride to start a new life, but she knew there was always a chance she’d be shot dead by one of our soldiers.”

  “Then she is a traitor, and the Union thinks she also betrayed them? This is rich.”

  Willis cleared his throat. “I’d appreciate it if you’d keep your mouth shut, Sondra.”

  She glared at him. “Why—”

  Parker stood and faced her. “You are not part of this. I’d appreciate you staying out of our sight until we’re done.”

  Sondra tossed her head and went up the stairs.

  Parker sat back down. Georgie cried, and he held her. “I think one of the main things we need to find out is why the Union turned on her. The second thing is to make them realize she was a child. Plus, who at the Capital wanted her arrested.”

  Glory ran inside the house out of breath. “What’s going on?”

  Kent stood. “Have a care, Glory. You’re expecting.”

  She looked hurt, and Kent gave her a sheepish hug.

  Parker stood back up. “Glory, my wife will tell you the whole story. The rest of us are going into town.”

  “No!!” Georgie stood and looked them each in the eye. “That’s your plan? You have to do better than that. Parker, you send a telegram to whoever can help at the Capital. Willis, you make sure they are treating her well. Max and Kent, stay out of sight in case you’re needed to ride in and rescue the first two.”

  Parker’s jaw dropped then a smile spread across his face. “You are absolutely right. You would have made a great general.” He hugged and kissed her. “You take it easy too, and if you see Veronica make sure she has no notions of rescuing Iris.”

  “Yes, dear.”

  Parker’s lips twitched. “I almost believe you. Stay out of trouble.”

  Willis led them out of the house. Was he supposed to pray or something? God had left him on the battlefield, and Willis couldn’t quite get past that fact.

  Chapter Seven

  Iris stayed quiet. Major Cooke kept questioning her, but she refused to answer. She sat in her cell on the cot until he threw the cot out of the cell. Then she sat on the ground instead. She’d gone about a year of not speaking before, she’d do it again. She wasn’t guilty of the crime they had charged her with. She had never spied for the Confederate Army, but was beginning to think her parents had played both sides. She hoped not, but she couldn't think with his incessant talking.

  She stood. “I will tell you this. I’m not guilty. If word came from the Capital for my capture, someone there must want me quiet. If I remember correctly, you danced often with my sister. I danced with you once and I don’t remember trying to wipe any secrets out of you. As for Captain McGregor I’ve never seen him before.”

  “You don’t have a sister. Tell me more lies!” Captain McGregor bellowed.

  She cringed at his anger and then sat back on the ground. She had no more to say; not even when McGregor came closer to her to gloat. Her skin crawled whenever he looked at her.

  The door opened, and Lex came in. Why couldn’t he stay out of it? He’d get himself hanged.

  McGregor locked Lex’s approach.

  “I have a right to be here. We’re engaged.” She’d never seen Lex’s eyes so cold and full of fury.

  “Make sure he has no weapons on him, then let him see her if he wants. She’ll be gone soon enough,” Major Cooke said. He sat in the sheriff’s chair with it tilted back and his feet on the worn desk.

  Lex walked around McGregor and went straight to her cell door. “Looks like she needs something to sit on,” he said.

  Iris gave him a sad smile. “It’s fine. I won’t ask them for a thing.” She stood and walked to the bars. “You know you should have stayed home.”

  A determined smile lit his face. “That’s why I’m here. The ranch is now your home, too. I want you back there. I want to see the joy on your face at the slightest breeze. I want us to plan our house together, and someday I want to raise a family together. I know you’re not guilty.”

  She reached between the bars to touch him.

  He took her hand in his and then kissed it. “I’m not sure how it happened so fast, but you’ve become my happiness, my love, my friend, and my future. I know you’re not guilty of crimes against the Union. It’s pure craziness they have accused you. It must be some mistake.”

  “Not a chance!” McGregor yelled. “She says she doesn’t remember me? Just how many men did she promise to marry? Every word out of her mouth is a lie.”

  “Captain McGregor take a walk outside before I have to reprimand you.”

  McGregor gave Cooke a dark look before he left.

  Iris furrowed her brow. “I don’t remember ever seeing him before I came here and got off the stage. Why would he say something like that? I think I would have remembered the being engaged part.”

  “He’s mistaken.” Willis dismissed the claim with a grimace. “I hate seeing you in that cell.”

  Cooke got up and put the cot back in. “Go on, sit with her. She was a quiet, little one whenever I danced with her. I may have my doubts, but I have the wanted poster and confirmation she’s guilty.” He waited until Lex walked into the cell before he locked it again.

  Immediately, she put her head against Lex’s chest. It felt like a blessing when he wrapped his arms around her. Even if the feeling of safeness was an illusion, she wanted to remember it. Soon they’d haul her away.

  She had him sit on the cot with her. “So what’s happening at home?”

  “Besides being beyond worried about you? Most everyone believes in your innocence.”

  “I need not guess who thinks I’m guilty. It has to be Sondra. It’s sad she goes to such lengths, and for what I don’t know. Will that man she was hoping to marry come back?”

  “Walter will be back. His brother died, leaving his sister-in-law and his niece alone on their ranch. The niece is a baby. He was going to try to talk her into selling and coming here to live. It’s a hard thing to deal with.”

  “I know,” she mumbled.

  “The first time I met you, how old were you?” Cooke asked.

  She didn’t answer at first; she pretended she didn’t hear him.

  “Not talking to me again? I was just wondering.”

  “I met you when I was almost fourteen. I danced with you when I was fifteen.” She turned her head into the crook of Lex’s neck. She’d promised herself she wouldn’t cry, but it was a promise she couldn’t keep. “I’m getting you all wet.”

  “It’s fine. I just want to hold you for now. After we’re married, I have other plans.”

  She jumped up as her face heated. “I—you—we — It’s not something I’m knowledgeable about.”

  Lex stood and pulled her back into his arms. “I’m sorry. I know how innocent you are. I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”

  The door opened, and Parker strode inside. “Got yourself locked up too?”

 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14