Texas Rain

CHAPTER 29

With Duck finally dressed and sitting at the foot of the bed watching, the doctor showed Travis the tiny piece of lead he'd taken out of the bone in his leg just below his hip.

"It might have stayed there for the rest of your life pestering you occasionally, but that ride you took caused an infection and made it imperative that I remove it." The old man scratched his head. "I took a risk cutting into you like that, but I decided you weren't a man who'd settle for riding in a buggy the rest of his life."

Travis had to admit that he felt better. The dull ache that he'd known for months was gone even though his skin was sore where Dr. Bailey had made small cuts. "Thanks, Doc," he managed to say. "I'm glad I didn't shoot you last night." He reached under the pillow and produced a handful of bullets.

"But how…" Mike looked up from several feet away where he was trying to get a coffee stain off his shirt, thanks to Duck.

"A Ranger always checks his weapons." Travis shrugged. "I'd never be too out of my head to forget that. When you handed me the gun, I knew it was light. I had no problem borrowing a few of your bullets."

Mike fingered the empty loops on his gun belt.

Dr. Bailey laughed. "I'm not surprised. I've been patching up Rangers since the battle at San Jacinto. They're like dealing with frozen rattlers. If you bring them inside and take care of them at some point you come to expect them to be ornery."

Sage entered with a tray of breakfast rolls and fresh coffee. "Top of the morning to you." She bowed to all, but smiled at Mike. "What could be so funny so early?" She patted her brother's shoulder as she handed him his second cup of coffee. "Good to see you back with us, Travis."

"I never left," he mumbled, not wanting to admit how close he'd come to the edge of sanity when the pain gripped him. "I was just a little tired yesterday."

"Then you'll rest today," the doc insisted as he covered Travis's left leg with the sheet.

Travis nodded, silently agreeing, then turned his attention back to Sage. As he explained about the bullets, he noticed that she moved close enough to Mike for him to tug on her braid. Travis thought of reloading. No one but her brothers had a right to touch his sister's hair. Then he remembered what Rainey had told him and forced a smile. It was almost as frustrating to admit that Sage didn't seem to mind Mike's teasing as it was to watch a man flirt with his baby sister.

It crossed his mind that Sage should have started with a boy, not a man. Saddler was young, maybe twenty or twenty-one, but he was a man. The Ranger might not be satisfied with innocent kisses.

Frowning, Travis realized he wasn't satisfied with just kissing Rainey. He wanted more. A lot more. He'd go slow… as slow as she wanted… as long as they were moving. He stared at the young couple, wondering if they felt even a fraction of what he felt for Rainey.

Mike didn't notice he was being watched. He seemed to have Sage blindness whenever she was in the room.

"How is he today?" Sage asked the doctor as she pretended to pay no mind to the young Ranger.

"Much better. The cold wrappings brought the swelling down, and except for the cuts I had to make on his leg, he's much recovered. He's even stopped bleeding around the stitches I made."

"Then someone untie me," Travis demanded.

"Tomorrow. I want another day of the oil on that leg." The doctor packed up his supplies and left the room as if he didn't hear Travis yelling.

The rest of the day drifted by in hell. Everyone dropped by to check on him and to ask how he felt. No one untied him. He spent an hour trying to reach the knots himself, but with no luck. Finally he downed the bitter tea Sage insisted he drink, then slept the rest of the day away.

When he awoke, the room was dark with only the light of the fire from the sitting room slicing across his bed. Travis remained still for a while, letting his mind clear. He felt no pain.

He tried to move.

He was still tied, but the bandage around his leg was no longer slippery with oil.

The clock chimed eleven times and he heard someone in the shadows move.

"Who is it?" he said calmly.

"It's me," Rainey whispered. "I just wanted to check on you one last time before I turned in. The doc said he planned to check your bandages at midnight."

"Where is everyone else?" Travis didn't move. He just waited for her to come closer.

"They're all asleep. I checked on you twice today, and both times you were out from the medicine doc put in your tea."

"I thought it tasted funny," he mumbled, silently swearing he'd never drink a drop of tea again. "I'm thirsty now. Got anything but tea?"

"I'll be right back."

He almost yelled for her to stop. He didn't want her to go, but in truth he felt like he hadn't had a drink in days.

Rainey was back in minutes with a large glass of milk, a plate of cheese, and bread. "Mrs. Bailey had this left out for you. I heard her tell Mike that if you woke before morning, he was to feed it to you."

Travis listened. He could hear Mike snoring in the other room. "Great nurse you all left me with."

Rainey sat the tray between them and cut him bread and cheese while he drank the milk and ate all she handed him. They didn't talk. Neither seemed to want to take the risk of waking others.

