Winter Winds of Wyoming Read online

  Courtney resisted the urge to rub her forehead. So many people. So many connections, this way and that. “The Italian singer lives there as well, with Hannah, I mean?”

  “That’s exactly right,” Tabitha said. “It was kind of Hannah and Thom to welcome not only Marigold, my mother, into their home, but also the beautiful Miss Dichelle Bastianelli, until she leaves for New York in the spring.” She glanced up at Hunter. “She and Hunter are old friends from Soda Springs.”

  The bells above the door jingled again. Dalton stepped inside, holding a box large enough to contain a pair of men’s boots. “Mornin’,” he said with a smile.

  Courtney could see why Adaline had soft feelings for Dalton, even if her sister had never said as much. Courtney could read her sister like a book. And this book was getting quite interesting. She appreciated Dalton’s special attention now, making her feel like she belonged. She didn’t know him as well as Adaline did, but she thought him nice enough. Whenever he was around, he brought an ache to her heart since he’d been in Newport at the time of her father’s passing.

  “I believe this belongs to you, Tabitha.” Dalton set the package on her desk and then glanced up at the mistletoe, a half-smile peeping out.

  “Read the sign,” Hunter warned.

  Tabitha stepped up to the desk, gazing at the brown paper wrapping. “Oh? What’s this?”

  “I wouldn’t know. I was searching the back of Maude’s storeroom for a case of overdue cartridges she said had arrived some time back and stumbled upon this box addressed to you.”

  She cut her gaze to her husband and blinked several times. “Lost by mistake?”

  “Could be. Sometimes articles get misplaced.” Dalton smiled amicably. “Have you been waiting on some order? Maude was just as surprised as you seem now. She sends her regrets.”

  As Tabitha examined the return postmark, her head tipped, then she sucked in a deep breath. “Of course! My Christmas cards from Boston! A clever printer brought the price down enough to make mass production possible.” She ripped the brown paper off the box and lifted the lid. “Christmas cards had just come into fashion a few years before I planned to leave New York for my new adventure in Logan Meadows. But only the very rich could indulge. Look.” She held up a card depicting a pretty red flower and reading, Wishing You A Merry Christmas And Happy New Year in swirling script print.

  Courtney watched with interest. “I’ve never heard of Christmas cards.”

  “Yes, like calling cards, only a bit larger. They have Christmas scenes and greetings. My mother brought a newspaper with her from home, and I saw an advertisement. Right away, I began dreaming of having some of my own to sell.” She took Hunter’s hand into her own. “Hunter sold my best china teacup to customers when I first opened! He was watching the shop, and two ladies came in from New Meringue looking for a gift for a sick friend.” A fond look passed between husband and wife. “When my shock wore off, Hunter suggested I add a few novelty items to my inventory. I took his words to heart.” She gestured around the room to a rack of dainty handkerchiefs, a few china cups, and unique stationery. “Since the weather has turned cold, I’ve canceled my weekly readings until spring and needed something unique to bring in prospective buyers. Thank goodness, the Christmas cards have finally arrived. Any later and I’d have to wait until next year. Honestly, I’d forgotten all about them with Jake’s return and then his and Daisy’s wedding. Maude will be absolutely green with envy.” She glanced at Hunter and narrowed her eyes. “That is, if she doesn’t already know...”

  “Just get that thought out of your head right now, Tabby. I’m sure your package was misplaced by accident. Maude wouldn’t purposely lose it. That’s bad business. And besides, how would anyone know what was inside without opening the box?”

  “I knew.”

  “That’s because you were the one who placed the order from Boston.”

  Tabitha straightened, her lips pulling down. “Maybe not Maude, but Beth Fairington might. She’s disliked me since I came to town.”

  Courtney watched in tense silence.

  Hunter shook his head. “Don’t look for trouble.”

  “You’re right, I guess. Still, Maude’s been talking for months now how she’s ordering in some delicate glass ornaments. Perhaps Beth was looking out for her boss’s interest, thinking shoppers can only afford one such luxury. She’s probably right.”

