WARNING: This chapter contains another NC17 moment. If you are not 17 don't read any further.
If you are over 17 and you do read this chapter I will warn you also, that Mr. Heyes gets a little naughty, so if that will spoil your image of him or damage your girlhood fantasy of what he is to you, please skip that part. But read the rest of the chapter as it will be important to future chapters. Again, I tried to be passionate and tasteful without being vulgar in my NC17 moment. And if anyone would like to leave a comment (stop with the Horshack routine, Clarissa, and put your hand down. I know you'll leave me a comment) please do so at the bottom of the chapter. Thanks for reading. :')
What time was it? Kid took the watch from the pocket of his pants which lay folded on the floor next to his bunk. The bright light of the full moon coming in the glass window pane allowed just enough light to see. Three a.m. What had awakened him, he wondered. He usually slept the sleep of the dead unless there was a disturbance or loud noise. He shrugged and rolled onto his side. The bunk across the room was empty, the cover thrown back, where Heyes had obviously gotten up. Where was he at this hour? What was he doing? What a stupid question, he thought. This was Hannibal Heyes he was talking about. Sleepless should have been his middle name. Kid swung his feet off the side of his bunk and pulled his pants on over his red union suit.
The full moon gave an eerie glow to the world outside. He scanned the ranch. He didn't see Heyes anywhere. Just then the orange glow of the end of a cigar near the corral caught his eye. He strolled across the dirt drive and through the grassy yard in his socked feet, to where Hannibal Heyes leaned against the corral fence.
"What are you doing awake?" Heyes asked before the Kid even reached him.
"Wondering what the heck you're doing, that's what."
Heyes took a long draw of the cigar then exhaled the pungent smelling smoke into the dark air around him. "Couldn't sleep."
"Well, I gathered that much, Heyes. What's keeping you awake this time?"
"Tomorrow."
"Now don't you start too. It's enough that Evie's about to drive me crazy with not eating and sleeping because her aunt's coming tomorrow. I don't need you starting too. First she's nervous and then you're nervous because she's nervous. All this nervousness is gettin' on my nerves."
"I was just thinking, Kid, what if she's right? What if it was a mistake asking her aunt to come out here?"
"You're not buying into that nonsense are you? Look, Heyes she's just scared that's all this is. No body's crazy about venturing into the unknown. She'll be fine once her aunt's here and she sees she's not some three headed ogre."
"I know that Kid, I'm just worried about her because she believes it."
"Is that why you're out here in the middle of the night then, worrying about Evie."
"That and I'm watching her window. I told her if she had the dream again to light the lamp and I'd be there."
"Oh, what are you planning on doing, jumping all the way to the second floor window? Georgia won't let you any where near her bedroom in the daytime, what makes you think she's gonna let you in this time of night. The slightest movement in that house and she'll wake up. And you do know that Georgia's room is right below Evie's, don't ya? I don't know about you but I wouldn't want be on the receiving end of that broom if Miss Georgia catches you."
"Kid, have you forgotten that we used to break into banks. How hard can it be to slip into a ranch house and creep upstairs without waking anybody? This is me you're talking to, remember. I'm a professional. And I haven't lost my touch."
"Well, here's your chance to prove that theory," Kid pointed to Evie's window on the second floor at the side of the house. "The light just came on. Need me to spot you or run interference."
"Nah, I can handle it."
"Alright then , Heyes. It's your hide." He started back towards the bunkhouse then stopped to add, "Just, uuuh, stay outta trouble will ya."
"I'm not afraid of Georgia." Heyes swatted the air with his hand to dismiss the thought.
"You gettin' caught by Georgia ain't the kind of trouble I'm talking about, Heyes."
A mischievous grin made its way across Heyes' face before he padded across the yard in bare feet. He knew the kind of trouble the Kid was referring to. Being alone with his sweet Evie in the middle of the night, in her bedroom. He was probably asking for trouble. He'd try his best to stay out of it but, he wasn't making any promises.
Kid watched as Hannibal Heyes skillfully and silently disappeared behind the large oak front door of the McCreedy home. "Sure hope that broom don't find its way to your backside, Heyes," he said to himself.
Heyes tiptoed to the staircase on bare feet. He hadn't put on his boots for fear they would make too much noise on the wooden floors. The first five steps were silent. The sixth step however creaked like a rusty door hinge. He cringed and waited. Nothing. He decided to take the rest of the steps quickly two at a time. He stood now outside her door. The soft glow of the lamplight spilled out from under the door. Whew. Made it. He opened the door to her room just enough to slide through. Facing the door he pushed it together gently. With a self satisfied smile he turned to face the room. His breath caught in his throat for a moment. He had not been in this room since the first night Mac had shown it to them. Georgia wouldn't allow him in here. But he had not been able to shake a vision of Evangeline lying in the center of that frilly pink bed with its gauzy bed curtains billowing in the breeze. That vision had haunted his dreams ever since he'd first seen this room. And now he stood here in her room in the middle of the night and there she sat. In the center of that frilly pink bed. Her eyes all sleepy looking, her hair all mussed and hanging loose. How in the world she managed to make a high necked, long sleeved white cotton night gown alluring, he didn't know, but somehow she was doing it. His whole world seemed to tilt on its axis. She stretched out her arms and beckoned him with a come hither motion of her fingers, like a child reaching for its mother. But there was nothing parental about the longing she stirred inside of him.
He had come. She hadn't know if he would. He had told her if she had the dream again, to light the lamp in her window and he would be there. But she had not wanted him to sacrifice a night's sleep waiting for her to light the lamp. But he had. Seeing him stand here now in her bedroom, where he wasn't allowed to come, her arms felt suddenly achingly empty and the space between them seemed vast. And so she summoned him with her outstretched arms. As he crossed the room to close the distance between them her eyes drank in the sight of him. Her lungs seemed to be too small. She couldn't get enough air. And her heart was pierced with an undefineable yearning. He wore only his Henley undershirt and his buff jeans . He wore no belt and the top two buttons of his jeans were unfastened. As he tiptoed across the floor on this cute bare feet, she thought him unbelievably adorable and undoubtedly desirable.
At last, he reached her and sitting on the edge of the bed leaned into her waiting arms. They were content for a long while just to hold each other. Both sighed heavily when he finally released her to look into her eyes still puffy with sleep.
"You have the dream again?"
"Uh huh."
"Same as the other ones?"
"Yes. Mama was here. Saying the same thing over and over. 'Don't let her get off the train. Don't let her get off the train. She's trouble. Don't let her get off the train.'"
"How can I make you feel better?"
"Just being here does that. But I really meant when I said. I didn't want you staying up all night just for me. I'm a big girl. I can handle a silly old dream."
"I know you can. But I never sleep that good any way, you know that. And besides, any opportunity I can find to be alone with you, I'm gonna take it. You're worth losing a little sleep."
"You just don't know how much I love you," she cooed as she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. As he held her his hands stroked her thick shiny hair. They each inhaled deeply of the other's scent. He smelled of clean soap, leather, after shave and sweet cigars. His nostrils were filled with her provocative musky floral essence. His nose found it's way into the curve where her throat met her shoulder. He planted playful kisses there as he spoke against her soft skin, "I really love this perfume you wear."
A deep throaty chuckle bubbled from her throat as she leaned her head back giving him better access to her sensitive throat. "That's funny, because I don't wear perfume," she said huskily. When his mouth ceased its delicious exploration of her neck she opened her eyes to find him staring hungrily at her.
"Then, lady, you got some sweet smelling skin." Their eyes locked for a brief moment, before they both moved toward each other in a frenzy of desire. Theirs mouths fell hungrily together in a deep scorching kiss. His tongue seeking and finding hers. She eased back onto the mountain of pink lace and ruffled pillows, drawing him with her, their fevered mouths never parting. When he felt her small hands grasp the hem of his shirt and begin to tug it upward, he broke the kiss to help her get rid of the only barrier that separated her from the one thing she craved at this moment. His skin. God, how she wanted to be closer to him. She wanted to somehow be absorbed into his skin, to be a part of who and what he was. She couldn't get close enough. Her hands were everywhere, measuring the deep cleft of his back, the breadth of his strong shoulders, the powerful arms and chest. She revelled in the feel of his tanned skin stretched taut over lean hard muscle. It was like iron wrapped in velvet, she thought. But still not close enough. She put her hands on his waist and tugged him in the direction of the big bed's center. He obliged her and stretched out in the center of the bed beside her.
They lay facing each other. Endearments and phrases of love and desire that they could not express with words passed between them as they gazed at each other with passion clouded eyes. She finally let her eyes leave his and travel down the length of him as he lay there bare chested, the top buttons of his pants undone, like a door left ajar in invitation to what lay beyond its borders. He was beautiful. He was perfect. She wanted to tell him so, but she was afraid if she tried to speak no words would come out. And so she showed him instead. Her lips found their way to his throat placing tentative small kisses there. His sharp intake of breath encouraging further exploration. She felt a surge of feminine power and her hands and mouth began a journey that would take her down over his muscled chest, his rippled flanks and his flat belly. The growing evidence of his desire was there mere inches from her face as she familiarized herself with the sprinkling of dark hair that surrounded his perfect little belly button. She hesitated, not yet ready to take that bold of a step. And so she made her way back up his hard torso to find his mouth eagerly awaiting hers once more.
She had surprised him yet again. He lay there unable to move, transfixed by the vision of her and her sweet lips plying his body with nibbles and kisses. Her hands warm and eager. My God this woman was going to be the death of him. He stifled a groan when her exploration took her close to that most male part of him. He saw her momentary hesitation as her gaze fell to his groin. She was bold yes, but not yet that bold. As her lips found their way to his mouth once again, he grew impatient and decided it was his turn to do a little exploring. He turned with her pinning her beneath him. As she bent her knees to accommodate his weight between her thighs her gown slipped down in a pool of white around her hips. He touched every inch of her exposed skin with his eyes, before allowing his hands the pleasure. He let his hands travel up her shapely calves to linger on her firm thighs. She was so soft and smooth.
No other human except her mother, and that vile hideous Harlan had ever seen or touched her naked thighs before. The sight of his dark manly hands on her soft creamy skin, had her throbbing in places she'd never throbbed before. The only thing separating the most secret and feminine part of her from him was the white cotton material trapped between them. The very thought made her ache. "Why do you make me ache so?" She was thinking out loud not really expecting him to answer.
But he did. "Show me where it aches and I'll kiss it better." His voice, deeper than usual, made her quiver all over. Did she dare? Did she dare show him the places where he made her ache? She decided she should test the waters of her own bravery first. She placed a finger tip to the side of her throat. He removed her hand and planted a wet open mouthed kiss to the spot. He looked down at her, waiting. She placed her finger to her cheek. Another kiss. Then to her lips. Another knee weakening kiss. He looked at her this time with a challenge in his eyes. How far was she willing to go. Her breathing was heavy, her chest heaving as she slid her trembling hands down the front of her gown to cover each of her breasts. The look in his eyes as her shaking hands found their way to her aching breasts almost knocked the breath completely from her. It was a raw primitive need she saw there. But it wasn't frightening. It was exciting.
