The Mail Order Bride's Secret Read online

  She laid a hand on his arm. “Let me come. Maybe I can read them a story.”

  That she was making an effort to get acquainted with them warmed his heart.

  A good hour later, children finally washed and in bed, Tait and Melanie sat down on the sofa together. He glanced at her tired eyes. “You’re dead on your feet. We’ll keep this short. What time would you like the wedding tomorrow?”

  “Doesn’t that depend on the preacher?”

  “Right. What if we go over to talk to him right after breakfast and set everything up then?”

  “I’d like that. It won’t take me long to prepare. I’m a simple woman with quiet tastes.”

  He wanted to say that suited her, that she wouldn’t look right in an elaborate dress with her hair piled high on her head like he’d seen with some highfalutin’ brides. But he didn’t.

  When she smothered a yawn, he pulled her to her feet. “Let’s get you to bed.”

  They made the short walk to her room, her hand tucked around Tait’s elbow. He unlocked the door. “I’ll see you around seven o’clock for breakfast?”

  “I’ll be ready. I had a lovely evening, Tait. The children seem so well behaved.”

  Thank God she hadn’t come earlier that morning when they’d been running around like rabid coyotes.

  He smiled. “They do have their moments.” He went inside and lit the lamps then went to her and took her hand. “Thank you for taking a chance on me. I’ll try to make sure you won’t regret your decision.”

  “We have a lot to work out in our marriage, but I feel very confident that we’ll manage.”

  Tait widened his stance. “Do you mind answering one question that’s been on my mind?”

  Melanie glanced down at the floor. “What would you like to know?”

  He stared at her for several heartbeats, his focus on every facial expression. She seemed wary, too careful with her words. Maybe marrying a complete stranger would do that, but was that the only reason? “Out of all the men in the West, why did you choose me?”

  She lifted her guarded gaze. “I liked what you said in your letters. Especially your honesty about your crimes. You didn’t try to make excuses or sugarcoat anything. You admitted the truth straight out. I knew if you could do that, you’d be a man who wouldn’t run from anything. That you were someone who’d stand and fight against all odds.”

  “No use trying to pretend something I’m not. Lying is overrated.” Tait yearned to touch the curve of her cheek, smooth the wrinkle from her brow, but he kept his hands by his sides. It had been so long since he’d had anything but hardness in his life. “What do you want from this marriage, Miss Dunbar?”

  * * *

  The questions rattled Melanie, but she kept her voice steady and tried to face him openly. She’d anticipated this last question, but the intensity of his gaze when he asked it had caught her off guard. She raised her chin and dredged up a tear. “Call me Melanie, please. I want a home. A family. A space to grow a garden.”

  But even as she said the practiced words, she realized there was more truth to them than she liked to admit. She used to hide outside the big, fancy homes when she was a little girl going from town to town with her father and sister. The bright lights had shone through the windows like glistening diamonds. She’d huddle in the darkness and watch the mother setting food on the table, hugging her children, the family laughing together, and wish like hell she could trade the life she had for that one.

  Of course, that dream hadn’t come true. It was stupid to wish for something so far-fetched anyway.

  A small voice in her head whispered that nothing was hopeless. Maybe that was true for some, but not if your name was Melanie Dunbar.

  Five

  Soft lamplight bathed her room, yet it seemed far too bright. He would see too much. Memories brought trembles to Melanie’s hands, and she wished for a strong drink from the flask in her pocket. Anything to steady her nerves would have to come after Tait left.

  “Are you all right?” His quicksilver eyes fixed on her, his gaze penetrating her thoughts.

  “Couldn’t be better.” She tacked on a smile for extra measure.

  “I can give you the home and the garden you yearn for.” Tait’s voice was soft as he took her hand. “I confess I was woefully unprepared for marriage this soon, so I have no place for us to live, but I can start work on one next week. You can design it however you wish. It’ll be yours.”