When he finished the food, she removed the tray and reached for the napkin she'd spread across his bare chest. His fingers closed gently around her arm and pulled her forward.

She made no protest as he opened the covers and drew her down next to him. When she was cuddled close, he whispered near her ear. "I've wanted you against me all day. Stay with me, if only for a while."

Her body shook slightly.

"It's all right, Rainey. I'm not going to hurt you. I'm never going to hurt you." Travis pulled at the bindings that kept him in place. The need to touch her was stronger than any hunger he'd ever known. Without a word, he threaded his fingers into her hair.

Rainey lay beside him, not moving as his hand traveled down her throat and began unbuttoning her gown.

There seemed so much he had to say to her. He wanted her to know how he'd felt when he'd thought she might be in danger. How his heart had almost shattered when he'd learned she'd been kidnapped. How he'd been drunk with relief when he'd found her.

But he didn't say anything. He just unbuttoned her gown.

When the cotton lay open past her waist, he slid his hand inside and felt the flat plain of her stomach. Then, slowly so his touch had time to take in the feel of her, he moved up, passing over her breasts with great tenderness.

He stared down at her face. Her eyes were closed, but he could see the slight smile on her lips.

Moving down her body once more, he learned the curves of her. His hands seemed rough against her soft skin, but she didn't complain.

When he passed her waist, he let his fingers go lower until she shifted slightly and moaned softly. Only then, with his hand resting over her most private part, did he lean closer and cover her mouth with his.

The kiss was soft and intimate. He pressed the palm of his hand against her and felt her body respond in surprise. There was no need for words now. He knew she wanted his touch. Their kisses grew long and warm with need as she began to shift slightly as his hands caressed her.

The clock began to chime the midnight hour. A door opened somewhere in the main house. Travis raised his head to listen, but before he could speak, she was gone. Sliding from the bed and into the shadows of the room before he could stop her.

A moment later when the doctor opened the door from the hallway, Travis knew she was gone. He closed his eyes, fighting the need to roar against the void her vanishing had left.

"You awake?" the doc asked.

Travis couldn't answer.

The doc sat in the chair by his bed, stretched his feet out on a stool, and relaxed. Within a few minutes his breathing deepened and Travis knew he was asleep.

He also knew Rainey would not return tonight.

At dawn, when the doc examined him, the first question Travis asked was if he could be untied.

Dr. Bailey pointed a finger at him. "Only if you swear to be careful. I don't want those stitches to break open. You can move around from bed to a chair for a few hours a day, but no more than that for at least a week."

"I'll try," Travis grumbled, thinking two days in bed was enough. "But no more of that bitter tea."

Bailey laughed. "It was the only way I could get you to rest. But no more and I'll untie you. I guess you've suffered bedrest long enough."

As Dr. Bailey pulled the sheets free from the bedding, he mumbled, "I'll ask Miss Adams and the widow to come in to keep you company. I know Sage will need the Ranger's help giving Duck a bath this morning."

The boy was up and across the room before the doc could turn in his direction. He climbed as far as he could into the bay window.

Sage looked puzzled. "He doesn't need a bath again today."

The old doc smiled. "I know. I also know that he understands what we're saying. I thought he must when Travis said his goodbyes, but I know it for a fact now."

Sage stomped her foot and yelled, "That wasn't fair to scare him like that. I'm going to go bake him cookies to make up for it."

Duck reached her side before she made it to the door. She smiled down at him. "You're a grand boy, Duck McMurray. Fast as lightning and silent as a spring thaw." She took his hand and disappeared out of the room.

The doc looked at Travis. "You going to claim him?"

"The only clue about his folks we may have found was a two-year-old report a neighbor made up near Fort Worth. A young couple was killed and their farm burned. The neighbor said he thought they had a blond boy just learning to walk. I'm having the report mailed here, but it doesn't look good. No kin requested the few belongings the couple had left or their bodies. The county records had no next of kin listed for either of them on file when they married."

"So you'll keep him?" Bailey raised an eyebrow. "There's an orphanage here in Austin for kids like him."

Travis shook his head. "I think it's more that Duck claimed me, but he's not going anywhere if his parents are dead. We've already talked about it. If he has no name, he'll be a McMurray and his home will become Whispering Mountain."

Mike helped Travis stand as the housekeeper came in to put fresh sheets on the bed. Travis was surprised how little his leg hurt when he shifted a slight amount of weight on it. Dr. Bailey knew what he was doing. Travis had been lucky to make it to his door.

With Mike's help, Travis managed to get dressed just as Dottie Davis tapped on his door. He insisted on moving to the little drawing room between the bedrooms. It didn't seem right talking to the widow in his bedchamber.

After Mike got them settled and the housekeeper brought more coffee, the young Ranger left, saying he had to check in at headquarters.

