Lawfully Loved (Texas Lawkeeper Romance) Read online

  “I’m sorry you’re out of luck. Our town isn’t big enough to warrant a telegraph office.”

  “I suppose that means I’m stuck here over the weekend,” he stated with a frown. “Is there a place where I can stay?”

  From the back of the family area, Rebecca chirped up, “There are rooms to rent at the saloon. I can take you over if you like.”

  He turned his attention to her and nodded. “Much obliged, ma’am.” Returning his attention to Mr. Caldwell, he added, “Thank you for the information. I’ll make sure your wife returns to you straight away.”

  A laugh escaped Rebecca as she corrected, “I’m not his wife; I’m his daughter, Rebecca Caldwell.”

  “Well, pleased to meet you, miss,” he said as he adjusted the saddle and bag so he could hold out his hand to her. She took it and felt the warmth radiate up her arm from his touch. A moment later, he dropped her hand as his eyes narrowed a bit. Did he feel the sensation too?

  Mr. Caldwell offered, “You can leave your saddle here for safe keeping if you like. The saloon isn’t the safest place to leave anything of value.”

  “I appreciate that,” Jake said as he pulled the saddle off his shoulder and put it in the corner near the door.

  He turned his attention back to Rebecca, and she could tell he was waiting for her to lead the way.

  “Don’t be too long now,” Mr. Caldwell warned as they exited the house.

  A smile curved Rebecca’s mouth as she tossed over her shoulder, “I’ll be back as soon as I show the deputy where to go.”

  Most girls would probably be bothered by an overprotective father, but Rebecca found it sweet her own father worried about her so much.

  Rebecca looked up and sighed with gratitude. “At least the rain has given us a reprieve for the moment.”

  “Maybe I can dry off a bit before we get to the saloon,” he stated. “Although, there’s not much of a town to walk through, is there?”

  Rebecca shook her head. “There isn’t much, Deputy, but it is home. That’s the general store.” She pointed to a plain wooden building with the basic title stenciled across the top. “We have a feed store next to it since we have a lot of ranchers around these parts. Across the street, we have a land office—although no one is buying much land around here lately. On the corner, we have the church which also doubles as the school during the week.”

  “You don’t have a bank or post office?” the deputy inquired with surprise.

  “Like my father said, we aren’t big enough. You would have to go to Woody for both.”

  “What about a jail?” He glanced around the main street. “What do you do with anyone who breaks the law?”

  “Our menfolk will round them up and put them in the makeshift jail behind the saloon. Mr. Weston, the saloon owner, had it built after one too many fights happened at his establishment. It’s not much more than a small wooden shack with a lock on it, but it works for letting a drunk or two sleep off their drink until morning.”

  With a shake of his head, Jake started to reply, but there was a huge disturbance as they arrived outside the saloon, distracting him.

  Wonderful. Another fight. Rebecca got tired of all the riffraff at the far end of town. Of course, it wouldn’t be Rockwood Springs without a nightly brawl outside the Long Reach Saloon.

  Three

  “You best give me back my money, Fred,” the balding red-faced man yelled at the other younger fellow as he followed him out of the swinging doors of the saloon. “I don’t take kindly to being swindled.”

  Fred turned around and gave a dirty look to the other man. “You’ve some nerve following me out here, Willy. I won that money fair and square. Quit your bellyaching.”

  Both men were drunk as a skunk and fit to be tied, putting Jake on edge. He was keenly aware how an argument could swiftly change into a physical fight in a moment’s notice; often resulting in brandishing of weapons.

  Jake’s five years of experience as a deputy sheriff kicked in as he prepared to make a move. He pushed back the edge of his coat and put his hand on the top of his pistol which rested in his holster.

  “Hand my money over now, you rapscallion, or I swear, I’m going to make you pay,” Willy demanded, as he moved towards the other man who put up his fists in defense, readying for a fight.

  Jake stepped forward between the two men, raising his hands in both directions. “There’s no need to be going and getting all hot-headed.”

