Lone Star Bride

“You don’t frighten me,” Alexis said boldly. “And I kinda like your hands where they are.”

Jamie felt the line of her back beneath his fingertips, the flaring of her hips, the narrowing of her waist, and he slid his palms upward, knew the fullness of her breasts against his chest as he measured her width, his fingertips touching at the center of her back.

She was silent, unmoving, as if any bit of protest from her might halt his meandering. And so it might. For he was in uncharted territory here, Jamie realized.

His hands slipped to her ribs, then forward just a bit, cradling the weight of her breasts against his thumbs. It was all he could do not to clasp the softness, but he thought better of it and wisely left it for another time. For there would be another time.

Of that Jamie was certain.

‘Davidson wonderfully captures gentleness in the midst of heart-wrenching challenges.’

—Publishers Weekly

OKLAHOMA SWEETHEART

‘Davidson does not stint on the gritty side of romance, but keeps the tender, heart-tugging aspects of her story in the forefront. This novel is filled with compassion and understanding for characters facing hardship and hatred and still finding joy in love and life.’

—RT Book Reviews

A MARRIAGE BY CHANCE

‘This deftly written novel about loss and recovery is a skilful handling of the traditional Western, with the added elements of family conflict and a moving love story.’

—RT Book Reviews

Lone Star Bride

Carolyn Davidson

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Reading, writing and research—Carolyn Davidson’s life in three simple words. At least that area of her life having to do with her career as a historical romance author. The rest of her time is divided among husband, family and travel—her husband, of course, holding top priority in her busy schedule. Then there is their church, and the church choir in which they participate. Their sons and daughters, along with assorted spouses, are spread across the eastern half of America, together with numerous grandchildren. Carolyn welcomes mail at her post office box, PO Box 2757, Goose Creek, SC 29445, USA.

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Recent novels by the same author:

A MARRIAGE BY CHANCE

THE TEXAN

TEMPTING A TEXAN

STORMWALKER’S WOMAN

(short story in One Starry Christmas)

TEXAS GOLD

THE MARRIAGE AGREEMENT

ABANDONED

(short story in Wed Under Western Skies)

TEXAS LAWMAN

OKLAHOMA SWEETHEART

A CHRISTMAS CHILD

(short story in The Magic of Christmas)

and in Mills & Boon® Super Historical Romance:

REDEMPTION

HAVEN

THE OUTLAW’S BRIDE

THE BRIDE

Reasons for a dedication are many and varied.

This one is due to the presence of a bona fide angel in our family. Alexis Davidson will probably never be aware of the influence she will have on the lives of those around her, yet it will be felt by all who love her. She is our baby, our own grandchild and great-grandchild, and as such she is precious.

So, to our Lexy this book is dedicated, with all the love this grandma’s heart can hold.

And to Mr. Ed, who loves me.

Prologue

Benning, Texas, Spring 1895

“I heard you’re looking for a deputy.” James Webster stood in the doorway of the local lawman’s office, presenting himself as a candidate for the job.

The sheriff, Brace Caulfield, nodded and waved a hand at the stranger. “Have a seat and tell me your qualifications, son.” The young man was dressed for the trail, his boots dusty, his clothing clean but well worn. And on his face he wore the look of a man who had lived through a heap of problems.

James took off his hat and did as instructed, bringing forth an envelope from his pack before he sat it on the floor. He handed it to the sheriff and then sat, his long legs stretching halfway across to the desk. “I’m James Webster, and I brought this for you to look at. It will give you an idea of what I’ve been up to for the past few years.”

Sheriff Caulfield opened the envelope and raised his eyes to James. “Would this be a recommendation? Have you been a lawman before?”

James shook his head. “No, but I’m a good man with a gun. I’m honest, big enough to stop any fights that might take place where a show of strength is required and I need a job.”

The sheriff bent his head over the letter he’d been offered and then handed it to the man across the desk from him. “Read this aloud for me, son. I want to think about it and I’ll do better if you read it to me.”