  Melanie’s breath caught. Her dream of having a real home and family peeked through the deluge of broken promises. All those nights spent huddling in the dark and the constant fear of being caught might soon be put to rest. Except now she really couldn’t afford to believe in any of it. Despair, lies, and disappointment had left deep, permanent scars.

  “How will we pay for it?” She lifted her brows, her eyes wide. Another practiced gesture. She might as well get started on her task. “Are you rich?”

  “I have enough for our needs—honest money I’ve made.” He fished a handsome gold timepiece from his pocket and flipped it open. “I should probably go and let you get some sleep.”

  She glanced down at her small hand in his, curled so contentedly, and pulled away, reminding herself that despite his pretty words, she couldn’t trust him. He was no gallant knight in shining armor. Tait Trinity answered to no one and likely killed anyone who stood in his way.

  “I have a question of my own.” Melanie lifted her chin and boldly met his eyes. “What do you want, what do you expect, from this marriage? Be honest.”

  Tait ran his fingers through his hair. “When I first started writing you, I wanted an enjoyable way to pass the time. It seemed harmless. But when I sent for you with the marriage offer, I wanted your help with the children.”

  “And now?”

  “I realize I want much more. I’m tired of the loneliness, tired of lying awake in the dead of night with only my heartbeat pounding in my ears. I want someone to share my life with—the sunshine, the storms, and the days when everything seems just about perfect.” He moved close and lowered his head, his deep sigh ruffling the hair at her temple. Though she wanted to step back, she couldn’t. “In all honesty, like you, I want a home and companionship.”

  “Do you plan to keep robbing trains?”

  “I’m finished with that part of my life. I have nothing left to prove, and I have plenty of money, so you needn’t worry.”

  She wanted to ask if he kept his money close by or buried or exactly where he’d put it, but she had to practice patience. She couldn’t tip her hand too soon. “That’s good to know. Maybe the lawmen and bounty hunters will stop looking for you.”

  “I can only hope.” He tucked his watch back in his pocket. “I’ll see you in the morning. Good night, Melanie.”

  She raised on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. “Sleep well.”

  He left, and the room seemed empty without his presence. Trembling, Melanie leaned against the closed door. Tait Trinity was far more complicated than she’d realized from his letters and that one glimpse of him she’d had on the train when he’d seemed to enjoy taking what wasn’t his a little too much. But why? Had he been bored? Danger made some men feel alive. Was Tait one of those?

  Yes, he appeared a whole lot more than she’d first thought.

  Excitement curled inside her followed closely by guilt. Her own house built the way she wanted it. If only she was the woman he thought she was. One who could love being a homebody.

  She’d spent too many years moving around for that. It would probably be boring to live in one spot day after day anyway. No smoke-filled saloons and back rooms where she could gamble all night and sleep the next day away. No more rushing to leave town before getting run out on a rail.

  No fear of prison. Or worse.

  She reached into the pocket hidden in the folds of her dress for the flask and
unscrewed the lid. The long swallow burned a path to her stomach and calmed the million doubts burrowing deep inside. Thoughts of what would happen if she backed out ricocheted around inside her like a load of buckshot.

  In addition to that, Tait Trinity was too smart, saw way too much. He probably knew every trick in the book and would discover her plan and stop her before she had a chance to finish.

  Yet despite the enormous risks, she had to do this. The judge had given her no choice.

  * * *

  The next morning, Tait ushered the children down the hall and knocked on Melanie’s door. She looked fresh and pretty in a yellow dress, reminding him of an April flower poking through a late snow. The boys pressed to her side, and Becky clamored to be picked up. And was.

  Tait shook his head. “It appears you have some admirers.”

  Melanie laughed, those dimples flashing like beacons, and Tait added himself to the list of those admirers. Still, something didn’t seem quite right. The warning sat in his gut, and he didn’t like it. He’d be careful until he knew her better. To lose his edge would spell disaster.