As soon as Travis was alone with Dottie, he began to ask questions about all she'd seen and heard the day of the kidnapping. He couldn't help but smile as her part in the raid grew with the telling.

Dottie was more than happy to talk between bites of rolls, but her conversation galloped from one topic to another without pausing long enough for Travis to ask more questions. She was a woman who liked to take her time with both eating and telling a story.

About the time Travis thought he might need a gag for the little widow, she stumbled into the topic of Rainey.

"Sweet girl," Dottie said. "Loving and giving as I've ever seen." She frowned and stared at Travis. "But if you don't mind me saying so, Ranger, you're about as bright as rained-on ashes. Even considering the fact that you're a good-looking man, I can't see why she even cares for you."

Travis frowned. He'd thought he measured a little higher in the widow's opinion. After all, he had brought Rainey back after she'd been kidnapped. He'd made sure the widow got to the doctor after she'd been shot. He'd even had the widows' things moved to the Baileys' so she'd feel more comfortable.

He knew he'd regret it, but he had to ask, "And why is that, Mrs. Davis?"

Dottie leaned back, her smile saying she knew she had his attention. "A man shouldn't propose after the first kiss. You scared that poor child to death. She told me she'd spent her life at a girls' school and you were the first man to even try to kiss her." The widow shook her head in disgust. "And what do you do, you ask her right off to marry you."

"She told you?" He wasn't surprised. What little he knew of women, they seemed creatures who shared everything. He'd often thought the need for newspapers would be lost if Western towns had more women to spread the word.

Dottie wiggled in the chair as if fluffing herself, took another roll, and continued. "I shouldn't be saying anything, Rainey being my friend and all, but the judge and I were talking and we agreed you could benefit from a little motherly advice."

Great, Travis thought. The judge was involved in this.

"Women like Rainey need a bit of a challenge. She's a survivor, a fighter. Did you ever think that maybe she should have to fight a little for you? Fish that hop up on the bank ain't near as fun to catch."

Travis stared at the little lady, having no idea what to say to her. She was right about him having little experience with women, but it seemed to him a woman would much rather have an offer on the table and then make up her mind than be wondering how a man felt about her.

"Would you like some more coffee?" was all he could think of to say.

Dottie seemed to understand. "No, I think I'll go to the kitchen and have a cup of tea. Will you be needing anything? I could have someone bring it to you."

Travis shook his head.

Ten minutes later he was still staring at the fire when Rainey walked in.

"Morning," she said. "Dottie said you wanted another cup of coffee."

"Thanks." He didn't look up as she handed him the cup. One good thing about this place, he'd never finish all the coffee.

Rainey stood in front of him as if waiting for him to do or say something. Her hand was so close he could have reached out and held it, but he didn't. He wasn't sure how she felt about what they'd done last night. He thought she enjoyed it, but he wished she'd had time to say something before she vanished.

"How are you feeling?" She finally broke the silence as she leaned toward him.

"I'm feeling tired of people worrying about the way I feel," he answered, his words sounding colder than he'd intended.

Rainey took a step backward.

Travis swore he could feel the coldness between them. She sure wasn't acting like she wanted him to play hard to get. He glanced up and saw her green eyes staring at him. She looked like she wanted to be kissed, he thought. Or maybe that was just what he wished she was hoping for.

"I was just about to leave to go bake today. I have orders for pies that are late. No one seems to need me around here." She waited as if expecting him to say something. "I'd also like to go back and get my shoes. Sage loaned me a pair of hers, but I keep walking out of them."

He wanted to tell her to forget about work, he needed her. But Dottie's comments lingered in his thoughts. He didn't want to say anything that got repeated to Dottie, who'd repeat it to the judge. Hell, he thought, I might as well just shout everything I say so that everyone can hear the first account.

"Travis?" She stepped back in front of him.

He thought he knew what she wanted. They were alone. She was close. In one step she could be in his arms. But he didn't reach for her.

To his surprise, she leaned forward and kissed his cheek. "I'll be back before dark."

He watched her go.

If black moods could darken, his did. He sat, staring at the fire trying to figure out where he stood with his fairy. He'd told Mike she was his, but he wasn't so sure. She'd slept beside him part of the last three nights, but he hadn't touched her until last night. She'd swore she'd never marry him, but she worried about him worse than both Roy's wives put together worried about Roy. Every time he mentioned marriage she said she never wanted to see him again and every time she thought he was in trouble she risked her life to let him know.

He leaned his head back against the leather of the wing-back chair. The worn leather conformed and he closed his eyes, drifting back into the dream he'd had on Whispering Mountain.

He heard Mike's boots stomping in from the side door. The Ranger ran through the hall as if on full alert pulling Travis from his dream.