James nodded, although he had his doubts as to the reason he’d been asked to do the honors, so to speak. “It’s from the rancher I worked for up in Missouri. Offered to write the letter on his own hook. I’m never one to turn down a helping hand, so I brought it with me. I’d hoped it might make an impression on someone when I started job hunting. I’d done a good job for him, but it was time to move on. Texas seemed a likely place.”

“How long you been looking?” the sheriff asked.

“Not long, a month or so, maybe. I just got into town and put my horse up at the livery stable. I need a decent bed for a night or two, and when the clerk at the hotel told me your deputy had left for greener pastures, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to introduce myself to you.”

“Well,” Brace said lazily, leaning back in his chair, “read it to me. Let me hear what the man has to say. Then why don’t you get yourself a room at the hotel for a day or two and I’ll stop by at suppertime and we can eat in the dining room there. Their fried chicken is good, and I think they’ve got roast beef for the special tonight.”

James cleared his throat. “Can I just paraphrase the letter?” he asked, embarrassed to read the words that would praise him to the skies.

Brace nodded. “If you like. So long as I know what it says.”

James sat up straighter in the chair and began. “First off, he says that I’m a good man with those under my command. I was his foreman for a couple of years, and we got along pretty well.” Glancing down at the letter he held, he flushed a bit.

“He says I’m honest, dependable and a good hand with a gun.” With that, Jamie folded the letter and placed it back in the envelope. “I’m not lily-white, Sheriff, and I’m not about to play any games with you.” He met the lawman’s gaze and hesitated. “I’ve been a rascal in my time, but my record speaks for my life over the past couple of years.”

“What sort of rascal are we talking about here?” Brace asked, leaning back in his chair and folding his arms across his chest. “You get in any big trouble while you sowed your wild oats?”

“I hurt some folks. Caused some problems that will probably haunt me till the day I die. But I’ve done my best to make amends with my family and…”

“And?” Brace nudged his visitor into an explanation.

“And the girl who was hurt by my actions.”

“Physically? Were you abusive?” And if the young fella answered the wrong way, he’d be out the door in a heartbeat, Brace decided.

“No. But I left her in the family way and pret’ near ruined her life. If my brother hadn’t stepped in and cleaned up my mess, I don’t know what would have happened.” Jamie’s face was drawn, aging in moments, Brace thought, as if he bore scars that were still fresh and unhealed.

“There’ll be no damn carrying-on from this office. I want you to know that right up front. I don’t hold with men taking advantage of womenfolk.” Brace spoke his mind with forceful language, and the man across the desk from him nodded in agreement.

“I think we understand each other, Sheriff,” James said. “And now, if it’s all right with you, I’ll go and get that hotel room.” He stood and offered his hand. “I appreciate your time, sir. I want you to know that things in my life have done a turnaround. I’ve wanted to turn my life in a new direction, and this might be the very thing I need. Working on a ranch was good for me, but I’m ready for something else. This feels like a mighty decent place to hang my hat for a while, and I’m plannin’ on settlin’ in and makin’ a good life here.”

Brace Caulfield nodded. “It’s a dandy place to live. Lots of good folks hereabouts. In fact,” he said, rising from his chair, “here comes one of them right now.”

Across the threshold from James stood a tall man, dark haired with piercing blue eyes. “One what, Sheriff?” he asked.

“One of the nice folks from this town,” Brace answered with a laugh. “At least I keep telling folks you’re a nice fella.”

“Well, if you hear of any other nice fellas looking for a job, send them on out to my place. I need a new hired hand.”

“Well, you can’t have this one, Nick. I’m lookin’ him over for the job of deputy.”

He turned then to James. “This here is Nicholas Garvey, one of the ranchers hereabouts. If you don’t like the offer I make you, maybe he can do better for you.”

“I’ve kinda got my heart set on being a lawman,” James said.

“Any special reason?” Nicholas asked.