He slowly removed her trembling hands and spread her arms out to the side. Then he began the torturous slow process of undoing the ruffle laden row of buttons that held together the front of her gown. The few minutes turned into an agonizing eternity for both of them until he finally had the last button undone. As he kneeled above her in the center of the bed strewn with lace and fluff, and the sheer pink curtains hanging around them, he parted the bodice of her gown. His hands brushed her soft womanly skin as he moved the material out of the way. And when it was open, he was spellbound by the sight of her. She was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. He sat back for a long moment and just devoured her with his eyes. Perfection was the only word he could think of at this moment. The picture she created lying there on that mountain of frills and fluff with her arms spread wide, her hair spilling all around her and her heaving breasts, heavy with passion exposed for him to see and touch and taste, was almost more than he could take.
But he kept himself under control, remembering that this was all new to her. He leaned over and kissed her forehead, then her eyelids and then her nose, before gently kissing her lips, assuaging any fear she might have. But when he looked in her flushed face he saw only love, trust and desire. He brushed the back of his knuckles along her cheek and her chin, then over her throat and across her chest. Her breasts quivered in anticipation of his touch. The reality of it when it came however, made her gasp. His knuckles barely grazed her already beaded nipple. It hardened further at his feather like touch. He moved to the other breast with the same results. Then he turned both hands so that he held each of the perfect globes in the palms of his hands. He massaged her wanting flesh until a small moan escaped her throat. "Is that better?" he asked in whisper. She would try to speak, if her suddenly dry throat would permit. "No, actually your making it worse," was her whispered reply. If the almost painfully delightful things he was doing to her throbbing nipples now didn't help soothe the ache, she didn't know what would. But he did. She was shocked, then dazed, then overcome with delight as she watched his dark head descend and his mouth took the place of his hands. It was as if lightening was coursing though her body, creating a pathway of heat from the spot where is mouth tormented her to the spot at the apex of her thighs where his pelvis now held her captive. He worried first one breast and then the other, drawing the tips into his greedy mouth like a baby seeking its mother's milk. She never knew it could be like this. Never knew anything could feel this good. Her head tossed, her eyes squeezed shut. She felt like the walls were all on fire. She never wanted it to end. In her fury of desire to keep his mouth from leaving her aching breasts she brought her outstretched arms down to cradle his head to her. In doing so, she knocked the alarm clock off the bedside table.
It hit the floor with a loud clang. They both sat bolt upright. Staring at each other with stricken looks, they waited. At first they thought they had dodged the bullet, but then they heard the unmistakable sound of feet padding quickly through the house downstairs.
They jumped from the bed like it was full of rattlesnakes. "Oh, my, God," she hysterically whispered her hands fanning the air.
"Where's my shirt," he mouthed as he frantically searched.
He retrieved his shirt and pulled it over his head then hastily refastened the buttons that Evie's shaky hands were unable to fasten.
"Blow out the lamp," he said.
They both rushed to the lamp and extinguished the light. Heyes tiptoed to the door and turned the key in the lock.
"Get under the bed," she whispered.
"That's the first place she'll look. Besides I don't think I'll fit."
They both turned around and around in the dark room lit now only by the splashes of moonlight coming through the windows for a place to hide. There was none. Then they saw the orange glow of the lamplight coming down the hallway outside her room. "Miss Vangeline, you alright in there?"
Heyes motioned for her to go ahead and answer her. Her voice sounded strange and absurdly loud as she called out, "Yes, I'm fine. Why? What's wrong?"
The door knob giggled. "What's this door doing locked. If'n that young man is in there, I got my broom right here ready to beat him all the way back to that bunkhouse. Somebody better be lettin' me in this room right now."
There was no other option. He lifted the window and straddled the sill. Then he carefully lowered himself to dangle precariously from his fingertips down the side of the house.
When he was out of sight, Evie went to the door and turned the key. Miss Georgia stood there in her nightcap and gown with a scowl on her face. "What's goin' on in here?"
"I don't know what you mean. I was sleeping."
"Then what was that God awful racket I heard. Woke me from a dead sleep." She stepped into the room and scanned it. Then with her broom in one hand and her lamp in the other, she swept under the bed. Whew. Close one. Then she saw the clock on the floor. "This must be what I heard. Didn't this wake you up?" she asked with a suspicious glare.
"I must have knocked it off when I was having a dream."
"You still having that same dream, child?"
Evangeline was a good student. When Hannibal Heyes was teaching her the ins and outs of dodging the law, one of the things he taught her was how to lead people's attention to where you wanted it to be. She slowly eased herself into a position next to the chaise lounge forcing Miss Georgia's back to the window that said outlaw now dangled from. She had to get her out of here quick. She didn't know how long he was going to be able to hang on out there.
"Yes, it was the same dream." She produced her best distraught face and placed a fretful hand to her forehead. "I think maybe some hot tea might calm my nerves and help me get back to sleep."
Heyes could hear the conversation taking place inside. Evie made him proud in her attempt to draw Georgia away from the window and out of the room. But if she didn't get her out of there soon, it would be too late. He was loosing his grip fast. Each second was like an hour as he fought to hold onto the window ledge.
"You let Miss Georgia go down and fix you some right up. I'll have it up here in a jiffy."
"No! I'll come down and help you with it."
Oh, no. He wasn't going to make it. He didn't want to look over his shoulder. He didn't want to know how far the fall was going to be. He mentally prepared himself for the impact of the hard earth.
"Suit yourself then." She started towards the door. Evangeline's sigh of relieve turned into a gasp of horror when Georgia stopped just short of the doorway and turned toward the open window. "No wonder you been having strange dreams, sleeping with that draft coming in here. Next thing you know you'll be catching your death of cold." She marched determinedly towards the window.
Suddenly Heyes felt something solid under his feet. He hazarded a glance over his shoulder. There was the Kid bracing a ladder against the house. Heyes let the air escape his lungs as he scurried down the ladder and onto the ground. Kid grabbed the ladder and they ran like scalded dogs to the bunkhouse.
Miss Georgia stuck her head out the window and surveyed the yard outside as Evie stood with her mouth agape. "Sho is a big ole bright moon out tonight." She shut the window and headed into the hallway. Evangeline stood rooted to the spot, too scared to move. "Well, child, you comin'?"
"Uh uh uh," she stammered not sure what to say or do. "I've changed my mind. It's too much trouble to make tea at this hour." She faked a yawn. "I'm sleepy again already. I'm just gonna go back to bed."
"Child are you sho you feelin' alright?"
"I'm fine, Miss Georgia. I'm sorry I woke you. Thanks for checking on me. Good night." She closed the door and rushed to the window, threw it open and peared over the edge. He was gone. Had he fallen? Was he hurt? Oh, my Lord, had she just lain in bed with him and had he done all those deliciously forbidden things to her? She felt weak all of a sudden. She needed to lie down. But she so wanted to find out if Hannibal was alright. Did she dare take the risk of sneaking out of the house. Georgia was bound to hear her if she did. She decided she would take the risk. He was worth it. Look at the risk he had taken just to come and comfort her tonight. And boy had he comforted her. She was heading to the wardrobe for a pair of shoes when she heard a ticking at the window. He was tossing pebbles against the glass. She hurried to the window and opened it. He stood below her in the moonlight, still bare footed, still adorable. "Are you alright?" she said just loud enough for him to hear.
"I'm fine. Kid saved me with the ladder."
"Oh, good," she breathed in relief. "Georgia didn't see you, we pulled it off. Tell Kid I said thanks."
"I will. Hey, I didn't get to tell you. I love you." Then he smiled that smile that outshone the brilliant moon.
Her heart was absolutely bursting with love for this man. "I love you, too. Now get out of here before Georgia and her broom catch you."
She blew him a kiss before he spun around and disappeared around the corner of the house.
No matter who or what got off that train tomorrow, as long as Hannibal Heyes was with her, she didn't give a tinker's damn anymore. And she'd be damned before she'd let anybody take him from her.
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"Well, did she see us?" Kid asked from his bunk when Heyes came back in the bunkhouse.
"Nope. Whew, but it sure was a close one."
"Yeah, you owe me one. Again."
"Evie said to tell you 'thanks'."
"You can both thank me by letting me get some sleep. I gotta be heading out in a couple more hours if I'm gonna make it to Cold Springs by eleven." He scooted down under the covers. "And another thing Heyes, if your gonna sneak into her room again, just use the ladder and go through her window. It'll save me a lot of time and lost sleep."
"Who says there'll be a next time."
"I know you, Heyes. There'll be a next time." Kid rolled over to face the wall. He was asleep in seconds.
Heyes sat there in his lonely bunk, wishing he could go back up that ladder and finish what he and Evie had started. He missed her fiercely already, just minutes after leaving her. He remembered the feel of her in his hands and the taste of her on his lips. He closed his eyes against the onslaught of emotions that bombarded his senses. Desire and passion where there of course, but it was the force of the love he felt for her that had his head spinning. And that love is what kept him from grabbing that ladder and going to that window right now. He knew if he went to her she would not turn him away. And the consequences of taking that step were irrevocable. He wouldn't force those consequences on her. Not when he wasn't in a position to offer her any kind of security for the future. Without the amnesty, he couldn't even think about making her his wife. Had he really just used the word wife? How had things changed so drastically in just a few short months. That September day when he'd found her in that valley, he never would have dreamed of looking at a woman with commitment or marriage in mind. But when he thought of being separated from her it made his heart hurt and his lungs tighten. He didn't really believe in the nonsense of her dreams, did he? No, he didn't. He wouldn't. He wouldn't entertain any thought that something was going to happen to keep him away from her. He may not be able to marry her or offer her the riches and privilege that Mrs. Olivia Vanderbilt could, but he could damn sure love her more than anyone else and for as long as he wanted. Nobody, not even the woman getting off that train could change that.
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Olivia Hope Sanders- Vanderbilt stepped off the train and onto the dusty platform of the train depot. With lace gloved hands she adjusted the dainty plumed hat that sat atop her mounds of blond curls, and smoothed the wrinkles from the skirt of her pale blue silk chiffon suit. The exhaustion she felt after traveling by train for three days was exceeded only by her anxiousness to meet her niece. Her large blue eyes scanned the platform for any sign of a young woman who might be her. But of the many people there, few were females and all of them were either too old or too young to be her nineteen year old niece. A frown pinched her lovely arched brows and turned down the corners of her full pink lips. She looked up at the sign, "Cold Springs." This was the right town. She checked the watch pinned to her lapel. She was on time. Where then was her niece.