Travis glanced up just as Mike Saddler rounded the corner, his face red from the cold. "McMurray!" Mike took a quick breath. "Where's Miss Adams and Widow Davis?"

"Rainey left to go make pies. I think the widow said something about going with her, but I could be wrong. I don't know women all that well." Travis straightened, sensing something was wrong. "What is it, Saddler?"

Mike's tanned face paled. "Eldon Norman has been spotted in town. We've got men looking for him everywhere. The undertaker said he came by to pay his respects to his brother and left swearing that he'd pay back the witch who stabbed Seth."

Travis braced himself on the arms of his chair and slowly stood. "Is he in custody?"

Mike shook his head.

Travis reached for his cane. Carefully, so he didn't pull stitches, he made it to his guns. "Get the wagon from the barn out back and pull around to the side door. I'll inform Sage and meet you out there. We're going after Rainey."

Mike nodded. "You're thinking the same thing I am. I heard Dillon tell two men to go check on the three old maids just in case Rainey or the widow goes there, and a pair of Rangers were knocking on the front door when I came around back. They'll be here with Sage until we find Rainey and make it back."

Travis strapped his guns on and reached for his coat. His left leg took the weight when he shifted with only a bit of pain. He was healing; now it was time to concentrate on keeping Rainey alive.

By the time they made it to the Langland Mercantile, Rainey already had pies in the oven and refused to leave until they were done.

Pearl kept calling Travis "Rainey's Ranger," which left no doubt that he'd been discussed, as she showed him to the extra chair.

The widow had taken up residence at the kitchen table, her arm resting beside two freshly made pies. Mike stood near the back door, looking very much like he was on guard. Travis pulled his chair to the opening into the store after he gave up trying to get Rainey to abandon her baking. He might not be able to tell Rainey what to do, but he didn't plan to leave her alone.

Rainey's fear shifted quickly to bother that she had to work around so many people in such a small space. She kept having to swing Mike out of the way as if he were a door to her supply cabinet. When she stepped around Travis and into the store, he heard her say she was sorry about the bother. He smiled when Pearl answered back that she thought this was all so exciting.

"Oh," Pearl added just before Rainey passed through the curtain and back into the kitchen. "I think your paper Ranger is handsome. His frown is a little frightening, though. Aren't you scared?"

Rainey laughed. "Not in the least."

The others heard their comments through the thin curtain. Travis's frown deepened, realizing Rainey had told Pearl about their letters.

Widow Davis must have decided she was queen of the hive, for she divided her time between talking to Mike, telling Rainey how to cook, and bothering Travis with questions about what the Rangers were doing to keep her safe. He was glad when Pearl let her son join them, for Dottie took up a game of teaching the boy, who could only babble his ABCs.

By the time Rainey put another set of pies in, Judge Gates showed up with Roy Dumont at his side. Pearl pulled the stools in from the store, and they all consumed one of the pies.

Almost growling aloud Travis decided that if anyone else wanted to come into the small room, they'd have to get on the waiting list. Pearl came in several times to pick up pies. "Folks are coming to the store wanting them. I'm selling them as fast as you can make them."

Travis watched Rainey as she worked silently. The warmth of the stove had made her cheeks glow. The room was full of people and all he saw was her.

After eating, Judge asked Dottie if she'd like to join him for dinner that night at one of the restaurants in town. Roy mentioned it might be better not to make her a target. The judge suggested his house and waved his arm to include everyone in the invitation.

"A dinner party-how wonderful." The widow lifted her bandaged arm. "If I could, I'd love to cook for it."

The judge smiled looking younger than he had in years. "If you'll tell me what to do, I'll be your hands, madam. I have a housekeeper who'll clean up the mess, so you won't have to do a thing but talk."

Travis almost lost his battle not to laugh.

Dottie giggled. "I'll tell you how. You cook and we'll have a great meal." She glanced from Roy to Ranger Saddler. "Would it be all right to send the young Ranger to ask Miss McMurray and the Baileys if they'd like to come, also?"

"Of course, I haven't had a proper party since my wife died." Judge Gates stood and offered his arm. "Shall we go shopping for what we need?"

They moved into the mercantile. From the sound of it, the Langland would be stocking tonight after they got home from the dinner party, of course, for the judge insisted they come as well.

Travis looked at Mike. "Sounds like you'll need the wagon to get all the supplies to the judge's. If Roy stays with the widow, see if you can't talk Sage and Duck into coming over to help. I'm sure the judge can use the help." He met the young Ranger's eyes. "Stay beside Sage all evening."

Mike nodded once. "I promise. Anyone getting to her will have to go through me first."

Travis knew Mike meant every word.