James stood a bit straighter. “I’ve got a yen to see justice done. Maybe because I haven’t always paid my dues the way I should have, and I need to make up for it. My brother and I buried my pa up in Oklahoma a couple of years ago and it did my heart good when the crook that killed him got sent away for the rest of his life.”

“You can’t seek revenge on your pa by chasing down the men who misbehave in this town, son,” Brace said.

“I don’t want revenge. I’ve already seen the man go off to prison. But I want the chance to be a part of a system that works, where those who hurt others are brought to justice and punished for their crimes. Whether it be a stay in jail or in a federal prison.”

“Sounds like your candidate has his head screwed on straight,” Nicholas offered, looking James over thoroughly, then smiling at the young man, as if he’d sought imperfections, and failed to find them.

“We’ll see,” Brace said. “At any rate, I’ll meet you for supper at the hotel about six, James. Is that the name your family calls you? James?”

“My brother and sister-in-law have been known to call me Jamie,” he said with a grin.

“Sounds like a good name to me. I think I’ll pin it on you officially, after we talk tonight. Seems to me I’d better hunt up a deputy’s badge for you.”

A sense of peace enveloped Jamie. Perhaps his soul searching and wandering days would cease.

Chapter One

Benning, Texas, Spring 1903

“I’ve been your deputy, working in this office with you for eight years, Sheriff.” Jamie leaned against the door frame and managed to roll up his life over the past eight years into a neat bundle. A bundle he no longer wanted to live with.

“I assume you’re about to quit,” Brace said. “And I don’t like it, not one little bit. Unhappy with me? Or the wages? Or just the life of a deputy, in general?”

“None of the choices you’ve just pulled out of the hat,” Jamie returned quickly. “I just don’t feel that I’m getting anywhere. I’m a whiz at breaking up fights in the saloons, I’m up to date on all the wanted posters and to tell the truth, I’m sick and tired of standing on the sidelines while you’ve managed in the past four years to put together a life with the prettiest girl in town, along with you and Sarah adopting her nephew.

“But I’ll have to admit, it’s been a real education watching you with Sarah and Stephen. Hope I can do as well as you when I get a family of my own.”

“I’ll have to admit that marriage agrees with me.”

“Hope I can say that someday. But for now I’ve about decided I need to be doing something different with myself.”

Brace leaned back in his chair and surveyed his deputy. “To tell the truth, I’ve been thinking about a proposition I’d like to toss in your direction. See what you think of it.”

“Does it include my moving on? Leaving Benning?”

“You don’t sound happy about that idea,” Brace said. “You haven’t put down any roots here, Jamie. You got a problem with living somewhere else?”

“No. But I tend to be a creature of habit.” He paused and stood erect, facing the man who had been his mentor and friend. “If you’ve got something to offer me, let’s hear it. I suspect you wouldn’t put me on the wrong track, Sheriff.”

“Well, to tell the truth, I don’t know much myself about the place I’d like to send you. But clear across the state is a piece of property that belongs to my son, Stephen.”

“The ranch he inherited from his birth father’s family?”

“The very one,” Brace said. “There’s a man running things on the ranch on a temporary basis, but I’d feel better about the whole thing if I knew more about what was going on behind the letters I get from him. He was the ranch foreman before Stephen’s grandfather died three years ago and I’ve let it go long enough the way it is. The judge ordered us to put a man of my own in place as manager when Sarah and I adopted Stephen legally. It’ll give me more control over the ranch, and there’ll be a better chance of Stephen taking over a thriving concern when he’s old enough.”

“Are we talking about me running the ranch?”

“Well, I always did say you catch on quick,” Brace said with a chuckle. “Didn’t take you long to figure that one out, did it?”

“Let me think about it, Brace. I’ll need to know what’s expected of me to begin with.”

“Just be yourself, get to know the men and make the ranch successful. I’m laying odds you can do that.”

“Anything else I should know if I decide to do this?” Jamie felt there was a gap in the information. Something he couldn’t put his finger on.