As the throng of disembarking passengers began to dwindle, she noticed the man leaning against the wall next to the ticket master's booth. He was staring at her. He pushed himself away from the wall and started towards her. She looked him over with appreciation as he approached her. He was a striking figure. He walked with a cocky arrogance. He looked dangerous but not threatening. He wore a gun low on his right hip strapped to his leg. His hat pushed back on his head. He was lean and fit. And quite handsome. When he stopped directly in front of her, she had to tip her head back to look at him, not that he was really that tall, she was just a petite five feet two inches. She was met with the most startlingly blue eyes she had ever seen. A slight shiver ran up her spine. How odd, she thought.
"Mrs. Vanderbilt?" he inquired.
“Yes.”
“Welcome to Cold Springs, ma’am." He removed his hat revealing his abundance of dirty blond curls. "I’m Thaddeus Jones. I’m here to escort you back to Red Rock.”
"You're Mr. Jones? I was expecting someone much older. And I was hoping my niece would be with you. Is she here in town?"
"No, ma'am. She stayed back in Red Rock with Mr. Smith. She's most anxious to meet you." It was a half truth. Evie was anxious, but not in a good way.
"And I her. I must apologize for not replying to your telegraph sooner. I was in Bowling Green, Kentucky when you sent it, and you had addressed it to my older sister, Libby. It took a while for the message to be forwarded to me in Kentucky. My sister was taken ill many years ago and is no longer able to take care of important matters like this and all the family responsibilities have fallen to me. But as soon as I received your message, I started making arrangements for my niece to come to Nashville. And for the remains of my sister and my nephew to be exhumed and brought home where they should be."
"I'm very sorry for your loss, ma'am," he said with sincerity. But it didn't go unnoticed that she had not included Evangeline's father in those plans.
"Thank you, Mr. Jones."
For such a beautiful and fairy like woman, she certainly had a chilly disposition, Kid thought.
"Are you traveling alone Mrs. Vanderbilt? Is your husband with you?"
"I have been widowed for sixteen years. Yes, I am alone. I'm forty one years old and I run several banks and a newspaper. I hardly need a chaperon." For some reason she felt oddly self conscious of her age and her appearance as she stood here in front of this young handsome man. She knew she was being a little cold towards him, but something about him unnerved her.
A lady banker and newspaper baron. How fascinating, Kid thought. "I hope it isn't too forward of me to say that you certainly don't look forty-one. I would have guessed you to be about thirty."
She actually laughed. It was a deep musical laughter that Kid Curry found very appealing. In fact he found almost everything about her physical being appealing. She was tiny. She barely came to his shoulder. He could span her waist with both of his hands. And her hands and her facial features looked like they belonged more to a child than a grown woman. Add to that thick honey blond hair, large blue eyes and a bow shaped mouth and the sum was a very enticing package. If the package just weren't covered with frost. What a waste he thought.
"You, boy!" she signaled to a teenage boy who was passing the depot on the crowded street. "Come here and help with my bags!"
As Kid and the boy collected Olivia's considerable baggage and loaded them into the rear of the surrey, Mrs. Vanderbilt supervised their every move. "No, don't put that one on the bottom. And that one needs to ride in front with me. Don't toss those around so. It contains precious family heirlooms. Please, be careful, young man." Kid couldn't keep his eyes off her. She was mesmerizingly beautiful. Maybe the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. But she was also one the bossiest and most austere. She was clearly a woman who was in charge and liked having her way. But she was also generous. He saw the five dollar gold piece she placed in the boys hand as she thanked him for his help.
"How was your train ride?" Thaddeus asked after riding for several miles in silence.
"Honestly," she sighed, "it was horrendous. A married couple with seven rambunctious children boarded in Oklahoma. Perhaps you saw them. They got off the train just before I did. The poor woman couldn't keep them under control and her husband wouldn't help her at all. They climbed the seats and hung from the curtains. Just thinking about it now gives me a headache."
"Do you have children of your own?"
"No. I never had children. My husband died before our second anniversary. And I've never remarried."
"I'm sorry."
"Thank you. It was a long time ago. Since my father died and Libby became ill, I've had to take over the family businesses. I don't have time to think about much else. This trip to collect my niece is the first time I've been away from home for something other than a business transaction or corporate meeting since....well, I don't remember when."
"Then you'll enjoy the peace and quite at the ranch. Mr. McCreedy has the guest room all made up for you."
"Mr. McCreedy?"
"Patrick McCreedy. He owns the ranch where you'll be staying, if you accept his invitation of course. There's a nice hotel in town if you'd rather have your privacy."
"Wherever Evangeline is, that's where I want to stay."
"That would be the ranch then."
"So, Mr. Jones, have you gotten to know my niece well? I'd like to know a little about her before I meet her. I don't even know what she looks like."
"Well, I must say, that beauty runs in your family. She's just as beautiful as you."
"Thank you," she managed after the shock wore off. She hadn't thought of herself as beautiful in a long time. Dear, Lord her face felt hot. Surely she wasn't blushing.
Kid Curry smiled to himself when he saw the flush on her cheeks. Maybe he could melt a little of that frost. He didn't know if he could but he could sure have some fun trying.
As they rode along the rest of the way to Red Rock, Thaddeus shared many of the experiences he'd had with Evangeline and Joshua. He didn't however let her in on the fact that the afore mentioned were now in the throes of a blossoming romance. He thought it best if she found that out on her own.
Every mile that they traveled, a little more of the frost melted. Kid's natural charm and easy going presence had her laughing by the time they arrived in Red Rock. She found him funny, charming and very handsome. He in turn was becoming quite intrigued by the sprite like beauty who was the head of a family and four businesses. And he found her much more beautiful when her face was smiling and laughing instead of pinched in a cold, distant scowl, as it had been the first hour he'd known her. He thought he was going to like Olivia Vanderbilt quite well. He just hoped her stubborn niece would too.
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Heyes stood on the front porch of Mr. McCreedy's house watching as the fringed canopy of the surrey that would bring Olivia Vanderbilt face to face with him came into view over the hilltop. He was nervous. He felt like one of the horses they had trained, getting ready for inspection by a prospective buyer. He didn't know why he felt like he needed her approval. But he did. He wanted Evie's aunt to like him. But more important than that, he wanted Evie to like her. She had been upstairs all afternoon getting ready for her first meeting with one of her few remaining kin folks. She hadn't eaten anything all day, complaining of nausea and a headache. She had fretted for hours about what to wear and how to fix her hair. He took out his pocket watch or the umpteenth time and checked the time, knowing already it was only a minute past the last time he'd checked. Four forty-five. Kid had gotten her here right on time.
"Right on time, I see."
The voice of Patrick McCreedy sounded behind him. "Yep. Guess you better tell the ladies they're here."
As Mac went back inside to inform the ladies that their guest had arrived, Hannibal Heyes reminded himself that he was a safe cracking, train robbing, former leader of the Devil's Hole gang. A mere slip of a woman wasn't going to rattle him. What did it matter what she thought anyway. As long as Evie loved him and he and the Kid where safe from the law, life was good. No matter what this woman thought. But it sure would make things easier if he got off on a good foot with Mrs. Vanderbilt. If she liked him, Evie would like her.
Big Mac and Georgia joined him on the porch just as Kid brought the surrey to a halt in the dirt drive cutting across the front yard.
Evie had been watching the approaching buggy from her bedroom window upstairs. The same window Hannibal had dangled from last night. Recalling the events of the previous night made that tightening feeling come into her womb again, and in her heart. It made her even more determined to stand her ground and by her man. He had been so sweet and attentive to her all day. He knew she was nervous and he was doing his best to put her at ease. "She's only a woman. She's just here because she wants to be a part of your life. Just meet her and get to know her. Trust your instincts. They're usually right." His words of wisdom echoed in her brain now as she watched the surrey get closer and closer. So that was her. She was too far away to make out any detail of her appearance, but she didn't appear to have horns or cloven hooves. And there was no black pointed hat and broom. "She's only a woman." Hannibal's words continued to echo as she checked her reflection in the mirror one last time. She had to admit, she looked quite beautiful. She had allowed Georgia, after considerable prodding, to truss her up in a corset. Her waist appeared tiny, her hips and breasts generously full. She had chosen the most expensive gown that Mr. McCreedy had purchased for her. And it was the most beautiful. It was the only silk gown she now owned. It was a deep scarlet with a print of small golden flowers. It was adorned with golden silk bows at the end of her three quarter length sleeves and at the neck line which came just below her collar bone. Georgia had used the hot iron to curl her hair and it was pinned atop her head in a mass on cascading ringlets. She heard Mac's voice summoning her and Georgia to the porch to meet their guest. Trust your instincts. God, let me have the right instincts. And tell Mama I wish she were here. She spun on her heels and headed out the door and down the stair case.
Big Mac stepped from the porch to meet his guest as she came towards the house. Heyes was struck speechless for a moment as Kid escorted her up the walkway. The image of Lilly Webb, her blue eyes pleading for him to save her children as she lay dying, sprang to vivid life in his head. This woman looked just like her. The same pixy like figure, blond hair and alabaster skin. She was a handsome woman, dressed in expensive clothes. She had a regal air about her and despite her size had a very commanding presence.
"Mrs. Olivia Vanderbilt, I'd like you to meet Mr. Pat McCreedy."
"Welcome, Mrs. Vanderbilt. Please consider my home your home."
"Thank you, Mr. McCreedy. For your hospitality and for your unmatched generosity to my niece. If I can compensate you in any way...."
He held up his hand to stop her. "It's been my pleasure. Having Evangeline here has been like medicine to these tired old bones. And this is Miss Georgia Moon. She runs the house. She'll attend to anything you might need."
"Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Vanderbilt," Georgia said, slightly intimidated by the rich looking lady.
"Pleased to meet you, Georgia. And please everyone call me Olivia." Her eyes came to land on the gentleman still standing on the porch. Just like Mr. Jones, he was a striking figure. He had an aura of confidence that demanded her attention. And a face that had probably lured many an unsuspecting woman into his arms. The kind of man a woman should probably keep her distance from.
"Olivia," Kid continued with his introductions, "this is Mr. Joshua Smith, the man who is responsible for saving your niece's life."
Heyes removed his hat as she extended her hand to him. When he took her tiny gloved hand in his she grasped it in both of hers and squeezed. "Mr. Smith, I owe you a debt of gratitude I could never repay. If there is ever anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask."
"That's not necessary, ma'am. It was my pleasure. Anybody would have done the same thing in my position." And a whiskey voice that had probably seduced many a willing woman onto her back, she thought. I surely hope my niece has not succumbed to his obvious charms.