  “Why in the Sam Hill is any of this your concern?” Willy questioned as he turned his attention to Jake for the first time. He moved towards Jake with a threatening look in his eyes.

  “I suggest you step back, mister,” he commanded as he placed his hand back on the top of his gun. “I’m a deputy sheriff out of Abilene, and for the time being, the law around here.”

  “Haven’t you heard? There ain’t no law around these parts. I suggest you keep to your own and stay out of my way,” Willy countered.

  “Look, this can end one of two ways. I can make you stop this— by force . . . or you can calm down and discuss this reasonably over a drink.” With his free hand, Jake pulled out a coin pouch from his pocket, “On me.”

  Willy contemplated the choice for a few seconds before stepping back with a shrug. “I guess I could be talked into a drink since you’re paying.”

  Jake pretended to relax although internally he remained vigilant. Willy might seem docile for the time being, but drunks were usually the fickle type.

  “Why don’t you boys go on back inside and I’ll be there shortly. I need to say good evening to Miss Caldwell.”

  The two befuddled men made their way back through the swinging doors of the saloon.

  Jake turned to face Miss Caldwell who had remained behind during the duration of the skirmish. During their walk over, he fought the urge to watch the young woman, not liking the instant attraction on his part.

  He had sworn off women after his wife died. At first, wanting to remain loyal to her memory; later, as fear took hold at the thought of potential fresh loss. Even after two years, he didn’t think he would ever be capable of being vulnerable enough to open up to another woman again.

  Now, as he drank in Miss Caldwell’s astonishingly good looks, Jake felt a surge of magnetism spark between them. Uncomfortable with the sudden rush of unwanted feelings, Jake inquired on a neutral matter, “Does this happen often around here?”

  With an abashed look, she nodded. “Unfortunately, yes. With no nearby sheriff, a lot of the men tend to get out of hand.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.” He glanced towards the saloon’s entrance. “I best be getting in there to make sure those two stay settled down. Thank you for guiding me over. I much appreciate it.”

  She gave him a warm smile. “Always willing to help a lawman out.” Rebecca started to turn away, but hesitated for a moment. “The food isn’t much at the Long Reach. After the day you’ve had, you shouldn’t be punished with consuming it.” She gave him a warm smile with an invitation. “Why don’t you come on back to our place after you rent a room? I was just finishing up cooking dinner when you arrived. It’s warming on the stove.”

  Jake was surprised by the invitation, and he didn’t want to impose. Plus, ever since the death of his family, he hadn’t been the best of company, inclined to stick to himself most days. “You don’t have to offer. I wouldn’t want to put your family out.”

  Shaking her head, she stated, “You wouldn’t be. Consider it a ‘thank you’ for keeping me safe earlier.”

  “You wouldn’t have even been out here if it wasn’t for me.”

  “Then consider it ‘thank you’ for doing the town a service by stopping that nuisance.”

  “I’m not going to win, am I?” Jake joked with a chuckle.

  With a playful smirk, Rebecca confirmed, “You should just give up now.”

  “It seems you talked me into it,” Jake stated as he turned around to go into the saloon. “I’ll see you back at your home in
a few minutes.”

  “Make sure you come with an empty stomach, Deputy. I make the best fried chicken in three towns,” Rebecca stated with pride.

  “I think you can call me, Jake, under the circumstances.”

  She seemed to be contemplating his offer. With a nod, she stated “Only in private. We wouldn’t want anyone to get the wrong impression.” Then, almost as an afterthought, she added, “And you may call me Rebecca.”

  “That’s settled then,” he flashed her a grin, “Only in private.”

  * * *

  The fried chicken pan clattered as it collided with the ground in the kitchen. Luckily, the last of the poultry made it onto the serving dish before the pan hit the floor.

  “Lydia, can you come clean up this mess I just made,” Rebecca called out, knowing she didn’t have the time to take care of it herself.

  It was unlike Rebecca to make mistakes when cooking, but she found herself nervous thinking about the arrival of the deputy at any moment. She continued to hurry around the kitchen, placing the side dishes—mashed potatoes with gravy and green beans—into serving bowls.