“I’ve heard that there’s a fly in the ointment,” Brace admitted. “The daughter of the foreman has been causing some problems among the men. Her daddy is right fond of her, but in one case a couple of the men have come to blows over her, and things are unsettled right now. Sort of a state of armed warfare.”

Jamie shook his head. “You’re talking about sending me into a full-fledged battle, aren’t you?”

“If I didn’t think you could handle things, I wouldn’t have brought it up or made you an offer. There’s a nice, big raise in pay attached, son. Enough to make it worth your while.”

“I’ve kept my nose clean here in Benning, Brace. Learned that dealing with a female is mighty wearing on a man. Especially if it’s a woman who already has a string of admirers a mile long and would no doubt like to add another one to her list.”

“You can handle it. You’ve managed to handle yourself pretty well here. Not a woman in sight has complained about you.”

“I’m pretty boring these days. Kind of a reformed scamp, Sheriff. I learned a long time ago to behave myself with the ladies.”

Brace leaned back in his chair and shot Jamie an inquiring look. “Maybe you really did learn your lesson, son. I haven’t pried too much into your past, but I’m sure you’ve got one worth talking about.”

“I’m not much for making a fuss over something I can’t erase from my record. I’ve told you before about my brother and his wife and their two children. They’re still in Oklahoma, and we’re on good terms,” Jamie said. “That’s the extent of my family, except for my mother, who lives near Dallas with her sister.”

“Well, I’ve found you to be honest and capable. If you want the job, it’s yours.”

Three weeks later Jamie arrived at his destination. The ranch looked to be a prosperous one, he decided. He rode up to the sign, hanging over a long lane that obviously led to the house and a series of outbuildings beyond it. The name on the sign was simple: Clark & Sons. It would have to be changed, Jamie thought. The present owner was still related to the Clark family, but Stephen was officially named Caulfield, and as the legal deed holder to the land and buildings on it, even though he was underage—just twelve years old—he deserved to have a say in the name of his property.

Maybe he’d write to Stephen and let him figure out a name; perhaps the boy would want to consult with Brace and Sarah before he made up his mind. On the other hand, it wouldn’t hurt to come up with a new sign for the place, something that would reflect a new owner. In the meantime, there were folks to meet and a job to do right here. His horse turned eagerly up the lane and Jamie took note of a smoke house, chicken coop and a large barn. As if the gelding scented hay and oats in his future, he broke into a quick trot.

It had been a long ride from Benning, north of Dallas, but finding the ranch in good condition and catching sight of a herd of healthy-appearing cattle in the verdant pasture beside the lane made Jamie feel he’d come home here near the border between Texas and New Mexico. And with that in mind, he rode up to the house and around it to the back door. A watering trough with a pitcher pump next to it, which would provide fresh water for his horse, drew his attention, and he rode in that direction, past a woodshed whose open door revealed a good supply within.

Removing the bit from his gelding’s mouth, he watched as the horse drank deeply, then led him to a nearby hitching rail to tie him firmly in place. A ranch hand came from the barn as Jamie lifted his saddlebags from the animal’s back.

“Hi there, mister,” the tall, lanky cowhand called out. “Who you lookin’ for?”

“Whoever’s in charge,” Jamie answered, knowing well that the foreman’s name was Hank Powers.

“That would be Hank,” the cowhand said. “He’s in the house. Can I walk your horse for you?”

“Sure thing. He’s had a long morning, and he needs to be cooled before I feed him.”

“Yes sir, I can do that. My name’s Chet Dawson by the way.” He looked Jamie over with apparent interest. “You wouldn’t be the new man from Benning, would you?”

“The very one,” Jamie said. “Were you expecting me?”

“Yeah, Hank told us you were on your way. Welcome to the ranch.”

“Thanks,” Jamie answered agreeably, and turned to the house.

The back door opened and a young woman stood on the threshold, looking at him with interest. She stepped back as he approached and he followed her into the kitchen. A man sat at the table, a full plate of food before him, a fork in his hand.