"I'm not so sure about that Mr. Smith," she said with a smile. "From what Thaddeus has told me, you risked your life to save her. Most people would have..."
All eyes moved to the screen door that opened. Evangeline stepped out from behind the safety of the screen door she'd been lingering behind for the last few minutes. She walked to stand beside Joshua, wrapped her arm around his and interlaced his fingers with hers. She wanted to send Mrs. Vanderbilt an unmistakable message. She loved this man and nobody was taking her away from him.
The smile momentarily disappeared for Olivia's face as she witnessed Evangeline's public display of affection. She bristled slightly. So, she had succumbed. She quickly regained her composure and smiled again.
"Olivia, this is Evangeline," Kid offered.
"Evangeline, I'm so very glad to finally meet you," Olivia said as she stepped up onto the porch to approach her niece. "You're more beautiful than Thaddeus described you."
Evie crushed Joshua's hand in a death grip, shocked to see her mother's face on another human being. She even sounded like her mother. Joshua had to pry her hand from his when Olivia appoached her with arms spread wide, clearly expecting to embrace her niece.
"You look just like Mama," Evie finally said breathlessly after half heartedly returning her aunt's hug. Her hand returned immediately to Mr. Smith's.
"Yes, we heard that quite often when we were young. Although I always thought your mother to be much prettier than I." Try as she might she could not keep her gaze from falling to the pair of hands clutched together between them.
An awkward silence hung in the air as Evangeline just stared at the woman with her mother's face. Georgia, seeing the difficulty of the situation, stepped forward. "You must be plumb wore out after such a long trip. Why don't y'all come on in and sit down while I get some cold lemonade. You boys go fetch the lady's bags." She shooed them along with her hand while she directed Olivia into the MrCreedy home.
Evie held tight to Joshua's hand, not wanting to let go. "It's alright, sweetheart. Go on inside. I'll be right there." She reluctantly released his hand and entered the house.
Evangeline's clinging to Joshua and his endearments to her had not gone unnoticed by the perceptive and intelligent woman who now sat in the parlor sipping a glass of lemonade, while her only niece regarded her with near disdain. Everyone had been so kind to her so far, except the one person that mattered. Perhaps the shock of seeing her mother's face on another person was too much for her. Or perhaps she was still grieving heavily for her family. She had envisioned their first meeting many times, and every time it was a bittersweet moment full of tears and laughter. But never had she imagined she would be met with a sullen, glaring young woman who barely acknowledged her presence. She felt like she had been forced to step into the role of mean banker come to take our home away....A light went off in her head. She watched as Thaddeus and Joshua entered the room and Evangeline's face softened and relaxed. Mr. Smith came to sit beside Evangeline on one of the large sofas. The body language, the unspoken words that passed between them, let her know that this was the obstacle in her way of a relationship with her niece. Evangeline feared being taken from this man she had come to rely heavily upon, and apparently had strong feelings for. Hhhmm? What to do about that, she thought.
"Mr. Smith?"
"Please, call me Joshua."
"Joshua, I have a gift for you." She rose and went to the trunk that had been placed in the entry way. She returned with a small square package wrapped in brown paper and tied with string.
"Ma'am that really wasn't necessary. You shouldn't have done this."
"It hardly equals what I owe you. You went to measures above and beyond what most people would have to see my niece safe and this gift is just a small token of my and my sister's appreciation." She held it out to him. "Please, take it."
As she watched Joshua remove the wrappings from the package, Evangeline studied the woman who had given it to him. She didn't look evil. She didn't appear to be mean. In fact she looked like an angel. Just like her mother had. And she was being very thankful and generous. But the devil had been beautiful too, hadn't he. She wasn't ready to trust her just yet. And she had seen the look on her face when she'd grabbed Joshua's hand. She didn't approve.
When the wrappings were removed, Joshua lifted the lid of the little box. Nestled inside a puff of cotton padding was a solid gold pocket watch. The case was engraved with an ornate swirling design and hung from a sturdy gold chain. It must have cost a fortune. It was the finest watch any of them had ever seen. It was nicer than Mr. McCreedy's, and that was saying something. Thaddeus gave a long slow whistle as he looked over Joshua's shoulder at the expensive gift. Joshua opened the cover and found it had real gold hands as well.
"It's Swiss. The best they make. There's an inscription inside," Olivia said, smiling at her obvious success at picking the gift.
Joshua opened the watch and read aloud the inscription inside the cover, "With deepest gratitude from the Sanders Family 1880." He grinned sweetly as he looked over his shoulder at Evie. He thought he saw the hint of a smile at the corners of her mouth as well. "Thank you, Olivia."
"I have gifts for you too, Evangeline." She produced several packages in various sizes and laid them on the coffee table in front of Evangeline. When she didn't immediately pick one up, Olivia chose a small one and laid it on her lap. "Please, open this one first. It was my favorite and I just don't have the patience to wait while you open the others."
The package was opened to reveal a sterling silver broach shaped like a grand piano, encrusted with diamonds. Evangeline smiled in spite of herself. It was gorgeous.
"You like it, then?" Olivia asked hopefully.
"I love it. Are these real diamonds?"
Olivia exhaled in relief. At least the girl had spoken to her. "Yes, they are. Lilly was a gifted pianist. She could play like no one else. I'm sure you know that already. But I thought this would be a pleasant reminder of your mother."
Evie clutched the broach in her fisted hands and held it to her breast. "Thank you. I'll cherish it always."
"Evie's pretty good on the piano too, you know," Thaddeus said.
"Oh, really? That's wonderful. I'd love to hear you play. Would you do me the honor, Evangeline?" her aunt asked motioning to the grand piano at the far end of the room.
Evie looked to Joshua, who mouthed the words "go on" as he gestured to the piano. She rose and silently walked to the piano she now considered an old friend. As she began the first strains of her favorite, "Moonlight Sonata," everyone gathered around the piano. Before the song was finished, Olivia was in tears. Seeing clearly that her niece's talent far surpassed her sister's was a source of pride, sorrow and joy all mixed up together. She requested the Bach that had been Lilly's favorite. Again she was moved to tears. By the end of the third piece, Evangeline had made room for her small aunt on the bench beside her where they played a duet that she and her mother had played together so many times. This was followed by several Stephen Foster selections which everyone sang along to. Both women had laughed and cried by the time Georgia announced that supper was on the table.
By the end of the meal, Evangeline had decided that her dreams had been just that...dreams. Not messages from her mother. Though they had seemed so real and so vivid, she was trusting her instincts like Hannibal had told her to do. And her instincts told her that Olivia was not here to cause trouble. She was here because she wanted to be a part of the life of her sister's only living child. And while she could see that it annoyed her slightly that she had developed such a strong attachment to the man who had rescued her, a man she at first suspected was a womanizing scoundrel, she could also see that she was beginning to change her mind about him as they shared conversations about banking and safes. Evie had to smile to herself when Olivia expressed how impressed she was at Joshua's knowledge of the many available brands and types of safes. If you only knew she thought. And Olivia could not disguise her disappointment that Evie had not fallen into her arms in a heap of distress, seeking comfort from her. But what she didn't understand was that Evangeline had already been through the grieving process and was now in the process of healing. And Joshua had been the balm that helped heal her wounds. But as the evening progressed Olivia began to see a side of her niece she had not yet seen and it only emerged because of the man who sat beside her. She could see that he had genuine feelings for her niece and that made her more tolerant of Evie and Joshua's seemingly uncontrollable need to be constantly touching each other.
In fact Evangeline and Joshua had noticed a little touching going on themselves. Every time Thaddeus made a funny remark she was swatting his arm or touching his shoulder. She laughed flirtatiously at every little thing he said. And Thaddeus was taking advantage of every opportunity to be funny and charming.
As the hours wound down, Olivia became increasingly exhausted and bid everyone good night, but not before procuring a promise from Evangeline that they would meet in the morning for breakfast.
"Would you mind helping me upstairs with my bags, Thaddeus?"
"It would be my pleasure, ma'am."
Joshua and Evie giggled at the two as they stood on the porch saying their customary good night. "Where we that obvious?" she asked as she held on tight to him her head on his chest.
"I sure hope not. If we were I don't know how anybody stood to be around us. But according to Thaddeus and Sally, we were pretty obvious."
"I think I like her," she told him as she looked up into his beautiful face.
"Good. I like her too. Still believing those dreams?"
"No. I'm trusting my instincts like you said. And my instincts tell me that she's a good person. She's my family. She must be good. So unless Mama was referring to another 'her' who was on that train, my dreams were just that...dreams."
"Good." He kissed her soundly on the lips. "Now go and have some good, happy dreams for a change."
Dreams she had alright. But they were not happy. Here mother was there again. But different this time. "Things will be fine. Stay away from Smith. Everything will be fine if you'll stay away from Smith." She awoke with a gasp. She had dreamed of her mother again. She wasn't as frantic this time when she'd spoken. But she was insistent. And still very vivid and almost real. Stay away from Smith. What did that mean? Surely she wasn't referring to Joshua. It made absolutely no sense. Well, she knew now that all of her dreams were just nonsense. After all that she and Joshua had been through, and knowing how they loved each other, her mother and father had to be looking down on them with joy and approval. Her dreams were just the result of nerves. She wasn't even going to tell anyone about her dreams this time. She would keep it to herself. She fell back on her pillows, but sleep didn't come. She was afraid now to sleep. She didn't want to hear those words again. Even if they were nonsense. Because nothing, not even a message from her mother, would keep her away from Mr. Smith.
If you are over 17 and you do read this chapter I will warn you also, that Mr. Heyes gets a little naughty, so if that will spoil your image of him or damage your girlhood fantasy of what he is to you, please skip that part. But read the rest of the chapter as it will be important to future chapters. Again, I tried to be passionate and tasteful without being vulgar in my NC17 moment. And if anyone would like to leave a comment (stop with the Horshack routine, Clarissa, and put your hand down. I know you'll leave me a comment) please do so at the bottom of the chapter. Thanks for reading. :')
What time was it? Kid took the watch from the pocket of his pants which lay folded on the floor next to his bunk. The bright light of the full moon coming in the glass window pane allowed just enough light to see. Three a.m. What had awakened him, he wondered. He usually slept the sleep of the dead unless there was a disturbance or loud noise. He shrugged and rolled onto his side. The bunk across the room was empty, the cover thrown back, where Heyes had obviously gotten up. Where was he at this hour? What was he doing? What a stupid question, he thought. This was Hannibal Heyes he was talking about. Sleepless should have been his middle name. Kid swung his feet off the side of his bunk and pulled his pants on over his red union suit.
The full moon gave an eerie glow to the world outside. He scanned the ranch. He didn't see Heyes anywhere. Just then the orange glow of the end of a cigar near the corral caught his eye. He strolled across the dirt drive and through the grassy yard in his socked feet, to where Hannibal Heyes leaned against the corral fence.