  Hunter took her hand. “It’s Christmas. A time of joy and peace. The operative word—peace.”

  Courtney let go the breath she’d been holding.

  Dalton caught her eye and gave an almost imperceptible nod.

  A smile creeped back onto Tabitha’s face. “You’re right. I won’t think the worst when the best is right in front of my face. Christmas is a time of love and charity. I won’t let an overactive imagination ruin my holiday.” Tabitha examined the small, three-inch by three-inch card, and held it out again to Courtney. “So beautiful. Just like a tiny work of art. Each will cost between ten to thirty cents, depending on their size. Some are larger than others.” Tabitha began placing the cards on her desk so all could see.

  “Tabitha, I’m surprised you’re not in the window display competition,” Dalton said. “I’d think you’d be the first to sign up.”

  A wistful expression crossed her face. “I’d been looking forward to the competition for months, and then that horrible man ruined the back door of my new shop when he broke in to kidnap Lan Ling. I’ve never been so terrified. And since he met his demise upstairs—I just didn’t have the heart. Next year, though—when the memories have faded. This year, I have my new greeting cards to have fun with. See if they sell.”

  Courtney, feeling conspicuous, drew slowly toward the door. “I have another errand to do before I meet Mr. Logan for a ride back to the ranch.” She didn’t want to be late and keep him waiting. “Thank you so much for your kindness, Mrs. Wade. Adaline and I are very grateful.”

  “My pleasure, Courtney. Can you manage with the garments? Or will you need help?”

  Dalton stepped forward. “Where’re you meeting Chase? I can deliver this trunk anyplace you like.”

  “The mercantile?”

  “Perfect. You go on then, and I’ll take care of this,” Dalton stated. “I’m headed that way, anyway.”

  Courtney sighed. Her passing days in Logan Meadows flowed seamlessly. So filled with good feelings and love. Would they always be? Where was her life going? A niggle of unease slid through her, making her wonder at the reason. She needed to forgive herself. Once she did that, every other aspect of her life would fall into place. And this was the season for new beginnings. The timing couldn’t be more perfect.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Gratitude lifting the weight from her shoulders, Courtney stepped back out into the cold with the bag holding the hand-me-down dresses and other items for Maddie in her arms.

  Hooooot hoooot hoot!

  Pain gripped her chest. The train whistle always brought a melancholy ache. The sound reminded her all too much of their flight from Newport. Her break from Wil. Her and her siblings’ new life without their father.

  A tempest of feelings descended on Courtney, none of which was pleasant. Regret, anxiety, hopelessness … shame. Thoughts of Wil always brought the same. So much for forgiving herself of her past mistakes.

  Across the street, a group of children stood at the fence talking to Maximus and Clementine, the two bison living at the livery. Penny Lane, a couple years younger than herself, watched over her younger sister and brother. Prichard, the boy Brenna Lane Hutton had taken in years ago, was there, too. Markus Donovan, Hannah’s little boy, straddled the top rail of the corral, one leg dangling inside. Maddie Axelrose clutched Penny’s hand, her face rosy pink from the cold. Penny looked up and waved Courtney over.

  Penny was tall. She had pretty hair the color of chocolate frosting. A warm memory squeezed Courtney’s heart. Mrs. Torry, their housekeeper back in N
ewport, had always described people in terms of cakes, cookies, and pastries—a remedy sure to make Courtney smile. Strawberry-cream skin. A face as yummy as a sugar cookie. Green unripe-apple-pie eyes. Ruddy like a fruitcake. Heat lodged in Courtney’s throat. How I miss her!

  All the chatter stopped as Courtney crossed the road.

  The boys stood shy and silent.

  Jane, Penny’s little sister and younger by a year, beamed a smile. “Wasn’t the tree decorating party fun?” A thick coat wrapped her snugly, and like the others, she wore a wool hat and wool gloves. She looked off at the Christmas tree not far away. “It’s the loveliest tree ever.”