  Breakfast went off with nary a glass of spilled milk nor endless run of questions. The boys went to play with the others in town. He and Melanie left Becky with Nora Bowdre for a few hours and headed over to the church. Luckily for Tait’s nerves, Brother Paul was outside watering the flowers around a small tree, and he didn’t have to go inside the sanctuary.

  “Nice day.” Tait introduced Melanie to Brother Paul. “We want to discuss a wedding ceremony.”

  “When would you like to get married? Next week?”

  “Today.”

  The lanky minister laughed, his eyes twinkling behind his spectacles. “You don’t waste any time.”

  “We hope it won’t be a problem,” Melanie purred. She stared up at Tait, and he choked on his spit. “I can’t wait to become part of this dear, sweet man’s family.”

  “I think I can manage today.” Brother Paul set down his watering can.

  Tait took Melanie’s hand. “Miss Dunbar and I haven’t discussed where to have the service, but would it be possible to have it outdoors? Unless she has other plans in mind, that is.”

  “Outdoors is fine with me.” Melanie squeezed his fingers. “In fact, I’d love that.”

  Tait pointed to the bluff overlooking the town. “How about up there at sunset?”

  “Perfect.” She sighed and let her shoulder brush against Tait’s.

  He liked having her next to him, feeling her warmth, but he wasn’t sure why. He’d been alone for some time, not needing another’s touch. Not needing someone to take care of, to be responsible for. A sudden fact hit him square between the eyes. He now had three children dependent on him and was about to add a wife. The thought was sobering.

  “Then it’s settled. My weddings are pretty standard,” the pastor said.

  Melanie lifted her face, and Tait saw panic in her eyes. “Pastor, leave out the obey and love part, and I think Miss Dunbar and I will be set.”

  “I agree.” She gave Brother Paul an apologetic smile. “We don’t know each other at all well yet, and it seems inappropriate to vow something that may or may not be true.”

  “I see.” Though the pastor wore a puzzled expression, he didn’t question them.

  They thanked him and left.

  “If that’s everything, I really do need to prepare for tonight,” Melanie said, glancing up at Tait, her voice barely louder than a whisper. “I think you look even more scared than I feel. Are we doing the right thing? This is what you want, isn’t it?”

  Her face had gone a little pale.

  “Jitters are normal, I think. And yes, this is what I want.”

  “It didn’t seem real until we spoke with the pastor. Now all of a sudden… What if we can’t stand each other? What if I do something wrong and end up hurting one of the children? What if—”

  “Would you like to sit down? The hotel lobby is close.” He took her arm and hoped she wouldn’t faint.

  “Yes, that would be lovely.” Her voice sounded far away.

  He tried to hurry her along, but several ladies stopped them to introduce themselves. More color drained from Melanie’s face the longer they stood there talking. Finally Tait had to apologize and break away, saying they’d have a reception after the wedding. Only he had no idea what a reception involved.

  Seated on a sofa inside the lobby with a glass of water, Melanie’s color began to return. “A fit of nerves,” she explained. “I was fine until we talked to the preacher, and suddenly it became all too real. This is for the rest of our lives.”

  “It is sobering.” For him as well. A step not to take lightly. “It’s not too late to call it off.”

  “No. I came here to marry you, and marry you I will.”

  Tait leaned back on the green-velvet sofa and stretched out his long legs, crossing them at the ankles. In an effort to distract her, he asked, “What do I need to arrange for a reception? I trust you know about such things.”

  “It’s customary to have a cake and some punch. Do you think that will be a problem?”

  “When I leave here, I’ll speak with Mrs. Worth, owner of the bakery. Would you like another glass of water?”

  “No. I think I’ll go lie down for a bit.”

  Tait saw her to her room then made a quick stop at the bakery before heading next door to the newspaper office.

  Monty Roman glanced up from setting type, a green visor shielding his eyes. Black ink stained his fingers. “Mr. Trinity! It must finally be that cold day in hell. Have you come to give me that interview?”