"What are you doing awake?" Heyes asked before the Kid even reached him.
"Wondering what the heck you're doing, that's what."
Heyes took a long draw of the cigar then exhaled the pungent smelling smoke into the dark air around him. "Couldn't sleep."
"Well, I gathered that much, Heyes. What's keeping you awake this time?"
"Tomorrow."
"Now don't you start too. It's enough that Evie's about to drive me crazy with not eating and sleeping because her aunt's coming tomorrow. I don't need you starting too. First she's nervous and then you're nervous because she's nervous. All this nervousness is gettin' on my nerves."
"I was just thinking, Kid, what if she's right? What if it was a mistake asking her aunt to come out here?"
"You're not buying into that nonsense are you? Look, Heyes she's just scared that's all this is. No body's crazy about venturing into the unknown. She'll be fine once her aunt's here and she sees she's not some three headed ogre."
"I know that Kid, I'm just worried about her because she believes it."
"Is that why you're out here in the middle of the night then, worrying about Evie."
"That and I'm watching her window. I told her if she had the dream again to light the lamp and I'd be there."
"Oh, what are you planning on doing, jumping all the way to the second floor window? Georgia won't let you any where near her bedroom in the daytime, what makes you think she's gonna let you in this time of night. The slightest movement in that house and she'll wake up. And you do know that Georgia's room is right below Evie's, don't ya? I don't know about you but I wouldn't want be on the receiving end of that broom if Miss Georgia catches you."
"Kid, have you forgotten that we used to break into banks. How hard can it be to slip into a ranch house and creep upstairs without waking anybody? This is me you're talking to, remember. I'm a professional. And I haven't lost my touch."
"Well, here's your chance to prove that theory," Kid pointed to Evie's window on the second floor at the side of the house. "The light just came on. Need me to spot you or run interference."
"Nah, I can handle it."
"Alright then , Heyes. It's your hide." He started back towards the bunkhouse then stopped to add, "Just, uuuh, stay outta trouble will ya."
"I'm not afraid of Georgia." Heyes swatted the air with his hand to dismiss the thought.
"You gettin' caught by Georgia ain't the kind of trouble I'm talking about, Heyes."
A mischievous grin made its way across Heyes' face before he padded across the yard in bare feet. He knew the kind of trouble the Kid was referring to. Being alone with his sweet Evie in the middle of the night, in her bedroom. He was probably asking for trouble. He'd try his best to stay out of it but, he wasn't making any promises.
Kid watched as Hannibal Heyes skillfully and silently disappeared behind the large oak front door of the McCreedy home. "Sure hope that broom don't find its way to your backside, Heyes," he said to himself.
Heyes tiptoed to the staircase on bare feet. He hadn't put on his boots for fear they would make too much noise on the wooden floors. The first five steps were silent. The sixth step however creaked like a rusty door hinge. He cringed and waited. Nothing. He decided to take the rest of the steps quickly two at a time. He stood now outside her door. The soft glow of the lamplight spilled out from under the door. Whew. Made it. He opened the door to her room just enough to slide through. Facing the door he pushed it together gently. With a self satisfied smile he turned to face the room. His breath caught in his throat for a moment. He had not been in this room since the first night Mac had shown it to them. Georgia wouldn't allow him in here. But he had not been able to shake a vision of Evangeline lying in the center of that frilly pink bed with its gauzy bed curtains billowing in the breeze. That vision had haunted his dreams ever since he'd first seen this room. And now he stood here in her room in the middle of the night and there she sat. In the center of that frilly pink bed. Her eyes all sleepy looking, her hair all mussed and hanging loose. How in the world she managed to make a high necked, long sleeved white cotton night gown alluring, he didn't know, but somehow she was doing it. His whole world seemed to tilt on its axis. She stretched out her arms and beckoned him with a come hither motion of her fingers, like a child reaching for its mother. But there was nothing parental about the longing she stirred inside of him.
He had come. She hadn't know if he would. He had told her if she had the dream again, to light the lamp in her window and he would be there. But she had not wanted him to sacrifice a night's sleep waiting for her to light the lamp. But he had. Seeing him stand here now in her bedroom, where he wasn't allowed to come, her arms felt suddenly achingly empty and the space between them seemed vast. And so she summoned him with her outstretched arms. As he crossed the room to close the distance between them her eyes drank in the sight of him. Her lungs seemed to be too small. She couldn't get enough air. And her heart was pierced with an undefineable yearning. He wore only his Henley undershirt and his buff jeans . He wore no belt and the top two buttons of his jeans were unfastened. As he tiptoed across the floor on this cute bare feet, she thought him unbelievably adorable and undoubtedly desirable.
At last, he reached her and sitting on the edge of the bed leaned into her waiting arms. They were content for a long while just to hold each other. Both sighed heavily when he finally released her to look into her eyes still puffy with sleep.
"You have the dream again?"
"Uh huh."
"Same as the other ones?"
"Yes. Mama was here. Saying the same thing over and over. 'Don't let her get off the train. Don't let her get off the train. She's trouble. Don't let her get off the train.'"
"How can I make you feel better?"
"Just being here does that. But I really meant when I said. I didn't want you staying up all night just for me. I'm a big girl. I can handle a silly old dream."
"I know you can. But I never sleep that good any way, you know that. And besides, any opportunity I can find to be alone with you, I'm gonna take it. You're worth losing a little sleep."
"You just don't know how much I love you," she cooed as she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. As he held her his hands stroked her thick shiny hair. They each inhaled deeply of the other's scent. He smelled of clean soap, leather, after shave and sweet cigars. His nostrils were filled with her provocative musky floral essence. His nose found it's way into the curve where her throat met her shoulder. He planted playful kisses there as he spoke against her soft skin, "I really love this perfume you wear."
A deep throaty chuckle bubbled from her throat as she leaned her head back giving him better access to her sensitive throat. "That's funny, because I don't wear perfume," she said huskily. When his mouth ceased its delicious exploration of her neck she opened her eyes to find him staring hungrily at her.
"Then, lady, you got some sweet smelling skin." Their eyes locked for a brief moment, before they both moved toward each other in a frenzy of desire. Theirs mouths fell hungrily together in a deep scorching kiss. His tongue seeking and finding hers. She eased back onto the mountain of pink lace and ruffled pillows, drawing him with her, their fevered mouths never parting. When he felt her small hands grasp the hem of his shirt and begin to tug it upward, he broke the kiss to help her get rid of the only barrier that separated her from the one thing she craved at this moment. His skin. God, how she wanted to be closer to him. She wanted to somehow be absorbed into his skin, to be a part of who and what he was. She couldn't get close enough. Her hands were everywhere, measuring the deep cleft of his back, the breadth of his strong shoulders, the powerful arms and chest. She revelled in the feel of his tanned skin stretched taut over lean hard muscle. It was like iron wrapped in velvet, she thought. But still not close enough. She put her hands on his waist and tugged him in the direction of the big bed's center. He obliged her and stretched out in the center of the bed beside her.
They lay facing each other. Endearments and phrases of love and desire that they could not express with words passed between them as they gazed at each other with passion clouded eyes. She finally let her eyes leave his and travel down the length of him as he lay there bare chested, the top buttons of his pants undone, like a door left ajar in invitation to what lay beyond its borders. He was beautiful. He was perfect. She wanted to tell him so, but she was afraid if she tried to speak no words would come out. And so she showed him instead. Her lips found their way to his throat placing tentative small kisses there. His sharp intake of breath encouraging further exploration. She felt a surge of feminine power and her hands and mouth began a journey that would take her down over his muscled chest, his rippled flanks and his flat belly. The growing evidence of his desire was there mere inches from her face as she familiarized herself with the sprinkling of dark hair that surrounded his perfect little belly button. She hesitated, not yet ready to take that bold of a step. And so she made her way back up his hard torso to find his mouth eagerly awaiting hers once more.
She had surprised him yet again. He lay there unable to move, transfixed by the vision of her and her sweet lips plying his body with nibbles and kisses. Her hands warm and eager. My God this woman was going to be the death of him. He stifled a groan when her exploration took her close to that most male part of him. He saw her momentary hesitation as her gaze fell to his groin. She was bold yes, but not yet that bold. As her lips found their way to his mouth once again, he grew impatient and decided it was his turn to do a little exploring. He turned with her pinning her beneath him. As she bent her knees to accommodate his weight between her thighs her gown slipped down in a pool of white around her hips. He touched every inch of her exposed skin with his eyes, before allowing his hands the pleasure. He let his hands travel up her shapely calves to linger on her firm thighs. She was so soft and smooth.
No other human except her mother, and that vile hideous Harlan had ever seen or touched her naked thighs before. The sight of his dark manly hands on her soft creamy skin, had her throbbing in places she'd never throbbed before. The only thing separating the most secret and feminine part of her from him was the white cotton material trapped between them. The very thought made her ache. "Why do you make me ache so?" She was thinking out loud not really expecting him to answer.
But he did. "Show me where it aches and I'll kiss it better." His voice, deeper than usual, made her quiver all over. Did she dare? Did she dare show him the places where he made her ache? She decided she should test the waters of her own bravery first. She placed a finger tip to the side of her throat. He removed her hand and planted a wet open mouthed kiss to the spot. He looked down at her, waiting. She placed her finger to her cheek. Another kiss. Then to her lips. Another knee weakening kiss. He looked at her this time with a challenge in his eyes. How far was she willing to go. Her breathing was heavy, her chest heaving as she slid her trembling hands down the front of her gown to cover each of her breasts. The look in his eyes as her shaking hands found their way to her aching breasts almost knocked the breath completely from her. It was a raw primitive need she saw there. But it wasn't frightening. It was exciting.
He slowly removed her trembling hands and spread her arms out to the side. Then he began the torturous slow process of undoing the ruffle laden row of buttons that held together the front of her gown. The few minutes turned into an agonizing eternity for both of them until he finally had the last button undone. As he kneeled above her in the center of the bed strewn with lace and fluff, and the sheer pink curtains hanging around them, he parted the bodice of her gown. His hands brushed her soft womanly skin as he moved the material out of the way. And when it was open, he was spellbound by the sight of her. She was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. He sat back for a long moment and just devoured her with his eyes. Perfection was the only word he could think of at this moment. The picture she created lying there on that mountain of frills and fluff with her arms spread wide, her hair spilling all around her and her heaving breasts, heavy with passion exposed for him to see and touch and taste, was almost more than he could take.