  Everyone followed her gaze, as did Courtney. The tree didn’t catch her eye but Tyler Weston did, leaning on the hitching rail in front of the haberdashery. He was too far away to see his expression, but he regarded them with interest.

  “You say the same thing every year, Jane,” Stevie blurted. “Looks exactly like last year’s tree and the year before. I don’t see nothin’ different.”

  Penny and Courtney exchanged a knowing look.

  Sitting on the fence, Markus looked at the package in Courtney’s arms. “What’s in there?” The boy was so intent on her answer that when Maximus ambled forward and sniffed at his knee, Markus let out a shriek and almost toppled into the corral.

  Prichard laughed loudly and slapped his leg.

  “Be careful, Markus!” Penny admonished.

  Maddie yelped and grasped at Penny’s side burying her face in her skirt. “What happened?”

  “Markus almost fell in the buffalo pen from atop the fence.” Courtney bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing. The boy’s face had gone stark white.

  “No one’s allowed in the corral with Maximus and Clementine,” Maddie added. “It’s a rule.”

  Penny rubbed the girl’s back. “Yes, well, Markus almost fell inside.”

  “Maximus is nice enough. I’m not afraid of him. But look!” Markus, now recovered from his scare, pointed. “Strangers coming this way. I seen ’em get off the train, but thought they were just stretching their legs while the train took on water.”

  The group turned.

  Glancing in that direction, Courtney blinked and looked again. Three men walked their way. An older man, and man with a crutch, and … Wil!

  Her past love was as tall and broad as ever. His shoulders were thrown back with confidence. She didn’t recognize the long, dark coat he wore. Had he seen her standing with the children? She didn’t think so, but he would within a minute or two if she didn’t get away. She needed to get out of sight before her chance was gone.

  A thousand sensations tumbled through her mind. Lying in his arms, kissing his lips, and more… Why are you here, Wil? Did you come for me? What would bring Wil to Logan Meadows, if not her? He’d attacked Jake and must know Jake hadn’t forgotten. None of this made any sense at all.

  Frightened to face him alone, she stilled her trembling hands and held out the bag of clothes to Penny. “I suddenly have a horrible headache. Can you please give these items to your mother? They’re Sarah’s hand-me-downs to be altered for Maddie. I’m going to the wagon so I can go home and rest.”

  Penny reached out to take her arm, her eyebrows furrowed. “You’re as white as a sheet, Courtney. Come to my house to lie down. It’s much closer than the ranch. I can brew you some willow bark tea. The boys can tell Mr. Logan.”

  She couldn’t see Wil now. Couldn’t speak with him. Her feelings were all mixed up. She needed time. Suddenly, what they’d done together felt so much more intimate—and shameful. Heat flamed her face and she knew her cheeks must be dark red.

  The group of men were much closer. In a few minutes, they’d reach the bridge. Her chance to leave would be gone. “No, but thank you. I really must go.” Without another word, she picked up her skirt and darted across the street and out of sight.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Courtney’s sudden flight across the road caught Tyler’s attention. He’d been ruminating about his family back in the Dakotas and how they were getting by. If they had anything planned for Christmas, and if food was on the table. Being the oldest, he’d been sent to find gainful employment elsewhere so he could send money home, which he was glad to do.

  He’d been gazing at Courtney and a group of the town’s children when she bolted from the group as if her petticoat had just caught fire. Had something happened? Did one of the boys say something to upset her? Hurt her feelings? She liked to act tough, but Courtney Costner was soft inside and took every comment anyone said quite personally. He’d noticed her sensitivity straight away when they’d met and because so, he was always careful with his words. Since her arrival, the two hadn’t shared much time together, but when they had, Tyler had been drawn to her deep sadness. The shadows behind her eyes. She was hurting. He wouldn’t believe anything different.

  Alarmed, he glanced down to the mercantile, hoping to see her emerge from the alleyway and go inside. With no sight of her, he focused his attention back on the strangers who’d disembarked the train. Closer now and almost to the bridge, they crossed the picnic grounds slowly. One of the men looked as if he was hurt or sick. Tyler couldn’t tell from this distance.