  On a whim, she had invited the handsome stranger to dinner, not wanting to say ‘goodbye’ when they reached the saloon. The offer was an easy solution and she welcomed the idea of the deputy bringing some life back into the house.

  Their home had become a solemn place ever since their mother became ill. It had taken a toll on the family and left a gaping hole in her constant absence when she refused to come out of her room.

  Rebecca was on her second trip to the table when the knock at the door sounded. Quickly, she removed her apron, smoothed out her dress, and patted her curls into place.

  She knew she should’ve stated they didn’t know each other long enough to use each other’s first names, but she found herself accepting his offer within seconds. She didn’t know why, but she wanted to get to know Jake Bolton better.

  Her father opened the door and ushered the deputy inside. “Good to have you back, Deputy.”

  “Thank you for having me over for dinner, Mr. Caldwell,” Jake stated.

  “You shouldn’t have to spend any more time at the Long Reach Saloon than you have to. That place is a festering sore for this town.”

  With a nod, Jake agreed. “We have similar establishments in Abilene.”

  Mr. Caldwell gestured towards one of the chairs in the family room and Jake took a seat. Rebecca’s father sat in the chair next to him. “I’m sure you do, but you also have lawmen there to keep them from getting out of control. We’ve had to take matters into our own hands just to keep the good people of this town safe. If the sheriff cared at all about the well-being of the people out here, he would appoint a deputy to watch over this area.”

  Rebecca watched as Jake stiffened under the rebuke. His hands clenched on the edge of the chair arms and she saw his eyes narrow for a moment. He waited several seconds before responding. “I understand your frustration, and when I return to Abilene, I’ll bring the matter up to Sheriff Greystone.”

  With a frustrated shrug, Mr. Caldwell stated with resentment, “Little good it will do, hearing complaints from townspeople miles away, delivered by a deputy at that.”

  “I can’t promise anything, Mr. Caldwell, but Sheriff Greystone’s been preparing me to take over when he retires. He listens to me on a great deal of subjects. If I report what I’ve seen here coupled with your family’s grievance, you might very well get the deputy you’re wanting.”

  A pleased look crossed the older man’s face. “I’m glad to hear that, Deputy. It’s about time. I appreciate your promise to intervene.”

  Rebecca approached the men with a smile and a twinkle in her eye. It was pleasantly surprising to see her father and Jake getting along. Her father rarely took to strangers.

  “Dinner is ready,” Rebecca declared.

  Jake’s eyes darted around the room. “Are we waiting for Mrs. Caldwell?”

  It was Rebecca’s turn to stiffen. The uncomfortable effect of the question was palpable in the room. How was she going to answer his inquiry?

  Her father interceded by saying, “My wife won’t be joining us tonight. She isn’t feeling well.”

  “Am I imposing? With a sick family member, I don’t want to be in the way.”

  Rebecca stepped forward and shook her head adamantly. “Her condition is chronic. No reason for you to leave, Jake.”

  Mr. Caldwell turned to his daughter and raised his eyebrow. She knew he must be puzzled by the use of such a familiar name, but he didn’t embarrass her by asking why she used it. Instead, he stood up and motioned to the dining room. “You heard my daughter, it’s time to eat. Believe me, you don’t want to let the chicken get cold, it’s best when piping hot.”

  Commenting from the corner of the room, Lydia stated in defense of her sister, “It’s still good cold, Papa.”

  “That’s true; it makes a great meal the next day,” he looked around at his children, “but not that much of it makes it to the next day with all these ones around.”

  Lydia giggled. “It’s mostly Georgie’s fault.”

  Right on cue, the boy hollered as he ran past all of them, “Let’s eat. I’m starving.”

  The party of five made their way into the dining room where Lydia had already set the table and Rebecca had placed the food.

  “My, this looks delicious,” Jake stated while his hungry eyes moved around the table. “And smells just as good.”