But he kept himself under control, remembering that this was all new to her. He leaned over and kissed her forehead, then her eyelids and then her nose, before gently kissing her lips, assuaging any fear she might have. But when he looked in her flushed face he saw only love, trust and desire. He brushed the back of his knuckles along her cheek and her chin, then over her throat and across her chest. Her breasts quivered in anticipation of his touch. The reality of it when it came however, made her gasp. His knuckles barely grazed her already beaded nipple. It hardened further at his feather like touch. He moved to the other breast with the same results. Then he turned both hands so that he held each of the perfect globes in the palms of his hands. He massaged her wanting flesh until a small moan escaped her throat. "Is that better?" he asked in whisper. She would try to speak, if her suddenly dry throat would permit. "No, actually your making it worse," was her whispered reply. If the almost painfully delightful things he was doing to her throbbing nipples now didn't help soothe the ache, she didn't know what would. But he did. She was shocked, then dazed, then overcome with delight as she watched his dark head descend and his mouth took the place of his hands. It was as if lightening was coursing though her body, creating a pathway of heat from the spot where is mouth tormented her to the spot at the apex of her thighs where his pelvis now held her captive. He worried first one breast and then the other, drawing the tips into his greedy mouth like a baby seeking its mother's milk. She never knew it could be like this. Never knew anything could feel this good. Her head tossed, her eyes squeezed shut. She felt like the walls were all on fire. She never wanted it to end. In her fury of desire to keep his mouth from leaving her aching breasts she brought her outstretched arms down to cradle his head to her. In doing so, she knocked the alarm clock off the bedside table.
It hit the floor with a loud clang. They both sat bolt upright. Staring at each other with stricken looks, they waited. At first they thought they had dodged the bullet, but then they heard the unmistakable sound of feet padding quickly through the house downstairs.
They jumped from the bed like it was full of rattlesnakes. "Oh, my, God," she hysterically whispered her hands fanning the air.
"Where's my shirt," he mouthed as he frantically searched.
He retrieved his shirt and pulled it over his head then hastily refastened the buttons that Evie's shaky hands were unable to fasten.
"Blow out the lamp," he said.
They both rushed to the lamp and extinguished the light. Heyes tiptoed to the door and turned the key in the lock.
"Get under the bed," she whispered.
"That's the first place she'll look. Besides I don't think I'll fit."
They both turned around and around in the dark room lit now only by the splashes of moonlight coming through the windows for a place to hide. There was none. Then they saw the orange glow of the lamplight coming down the hallway outside her room. "Miss Vangeline, you alright in there?"
Heyes motioned for her to go ahead and answer her. Her voice sounded strange and absurdly loud as she called out, "Yes, I'm fine. Why? What's wrong?"
The door knob giggled. "What's this door doing locked. If'n that young man is in there, I got my broom right here ready to beat him all the way back to that bunkhouse. Somebody better be lettin' me in this room right now."
There was no other option. He lifted the window and straddled the sill. Then he carefully lowered himself to dangle precariously from his fingertips down the side of the house.
When he was out of sight, Evie went to the door and turned the key. Miss Georgia stood there in her nightcap and gown with a scowl on her face. "What's goin' on in here?"
"I don't know what you mean. I was sleeping."
"Then what was that God awful racket I heard. Woke me from a dead sleep." She stepped into the room and scanned it. Then with her broom in one hand and her lamp in the other, she swept under the bed. Whew. Close one. Then she saw the clock on the floor. "This must be what I heard. Didn't this wake you up?" she asked with a suspicious glare.
"I must have knocked it off when I was having a dream."
"You still having that same dream, child?"
Evangeline was a good student. When Hannibal Heyes was teaching her the ins and outs of dodging the law, one of the things he taught her was how to lead people's attention to where you wanted it to be. She slowly eased herself into a position next to the chaise lounge forcing Miss Georgia's back to the window that said outlaw now dangled from. She had to get her out of here quick. She didn't know how long he was going to be able to hang on out there.
"Yes, it was the same dream." She produced her best distraught face and placed a fretful hand to her forehead. "I think maybe some hot tea might calm my nerves and help me get back to sleep."
Heyes could hear the conversation taking place inside. Evie made him proud in her attempt to draw Georgia away from the window and out of the room. But if she didn't get her out of there soon, it would be too late. He was loosing his grip fast. Each second was like an hour as he fought to hold onto the window ledge.
"You let Miss Georgia go down and fix you some right up. I'll have it up here in a jiffy."
"No! I'll come down and help you with it."
Oh, no. He wasn't going to make it. He didn't want to look over his shoulder. He didn't want to know how far the fall was going to be. He mentally prepared himself for the impact of the hard earth.
"Suit yourself then." She started towards the door. Evangeline's sigh of relieve turned into a gasp of horror when Georgia stopped just short of the doorway and turned toward the open window. "No wonder you been having strange dreams, sleeping with that draft coming in here. Next thing you know you'll be catching your death of cold." She marched determinedly towards the window.
Suddenly Heyes felt something solid under his feet. He hazarded a glance over his shoulder. There was the Kid bracing a ladder against the house. Heyes let the air escape his lungs as he scurried down the ladder and onto the ground. Kid grabbed the ladder and they ran like scalded dogs to the bunkhouse.
Miss Georgia stuck her head out the window and surveyed the yard outside as Evie stood with her mouth agape. "Sho is a big ole bright moon out tonight." She shut the window and headed into the hallway. Evangeline stood rooted to the spot, too scared to move. "Well, child, you comin'?"
"Uh uh uh," she stammered not sure what to say or do. "I've changed my mind. It's too much trouble to make tea at this hour." She faked a yawn. "I'm sleepy again already. I'm just gonna go back to bed."
"Child are you sho you feelin' alright?"
"I'm fine, Miss Georgia. I'm sorry I woke you. Thanks for checking on me. Good night." She closed the door and rushed to the window, threw it open and peared over the edge. He was gone. Had he fallen? Was he hurt? Oh, my Lord, had she just lain in bed with him and had he done all those deliciously forbidden things to her? She felt weak all of a sudden. She needed to lie down. But she so wanted to find out if Hannibal was alright. Did she dare take the risk of sneaking out of the house. Georgia was bound to hear her if she did. She decided she would take the risk. He was worth it. Look at the risk he had taken just to come and comfort her tonight. And boy had he comforted her. She was heading to the wardrobe for a pair of shoes when she heard a ticking at the window. He was tossing pebbles against the glass. She hurried to the window and opened it. He stood below her in the moonlight, still bare footed, still adorable. "Are you alright?" she said just loud enough for him to hear.
"I'm fine. Kid saved me with the ladder."
"Oh, good," she breathed in relief. "Georgia didn't see you, we pulled it off. Tell Kid I said thanks."
"I will. Hey, I didn't get to tell you. I love you." Then he smiled that smile that outshone the brilliant moon.
Her heart was absolutely bursting with love for this man. "I love you, too. Now get out of here before Georgia and her broom catch you."
She blew him a kiss before he spun around and disappeared around the corner of the house.
No matter who or what got off that train tomorrow, as long as Hannibal Heyes was with her, she didn't give a tinker's damn anymore. And she'd be damned before she'd let anybody take him from her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Well, did she see us?" Kid asked from his bunk when Heyes came back in the bunkhouse.
"Nope. Whew, but it sure was a close one."
"Yeah, you owe me one. Again."
"Evie said to tell you 'thanks'."
"You can both thank me by letting me get some sleep. I gotta be heading out in a couple more hours if I'm gonna make it to Cold Springs by eleven." He scooted down under the covers. "And another thing Heyes, if your gonna sneak into her room again, just use the ladder and go through her window. It'll save me a lot of time and lost sleep."
"Who says there'll be a next time."
"I know you, Heyes. There'll be a next time." Kid rolled over to face the wall. He was asleep in seconds.
Heyes sat there in his lonely bunk, wishing he could go back up that ladder and finish what he and Evie had started. He missed her fiercely already, just minutes after leaving her. He remembered the feel of her in his hands and the taste of her on his lips. He closed his eyes against the onslaught of emotions that bombarded his senses. Desire and passion where there of course, but it was the force of the love he felt for her that had his head spinning. And that love is what kept him from grabbing that ladder and going to that window right now. He knew if he went to her she would not turn him away. And the consequences of taking that step were irrevocable. He wouldn't force those consequences on her. Not when he wasn't in a position to offer her any kind of security for the future. Without the amnesty, he couldn't even think about making her his wife. Had he really just used the word wife? How had things changed so drastically in just a few short months. That September day when he'd found her in that valley, he never would have dreamed of looking at a woman with commitment or marriage in mind. But when he thought of being separated from her it made his heart hurt and his lungs tighten. He didn't really believe in the nonsense of her dreams, did he? No, he didn't. He wouldn't. He wouldn't entertain any thought that something was going to happen to keep him away from her. He may not be able to marry her or offer her the riches and privilege that Mrs. Olivia Vanderbilt could, but he could damn sure love her more than anyone else and for as long as he wanted. Nobody, not even the woman getting off that train could change that.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Olivia Hope Sanders- Vanderbilt stepped off the train and onto the dusty platform of the train depot. With lace gloved hands she adjusted the dainty plumed hat that sat atop her mounds of blond curls, and smoothed the wrinkles from the skirt of her pale blue silk chiffon suit. The exhaustion she felt after traveling by train for three days was exceeded only by her anxiousness to meet her niece. Her large blue eyes scanned the platform for any sign of a young woman who might be her. But of the many people there, few were females and all of them were either too old or too young to be her nineteen year old niece. A frown pinched her lovely arched brows and turned down the corners of her full pink lips. She looked up at the sign, "Cold Springs." This was the right town. She checked the watch pinned to her lapel. She was on time. Where then was her niece.
As the throng of disembarking passengers began to dwindle, she noticed the man leaning against the wall next to the ticket master's booth. He was staring at her. He pushed himself away from the wall and started towards her. She looked him over with appreciation as he approached her. He was a striking figure. He walked with a cocky arrogance. He looked dangerous but not threatening. He wore a gun low on his right hip strapped to his leg. His hat pushed back on his head. He was lean and fit. And quite handsome. When he stopped directly in front of her, she had to tip her head back to look at him, not that he was really that tall, she was just a petite five feet two inches. She was met with the most startlingly blue eyes she had ever seen. A slight shiver ran up her spine. How odd, she thought.
"Mrs. Vanderbilt?" he inquired.
“Yes.”
“Welcome to Cold Springs, ma’am." He removed his hat revealing his abundance of dirty blond curls. "I’m Thaddeus Jones. I’m here to escort you back to Red Rock.”
"You're Mr. Jones? I was expecting someone much older. And I was hoping my niece would be with you. Is she here in town?"
"No, ma'am. She stayed back in Red Rock with Mr. Smith. She's most anxious to meet you." It was a half truth. Evie was anxious, but not in a good way.