  Penny and the other children Courtney had been speaking with broke up and went their separate ways.

  What had gotten into Courtney? He rubbed his chin, searching the street. Even stranger than her suddenly dashing away was she hadn’t hurried down the street to the ranch buckboard as if she were ready to get home, but she’d disappeared into the alley between the bookshop and Albert’s office.

  Should I seek her out? Make sure everything’s all right? Or will she think I’ve lost my marbles and laugh in my face? How much do I know about her? About as much as I know about how a camera makes an image appear like magic. Do young ladies make a habit of skirting out of sight just for fun?

  Since he didn’t want to cause Jake’s youngest sister more undue stress after the recent passing of her father if he didn’t have to, he’d let the matter alone. Best stick to his own business. She’d been mysterious when she came to the bunkhouse in search of baking soda, staying only a moment, not really engaging with anyone other than Gabe. She kept her gaze anchored to inanimate objects—the lantern, a pair of leather chaps hanging on a nail, the antler rack full of old hats—as if she were a mouse among wolves, and if she didn’t look at anyone, no one would look at her.

  He couldn’t deny Courtney Costner was a looker. Fit and strong in a different way than a more ladylike Adaline. He’d bet she could ride and rope with the best of men, which he knew was a silly figment of his imagination since she’d grown up in a coastal town doing citified things, going to school, and socializing. No strong breeze would blow her away. He liked that. Still, her expression of vulnerability had caught him and hadn’t let go since their first meeting.

  He pushed away and started for the mercantile and the ranch wagon, passing the festive Christmas tree, feeling anything but cheery. He was halfway across the street when the three men who’d arrived on the train caught him, their boots crunching on the frozen earth.

  “Stranger,” the man closest to him said.

  A toothpick hung from the man’s bottom lip, and his arrogant, gray-black eyes sent a silent warning. If Tyler had to bet, this fella wasn’t afraid of killing. Not frightened but wary, Tyler kept a pleasant expression on his face. Something told him to be on guard. He gazed back, waiting for the men to state their business.

  “Would you happen to know where I can find Jake Costner?”

  The request was said friendly-like, but the infinitesimal narrowing of the man’s eyes told Tyler his first impression was correct. On top of everything else, Tyler didn’t like the gun he packed on his hip. Could be a gunfighter.

  “Sure don’t, stranger.” He glanced at the other two men who’d stopped when the question was asked. The man in the middle, who he’d first thought was old and feeble,
was really a younger man; maybe twenty but he was leaning heavily on the older man who, by the resemblance, must be his father. He was painfully thin and his skin was white, almost albino. Unnerved, Tyler glanced back to the gunfighter, feeling like trouble had just walked into town. The gunfighter was fit, with wide shoulders and death lurking behind his eyes. He pushed up his hat.

  “You know him, though?” the gunslinger asked. “Jake Costner.”

  Tyler stemmed his irritation at being spoken down to. “Everyone knows Jake.”

  The older man smiled. “Good, good. That’s wonderful news after our tedious train ride. Can you please point us in his direction?”

  “I could, but I don’t know who you are and why you’re lookin’. Here in Logan Meadows, we watch out for our own.”

  The smile of the amiable-looking older gentleman widened. “That’s good to know. And I can see just how Mr. Costner came to be the man he is. I can assure you, we mean Jake no harm. As a matter of fact, just the opposite—but I don’t want to ruin the surprise by saying anything more. We’ll check into the hotel down the street, and perhaps you can put out the word we’d like to speak with him.” He looked past the mercantile where Chase’s wagon was parked in front of the El Dorado Hotel, and then shifted the younger man’s arm more firmly around his shoulders.

  That was a decent request. If he told Jake where they were, then Jake could make the decision on whether or not he wanted to seek them out. Besides, he’d said they brought him good tidings. Was this something more about the father he’d so recently found? “How long will you be there?”