  Tait glanced around at the ink-stained contents of Roman’s office. “Soon, I promise. You’re the only photographer around, and I have a favor to ask.”

  “Shoot.”

  “I’m marrying today at sunset, and I’d like for the missus to have a picture as a memento. Can you—will you—do that for us?”

  Roman stared at Tait, his mouth set in a thin line. “Be happy to, but only in exchange for that interview you promised.”

  Dammit. He might as well get it over with. “Fine. How about now?”

  For the next hour, Tait sat and answered questions about his life as a boy, living on a farm in western Kansas, and why he’d arrived in Hope’s Crossing shot up and near death. “Jack Bowdre and I have been friends a long time, and I didn’t have anywhere else to go.”

  “Why did you stay?”

  “I like it here.” And the town was built like a fortress, which kept lawmen from snooping around.

  “Tell me about your father,” Roman probed.

  “He was a hard-nosed, damn righteous Baptist preacher. Died eight years ago.” Tait worked to control his voice as painful memories of the dark barn and that hated razor strop rose to choke him. “The railroad booted my mother off their farm after that, claiming eminent domain. The same thing also happened to friends of mine. The powers that be stole the property outright, never gave Mama or my friends one cent for their land.”

  Tait thought of his mother having to work in a laundry, the backbreaking days on her feet, too proud to accept help from him—or anyone else.

  Roman scribbled on his pad. “Tell me more about your mother.”

  All this poking around in Tait’s life was more than a little uncomfortable. “A saint if there ever was one. She raised four boys and a girl and put up with my father. She worked her fingers to the bone until she passed two years ago.”

  “Do you ever see your brothers?”

  “Nope. They’re in the gold fields of Alaska. Better to have distance between us.” Out of the three, Blue was the only one who’d still give him the time of day. And all the while they’d been growing up, Tait had thought nothing would sever the brothers’ close bond forged from common pain. He winced. “Are we finished?”

 
“A little more.” Roman pursed his lips and asked about Tait’s vendetta against the Missouri River Railroad.

  Tait narrowed his eyes. “That’s off-limits.”

  Roman scratched on his pad some more and then glanced up. “I’m sorry about your sister. Those kids got a rotten deal. Any idea who killed her and her husband?”

  “Not yet, but I will find them.”

  His hard tone set Monty Roman back in his chair.

  “Regardless of what you think of me, Trinity, I want you to make them pay.” The newspaper man’s black hair glistened with pomade under the sunlight that streamed through the window. “I don’t wish you any ill will. I envy men who can live outside the law. You do the things we only dream of and get justice where there’s none to be had. My little sister was abducted a few years ago, and it made me sick to my stomach when we found her. The things they did to her… They were animals. They didn’t kill her, but she might as well be dead. She sits and stares out the window, barely alive. She won’t speak, doesn’t seem to know anyone.”

  “I’m sorry, Roman. Did they ever catch the culprits?”

  “No,” the man said quietly, a distant look in his eyes. After a long pause, he tapped the pencil on his desk. “Let’s see, where were we? Oh yes. How long did you say you and Jack Bowdre have been friends?”

  “Since we were kids. Jack lived on the next farm over, and we grew up together. His dad was as bad an outlaw as they come. Used to get drunk and wale on his mother and sisters. When Orin Bowdre got riled up, they’d come over to our place until he settled down.”

  “And Clay?”

  “I knew him by reputation but didn’t know him personally until I got shot up and found my way here. I admire Clay and his dream for this town.” Tait rose. “I’m done.”

  “It’s more than I’d anticipated getting. I’ll take a wedding picture for you later on.”

  Tait nodded and left, anxious to be rid of the ghosts the questions had brought up. He was happy to have finally kept that old promise though. A man needed to keep his word. Sometimes, after everything was said and done, that’s all he had left. Tait had let down far too many people.