  “Then we should sit down so we can partake in it,” Mr. Caldwell instructed.

  Everyone took their seats and Jake reached for the bowl of green beans next to him. Mr. Caldwell made a disapproving sound. “We say grace before dinner in this house, Deputy.”

  Jake’s face turned red as he averted his eyes. “My apologies, Mr. Caldwell. I wasn’t thinking.”

  “That’s alright,” he stated, then started to pray, “Dear Lord, thank you for the food you’ve provided for us as well as the roof over our heads and the clothes on our backs. You give us everything we need and we are eternally grateful. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

  They passed the food around the table, everyone taking as much as they liked from the dishes. Rebecca watched with anticipation as Jake bit into his first piece of chicken.

  His eyes grew round with appreciation. He took several more rapid bites before stating after he swallowed the last mouthful, “You weren’t exaggerating when you said your chicken is the best in three towns.” He looked directly at her with a grin on his face. “I wager, it’s the best fried chicken in all the county.”

  Her heart fluttered at the compliment. It was the first time she had cooked for a man that wasn’t family or at one of the church picnics and his affirming words made her almost swoon.

  The rest of the meal passed with pleasant conversation while Rebecca tried to keep from openly staring at Jake. Towards the end of the meal, she made her way into the kitchen to bring out her specialty, carrot cake.

  As she re-entered the dining room carrying the platter, Lydia squealed with delight, “Goodie, goodie; carrot cake, my favorite.”

  Rebecca cut the first piece of cake and placed it on a plate. As the family’s guest, she wanted to serve Jake first. She walked around the table until she was standing next to him.

  As she leaned forward to put the cake in front of him, her arm brushed the side of his and her golden curls fell forward against the side of his face. The contact caused Rebecca’s hand to quiver as a tingling sensation spread up her arm.

  Jake must have noticed her hesitation because he reached out to take the dessert from her, resulting in their hands grazing for just a moment. Rebecca’s eyes flickered to Jake, who was already gazing at her with his smoldering green eyes. A deep blush flashed across her body. Quickly, she spun away.

  She focused on serving her family to keep her mind from pondering her reaction. She wasn’t sure what just happened, but she was certain from Jake’s look on his face, he felt it too.

 
A few moments later, Jake stated, “I didn’t think anything could top your chicken, but this cake is incredible.”

  Her heart jumped at Jake’s praise. She could get used to his compliments.

  “Thank you,” she said with a smile.

  After everyone finished their dessert, Jake stood from the table. “I appreciate the wonderful meal and terrific company. Mr. Caldwell, it was kind of you to open your home to me.”

  “You’re most welcome, Deputy,” Rebecca’s father stated.

  “I’ve had a long day and need to be getting back to the saloon for some rest,” he explained.

  Rebecca pushed back from the table and jumped to her feet. “Let me walk you to the door.”

  With a nod, they both moved towards the front of the house where he took his coat and hat from the rack. Once there, Jake opened the door and stepped through the threshold and onto the porch. He turned to face her, saying, “I had a lovely time, Rebecca. I want to thank you again for inviting me. I haven’t had this good an evening in a long time.” He glanced away, looking off into the distance.

  The final comment intrigued Rebecca. She wanted to know why his evenings were lacking in merriment but refrained. From his demeanor, she could tell he wouldn’t want to discuss it. Instead, she asked, “Why don’t you come by tomorrow for breakfast?”

  “You don’t have to keep inviting me over,” Jake pointed out.

  “I know. I want to.” The moment the words slipped from her mouth, she knew they were revealing.

  “In that case, I think I’ll accept.” He tipped the edge of his hat to her. “Until tomorrow, Rebecca.”

  “Goodnight, Jake.”

  Four

  As Jake approached the Caldwell property, he heard loud neighing. He went around the structure to see what was going on. He found Mr. Caldwell working with a colt inside a corral.

  “Good morning, Mr. Caldwell. You’re up early.”

  “With the town’s Founder’s Day celebration, I needed to get Moses’ training in this morning before the day got away from me.”