"And I her. I must apologize for not replying to your telegraph sooner. I was in Bowling Green, Kentucky when you sent it, and you had addressed it to my older sister, Libby. It took a while for the message to be forwarded to me in Kentucky. My sister was taken ill many years ago and is no longer able to take care of important matters like this and all the family responsibilities have fallen to me. But as soon as I received your message, I started making arrangements for my niece to come to Nashville. And for the remains of my sister and my nephew to be exhumed and brought home where they should be."
"I'm very sorry for your loss, ma'am," he said with sincerity. But it didn't go unnoticed that she had not included Evangeline's father in those plans.
"Thank you, Mr. Jones."
For such a beautiful and fairy like woman, she certainly had a chilly disposition, Kid thought.
"Are you traveling alone Mrs. Vanderbilt? Is your husband with you?"
"I have been widowed for sixteen years. Yes, I am alone. I'm forty one years old and I run several banks and a newspaper. I hardly need a chaperon." For some reason she felt oddly self conscious of her age and her appearance as she stood here in front of this young handsome man. She knew she was being a little cold towards him, but something about him unnerved her.
A lady banker and newspaper baron. How fascinating, Kid thought. "I hope it isn't too forward of me to say that you certainly don't look forty-one. I would have guessed you to be about thirty."
She actually laughed. It was a deep musical laughter that Kid Curry found very appealing. In fact he found almost everything about her physical being appealing. She was tiny. She barely came to his shoulder. He could span her waist with both of his hands. And her hands and her facial features looked like they belonged more to a child than a grown woman. Add to that thick honey blond hair, large blue eyes and a bow shaped mouth and the sum was a very enticing package. If the package just weren't covered with frost. What a waste he thought.
"You, boy!" she signaled to a teenage boy who was passing the depot on the crowded street. "Come here and help with my bags!"
As Kid and the boy collected Olivia's considerable baggage and loaded them into the rear of the surrey, Mrs. Vanderbilt supervised their every move. "No, don't put that one on the bottom. And that one needs to ride in front with me. Don't toss those around so. It contains precious family heirlooms. Please, be careful, young man." Kid couldn't keep his eyes off her. She was mesmerizingly beautiful. Maybe the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. But she was also one the bossiest and most austere. She was clearly a woman who was in charge and liked having her way. But she was also generous. He saw the five dollar gold piece she placed in the boys hand as she thanked him for his help.
"How was your train ride?" Thaddeus asked after riding for several miles in silence.
"Honestly," she sighed, "it was horrendous. A married couple with seven rambunctious children boarded in Oklahoma. Perhaps you saw them. They got off the train just before I did. The poor woman couldn't keep them under control and her husband wouldn't help her at all. They climbed the seats and hung from the curtains. Just thinking about it now gives me a headache."
"Do you have children of your own?"
"No. I never had children. My husband died before our second anniversary. And I've never remarried."
"I'm sorry."
"Thank you. It was a long time ago. Since my father died and Libby became ill, I've had to take over the family businesses. I don't have time to think about much else. This trip to collect my niece is the first time I've been away from home for something other than a business transaction or corporate meeting since....well, I don't remember when."
"Then you'll enjoy the peace and quite at the ranch. Mr. McCreedy has the guest room all made up for you."
"Mr. McCreedy?"
"Patrick McCreedy. He owns the ranch where you'll be staying, if you accept his invitation of course. There's a nice hotel in town if you'd rather have your privacy."
"Wherever Evangeline is, that's where I want to stay."
"That would be the ranch then."
"So, Mr. Jones, have you gotten to know my niece well? I'd like to know a little about her before I meet her. I don't even know what she looks like."
"Well, I must say, that beauty runs in your family. She's just as beautiful as you."
"Thank you," she managed after the shock wore off. She hadn't thought of herself as beautiful in a long time. Dear, Lord her face felt hot. Surely she wasn't blushing.
Kid Curry smiled to himself when he saw the flush on her cheeks. Maybe he could melt a little of that frost. He didn't know if he could but he could sure have some fun trying.
As they rode along the rest of the way to Red Rock, Thaddeus shared many of the experiences he'd had with Evangeline and Joshua. He didn't however let her in on the fact that the afore mentioned were now in the throes of a blossoming romance. He thought it best if she found that out on her own.
Every mile that they traveled, a little more of the frost melted. Kid's natural charm and easy going presence had her laughing by the time they arrived in Red Rock. She found him funny, charming and very handsome. He in turn was becoming quite intrigued by the sprite like beauty who was the head of a family and four businesses. And he found her much more beautiful when her face was smiling and laughing instead of pinched in a cold, distant scowl, as it had been the first hour he'd known her. He thought he was going to like Olivia Vanderbilt quite well. He just hoped her stubborn niece would too.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Heyes stood on the front porch of Mr. McCreedy's house watching as the fringed canopy of the surrey that would bring Olivia Vanderbilt face to face with him came into view over the hilltop. He was nervous. He felt like one of the horses they had trained, getting ready for inspection by a prospective buyer. He didn't know why he felt like he needed her approval. But he did. He wanted Evie's aunt to like him. But more important than that, he wanted Evie to like her. She had been upstairs all afternoon getting ready for her first meeting with one of her few remaining kin folks. She hadn't eaten anything all day, complaining of nausea and a headache. She had fretted for hours about what to wear and how to fix her hair. He took out his pocket watch or the umpteenth time and checked the time, knowing already it was only a minute past the last time he'd checked. Four forty-five. Kid had gotten her here right on time.
"Right on time, I see."
The voice of Patrick McCreedy sounded behind him. "Yep. Guess you better tell the ladies they're here."
As Mac went back inside to inform the ladies that their guest had arrived, Hannibal Heyes reminded himself that he was a safe cracking, train robbing, former leader of the Devil's Hole gang. A mere slip of a woman wasn't going to rattle him. What did it matter what she thought anyway. As long as Evie loved him and he and the Kid where safe from the law, life was good. No matter what this woman thought. But it sure would make things easier if he got off on a good foot with Mrs. Vanderbilt. If she liked him, Evie would like her.
Big Mac and Georgia joined him on the porch just as Kid brought the surrey to a halt in the dirt drive cutting across the front yard.
Evie had been watching the approaching buggy from her bedroom window upstairs. The same window Hannibal had dangled from last night. Recalling the events of the previous night made that tightening feeling come into her womb again, and in her heart. It made her even more determined to stand her ground and by her man. He had been so sweet and attentive to her all day. He knew she was nervous and he was doing his best to put her at ease. "She's only a woman. She's just here because she wants to be a part of your life. Just meet her and get to know her. Trust your instincts. They're usually right." His words of wisdom echoed in her brain now as she watched the surrey get closer and closer. So that was her. She was too far away to make out any detail of her appearance, but she didn't appear to have horns or cloven hooves. And there was no black pointed hat and broom. "She's only a woman." Hannibal's words continued to echo as she checked her reflection in the mirror one last time. She had to admit, she looked quite beautiful. She had allowed Georgia, after considerable prodding, to truss her up in a corset. Her waist appeared tiny, her hips and breasts generously full. She had chosen the most expensive gown that Mr. McCreedy had purchased for her. And it was the most beautiful. It was the only silk gown she now owned. It was a deep scarlet with a print of small golden flowers. It was adorned with golden silk bows at the end of her three quarter length sleeves and at the neck line which came just below her collar bone. Georgia had used the hot iron to curl her hair and it was pinned atop her head in a mass on cascading ringlets. She heard Mac's voice summoning her and Georgia to the porch to meet their guest. Trust your instincts. God, let me have the right instincts. And tell Mama I wish she were here. She spun on her heels and headed out the door and down the stair case.
Big Mac stepped from the porch to meet his guest as she came towards the house. Heyes was struck speechless for a moment as Kid escorted her up the walkway. The image of Lilly Webb, her blue eyes pleading for him to save her children as she lay dying, sprang to vivid life in his head. This woman looked just like her. The same pixy like figure, blond hair and alabaster skin. She was a handsome woman, dressed in expensive clothes. She had a regal air about her and despite her size had a very commanding presence.
"Mrs. Olivia Vanderbilt, I'd like you to meet Mr. Pat McCreedy."
"Welcome, Mrs. Vanderbilt. Please consider my home your home."
"Thank you, Mr. McCreedy. For your hospitality and for your unmatched generosity to my niece. If I can compensate you in any way...."
He held up his hand to stop her. "It's been my pleasure. Having Evangeline here has been like medicine to these tired old bones. And this is Miss Georgia Moon. She runs the house. She'll attend to anything you might need."
"Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Vanderbilt," Georgia said, slightly intimidated by the rich looking lady.
"Pleased to meet you, Georgia. And please everyone call me Olivia." Her eyes came to land on the gentleman still standing on the porch. Just like Mr. Jones, he was a striking figure. He had an aura of confidence that demanded her attention. And a face that had probably lured many an unsuspecting woman into his arms. The kind of man a woman should probably keep her distance from.
"Olivia," Kid continued with his introductions, "this is Mr. Joshua Smith, the man who is responsible for saving your niece's life."
Heyes removed his hat as she extended her hand to him. When he took her tiny gloved hand in his she grasped it in both of hers and squeezed. "Mr. Smith, I owe you a debt of gratitude I could never repay. If there is ever anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask."
"That's not necessary, ma'am. It was my pleasure. Anybody would have done the same thing in my position." And a whiskey voice that had probably seduced many a willing woman onto her back, she thought. I surely hope my niece has not succumbed to his obvious charms.
"I'm not so sure about that Mr. Smith," she said with a smile. "From what Thaddeus has told me, you risked your life to save her. Most people would have..."
All eyes moved to the screen door that opened. Evangeline stepped out from behind the safety of the screen door she'd been lingering behind for the last few minutes. She walked to stand beside Joshua, wrapped her arm around his and interlaced his fingers with hers. She wanted to send Mrs. Vanderbilt an unmistakable message. She loved this man and nobody was taking her away from him.
The smile momentarily disappeared for Olivia's face as she witnessed Evangeline's public display of affection. She bristled slightly. So, she had succumbed. She quickly regained her composure and smiled again.
"Olivia, this is Evangeline," Kid offered.
"Evangeline, I'm so very glad to finally meet you," Olivia said as she stepped up onto the porch to approach her niece. "You're more beautiful than Thaddeus described you."
Evie crushed Joshua's hand in a death grip, shocked to see her mother's face on another human being. She even sounded like her mother. Joshua had to pry her hand from his when Olivia appoached her with arms spread wide, clearly expecting to embrace her niece.
"You look just like Mama," Evie finally said breathlessly after half heartedly returning her aunt's hug. Her hand returned immediately to Mr. Smith's.
"Yes, we heard that quite often when we were young. Although I always thought your mother to be much prettier than I." Try as she might she could not keep her gaze from falling to the pair of hands clutched together between them.