“Mr. Powers?” Jamie asked, removing his hat and standing just inside the doorway.

“That’s me, son,” the man answered. “But the name is Hank. And you’re Jamie, unless I miss my guess.” After a moment’s pause, he looked up at the young woman beside him. “This is my daughter, Alexis.”

The woman had eyes like none he’d ever seen before, green as grass, with a sparkle built in, Jamie decided. They glittered in the light from the open door as she allowed her gaze to sweep over him. “I understand you’ve been sheriff for some time, east of here,” she said, her voice low, with a tinge of humor touching her words.

“No,” Jamie replied honestly. “I’ve been a deputy, and that’s a long way from being a sheriff, ma’am. But I’ve done the job for eight years.”

“Your boss seems to think you qualify for a chance at running this ranch,” Hank said, his cool eyes doing a once-over on Jamie, making him feel like a prize pig at the county fair.

“That’s what he told me. It was a mighty appealing offer or I wouldn’t have left a sure thing in Benning to ride clear across the state to come here.”

“Well, welcome,” Hank said expansively. “You’ve just freed me up to handle my own concerns, instead of minding the store here.”

“Where do I put my gear?” Jamie asked, feeling a need for coffee and a chair that would receive his tired body. Riding as he had, he’d come to appreciate the comfort of a soft bed and cup of fresh-brewed coffee, neither of which he’d been offered for several days. Sleeping under a tree and drinking the dregs of last night’s coffee for his breakfast was a vivid memory as he scented the freshness of the cup delivered to the table before him.

“Just drop your saddlebag on the floor and we’ll fix you up with a place to put it once you’ve had some food,” Alexis told him, watching as he pulled the sugar bowl toward him and spooned a heaping teaspoon of sugar into his black coffee.

“No cream?” she asked.

He shook his head as he picked up his cup. “No, this is fine.” And fine it was, dark, thick and sweet, tasting of fragrant coffee beans, freshly ground.

Alexis filled a plate from the skillets on the stove, lifting pancakes from one, sausage from another, then positioned it squarely before Jamie. “I hope you’re hungry,” she said, placing a fork beside his plate.

He looked up at her, noting the cool flash of silver in her green eyes, contrasting with the warmth of full lips that revealed even white teeth as she spoke. Her hair was golden, drawn up at the back of her head, small wispy curls escaping to frame her face. It was no wonder the men were ga-ga over her, he decided. Pretty as a picture, and no doubt more than aware of it. Her features were just short of being considered beautiful, with a small cleft in her chin and a birthmark on her right cheek, just beneath her temple.

Not that either of those defects would put off a determined man, set on seduction. He was no exception to the rule, given his lack of female companionship over the past little while. Longer than that. He’d not been out courting or even walking a young lady home from church or one of the dances held in Benning in months. As he’d promised the sheriff there, he’d kept his hands to himself and not been a hand with the ladies even when the opportunity arose.

For some reason, his energy had gone into his work, women taking a backseat to his job in the sheriff’s office. Now he had a whole new set of circumstances staring him in the face, number one being his new job. There wasn’t time to be looking at a woman, even one as pretty and appealing as Alexis Powers. But he might just consider the matter. Sometimes a man needed the warmth of a woman and unless he missed his guess, this one was a prime specimen.

He tucked into his plate of food, relishing the light pancakes especially. “Tastes like the pancakes my mama used to make me for breakfast.” His approval was apparent, and Alexis offered him two more, balanced on her pancake turner. Jamie nodded his thanks at the offer, and buttered them lavishly, then poured on a generous helping of syrup.

Across the table from him, Hank finished up his own share of the food and leaned back in his chair, as if assessing the young man who’d come to take over the running of the ranch. “What are your plans, Webster?” His query was nicely worded, but his eyes told a different story, flashing fire in Jamie’s direction.

“Haven’t got any yet,” James answered. “I just got here, Hank. Give me a week to settle in and I’ll answer your questions.”