An awkward silence hung in the air as Evangeline just stared at the woman with her mother's face. Georgia, seeing the difficulty of the situation, stepped forward. "You must be plumb wore out after such a long trip. Why don't y'all come on in and sit down while I get some cold lemonade. You boys go fetch the lady's bags." She shooed them along with her hand while she directed Olivia into the MrCreedy home.
Evie held tight to Joshua's hand, not wanting to let go. "It's alright, sweetheart. Go on inside. I'll be right there." She reluctantly released his hand and entered the house.
Evangeline's clinging to Joshua and his endearments to her had not gone unnoticed by the perceptive and intelligent woman who now sat in the parlor sipping a glass of lemonade, while her only niece regarded her with near disdain. Everyone had been so kind to her so far, except the one person that mattered. Perhaps the shock of seeing her mother's face on another person was too much for her. Or perhaps she was still grieving heavily for her family. She had envisioned their first meeting many times, and every time it was a bittersweet moment full of tears and laughter. But never had she imagined she would be met with a sullen, glaring young woman who barely acknowledged her presence. She felt like she had been forced to step into the role of mean banker come to take our home away....A light went off in her head. She watched as Thaddeus and Joshua entered the room and Evangeline's face softened and relaxed. Mr. Smith came to sit beside Evangeline on one of the large sofas. The body language, the unspoken words that passed between them, let her know that this was the obstacle in her way of a relationship with her niece. Evangeline feared being taken from this man she had come to rely heavily upon, and apparently had strong feelings for. Hhhmm? What to do about that, she thought.
"Mr. Smith?"
"Please, call me Joshua."
"Joshua, I have a gift for you." She rose and went to the trunk that had been placed in the entry way. She returned with a small square package wrapped in brown paper and tied with string.
"Ma'am that really wasn't necessary. You shouldn't have done this."
"It hardly equals what I owe you. You went to measures above and beyond what most people would have to see my niece safe and this gift is just a small token of my and my sister's appreciation." She held it out to him. "Please, take it."
As she watched Joshua remove the wrappings from the package, Evangeline studied the woman who had given it to him. She didn't look evil. She didn't appear to be mean. In fact she looked like an angel. Just like her mother had. And she was being very thankful and generous. But the devil had been beautiful too, hadn't he. She wasn't ready to trust her just yet. And she had seen the look on her face when she'd grabbed Joshua's hand. She didn't approve.
When the wrappings were removed, Joshua lifted the lid of the little box. Nestled inside a puff of cotton padding was a solid gold pocket watch. The case was engraved with an ornate swirling design and hung from a sturdy gold chain. It must have cost a fortune. It was the finest watch any of them had ever seen. It was nicer than Mr. McCreedy's, and that was saying something. Thaddeus gave a long slow whistle as he looked over Joshua's shoulder at the expensive gift. Joshua opened the cover and found it had real gold hands as well.
"It's Swiss. The best they make. There's an inscription inside," Olivia said, smiling at her obvious success at picking the gift.
Joshua opened the watch and read aloud the inscription inside the cover, "With deepest gratitude from the Sanders Family 1880." He grinned sweetly as he looked over his shoulder at Evie. He thought he saw the hint of a smile at the corners of her mouth as well. "Thank you, Olivia."
"I have gifts for you too, Evangeline." She produced several packages in various sizes and laid them on the coffee table in front of Evangeline. When she didn't immediately pick one up, Olivia chose a small one and laid it on her lap. "Please, open this one first. It was my favorite and I just don't have the patience to wait while you open the others."
The package was opened to reveal a sterling silver broach shaped like a grand piano, encrusted with diamonds. Evangeline smiled in spite of herself. It was gorgeous.
"You like it, then?" Olivia asked hopefully.
"I love it. Are these real diamonds?"
Olivia exhaled in relief. At least the girl had spoken to her. "Yes, they are. Lilly was a gifted pianist. She could play like no one else. I'm sure you know that already. But I thought this would be a pleasant reminder of your mother."
Evie clutched the broach in her fisted hands and held it to her breast. "Thank you. I'll cherish it always."
"Evie's pretty good on the piano too, you know," Thaddeus said.
"Oh, really? That's wonderful. I'd love to hear you play. Would you do me the honor, Evangeline?" her aunt asked motioning to the grand piano at the far end of the room.
Evie looked to Joshua, who mouthed the words "go on" as he gestured to the piano. She rose and silently walked to the piano she now considered an old friend. As she began the first strains of her favorite, "Moonlight Sonata," everyone gathered around the piano. Before the song was finished, Olivia was in tears. Seeing clearly that her niece's talent far surpassed her sister's was a source of pride, sorrow and joy all mixed up together. She requested the Bach that had been Lilly's favorite. Again she was moved to tears. By the end of the third piece, Evangeline had made room for her small aunt on the bench beside her where they played a duet that she and her mother had played together so many times. This was followed by several Stephen Foster selections which everyone sang along to. Both women had laughed and cried by the time Georgia announced that supper was on the table.
By the end of the meal, Evangeline had decided that her dreams had been just that...dreams. Not messages from her mother. Though they had seemed so real and so vivid, she was trusting her instincts like Hannibal had told her to do. And her instincts told her that Olivia was not here to cause trouble. She was here because she wanted to be a part of the life of her sister's only living child. And while she could see that it annoyed her slightly that she had developed such a strong attachment to the man who had rescued her, a man she at first suspected was a womanizing scoundrel, she could also see that she was beginning to change her mind about him as they shared conversations about banking and safes. Evie had to smile to herself when Olivia expressed how impressed she was at Joshua's knowledge of the many available brands and types of safes. If you only knew she thought. And Olivia could not disguise her disappointment that Evie had not fallen into her arms in a heap of distress, seeking comfort from her. But what she didn't understand was that Evangeline had already been through the grieving process and was now in the process of healing. And Joshua had been the balm that helped heal her wounds. But as the evening progressed Olivia began to see a side of her niece she had not yet seen and it only emerged because of the man who sat beside her. She could see that he had genuine feelings for her niece and that made her more tolerant of Evie and Joshua's seemingly uncontrollable need to be constantly touching each other.
In fact Evangeline and Joshua had noticed a little touching going on themselves. Every time Thaddeus made a funny remark she was swatting his arm or touching his shoulder. She laughed flirtatiously at every little thing he said. And Thaddeus was taking advantage of every opportunity to be funny and charming.
As the hours wound down, Olivia became increasingly exhausted and bid everyone good night, but not before procuring a promise from Evangeline that they would meet in the morning for breakfast.
"Would you mind helping me upstairs with my bags, Thaddeus?"
"It would be my pleasure, ma'am."
Joshua and Evie giggled at the two as they stood on the porch saying their customary good night. "Where we that obvious?" she asked as she held on tight to him her head on his chest.
"I sure hope not. If we were I don't know how anybody stood to be around us. But according to Thaddeus and Sally, we were pretty obvious."
"I think I like her," she told him as she looked up into his beautiful face.
"Good. I like her too. Still believing those dreams?"
"No. I'm trusting my instincts like you said. And my instincts tell me that she's a good person. She's my family. She must be good. So unless Mama was referring to another 'her' who was on that train, my dreams were just that...dreams."
"Good." He kissed her soundly on the lips. "Now go and have some good, happy dreams for a change."
Dreams she had alright. But they were not happy. Here mother was there again. But different this time. "Things will be fine. Stay away from Smith. Everything will be fine if you'll stay away from Smith." She awoke with a gasp. She had dreamed of her mother again. She wasn't as frantic this time when she'd spoken. But she was insistent. And still very vivid and almost real. Stay away from Smith. What did that mean? Surely she wasn't referring to Joshua. It made absolutely no sense. Well, she knew now that all of her dreams were just nonsense. After all that she and Joshua had been through, and knowing how they loved each other, her mother and father had to be looking down on them with joy and approval. Her dreams were just the result of nerves. She wasn't even going to tell anyone about her dreams this time. She would keep it to herself. She fell back on her pillows, but sleep didn't come. She was afraid now to sleep. She didn't want to hear those words again. Even if they were nonsense. Because nothing, not even a message from her mother, would keep her away from Mr. Smith.
Lol Welcome Back, Kotter. There’s a good show I haven’t seen in a while! You know me too well… lol. And I would have commented right away last night, but I hadn’t enough time due to a crazy evening. I don’t want to hog the comment space, though. Give this sweet lady some love, friends!
ReplyDeleteWhat a way to stave off bad dreams. Breathtaking, passionate, intense, beautiful, and sweet without being vulgar. I loved it thoroughly! Just enough detail to leave one in dire need of some fresh air, a fan, and some heavy duty coffee, chocolate, smoke, whatever it takes lol. Then: *Palm to face* Oh no… Get outta there, Dimples! Always a rule bender, our HH. Poking along all the edges of the absolute forbidden, and escaping capture by a hair, KC at his back.
You lead the chapter so smoothly from passion to the adrenaline of escape, that it doesn’t leave one overly frustrated at the interruption of the romance. Just relieved and oh so very thankful for Kid and his presence of mind. I could feel the panic of Heyes as he started to lose his grip. And his return: “Hey, I didn't get to tell you. I love you." Beautiful. This man’s gonna be the death of me yet.
I don’t know if it’s the mild character crush I also have on KC, or the aftermath of the previous scene, but I really love the description of Curry as Olivia sees him the first time. It found me grinning and fanning myself again. Curry’s beautiful in a whole different way, and you sure know how to describe it.
And as much as I know the lady’s bound to cause some trouble, I really like Olivia Vanderbilt and the telling of her arrival. But even though I like her, the way you write her leaves me torn between liking her very much and a strong desire to give her a good shake and tell her she’s being silly about Mr. Smith. She’s going to be fun to read about! And an interesting subject for Kid, too. I have no doubt he can keep her ice melted and chase off her silliness, given opportunity.
Evie’s dreams leave me at the end of this chapter making some guesses at what they might mean. I’m in anticipation for what comes next, as well as being, as Kid hates so much… nervous for them. We’ll have to wait and see what twists and turns the story will take next.
Now, I think I’m going to get another cup of coffee and read it all again. Slowly…several times. lol :')
Thanks, as always for your generous comment. I'm so glad the romance wasn't offensive. I'm never sure just how far to go. Glad it seemed to be just right. And yes KC is stunning in his own right. He deserves a little TLC too. Will Mrs. V be the one to give it to him? And I am so glad you are torn about her. That was my intention. Is she up to no good? Can't tell you that now. But you'll figure it all out soon. I wish I had all the other chapters written on paper instead of just in my head, so I could post them all right now. I want so badly to tell everybody what's going to happen. But that wouldn't be any fun now would it. But I will tell you this much. We get to see the boys in my beloved chaps next chapter. Oh, God, the chaps!!! I think I'll go watch "The Reformation of Harry Briscoe" again. :')
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