“Beth.” LeBeau puffed out his chest. “I expect your full cooperation with this, and since I’m a man of my word, I’ll signthe deed to the land in Parker County over to you on your wedding day.”
She glanced up at the portrait of her mother hanging over his head. Is this what they’d done to her? Found some suited planter with a load of acres, a wad of cash, and a wooden heart to be her future husband? No wonder her mother had run, forsaking wealth and everything she’d known. So would she.
Only, her parents’ lack of means had eventually led them to the wagon trail across the Texas frontier and their deaths. She would not follow their fate. “I will comply with the engagement.”
CHAPTER 28
Devon stepped back into the dark corner between the cupboard and the door, his heart pounding. He’d slipped Morning Fawn a message to meet him here in the stone-walled kitchen out back of the main house at midnight.
Bundles of sage, mint, and other herbs swung from the ceiling, mixing with the aroma of the glowing coals which lingered on the hearth beneath the iron kettle. Ladles dangled from hooks. Crockery of various sizes filled the work table. In the corner by the cavernous fireplace, moonlight trickled in through the east windows and the small window used for passing wood in to the cook.
Footsteps. The latch clicked, and the door opened. Devon held his breath as Morning Fawn stepped inside. Her hair flowed down. She closed the door behind her and peered into the almost dark.
Devon sprung, clasping a hand over her mouth smothering her gasp, and drew her back against him. “Caught you.”
She tensed momentarily, then relaxed against his chest, flooding him with warmth. His hand dropped to her shoulder.
“What if I had screamed?” She leaned her head against his chin.
“I was betting you wouldn’t.” He inhaled the fresh-washed scent of her hair and rosewater. Hiding? Surprising her? He felt like a kid again. Only, this was no time for play. Four days until Christmas. He needed to go over plans and make sure she was ready. So little time. He wrapped his arms around her waist. “I missed you yesterday.”
She placed her hands over his.
What if these few days were all they had? Please God, don’t let it be so.He lingered there with her, swaying in the shadows.
Something scurried in the corner. A mouse?
“I was worried about you last night,” she whispered. “You met with your contact?”
“Everything went fine. I got supplies, filled in Jer—Captain Carson—and finalized our plans.”
“Are you going to tell me?”
“I’ll tell you everything about the escape plans. The rest as needed.” He loosened his hold and turned her to face him.
She touched his eyepatch.
He tugged it off and tucked it in his pocket.
Her fingers fluttered over his lashes.
He captured her hand and pressed his lips to her palm. He could sit right down on the work bench and cuddle all night long. But there was much to discuss. Five days from now, their lives could depend upon his clear thinking.
He nuzzled his chin against the palm of her hand, then stepped back. “I was worried too. About Moyer.” The name stuck like tar on his tongue. “Did he call this evening? LeBeau sent me to Patterson’s late this afternoon to check on a horse. I get the feeling your uncle is trying to keep me as far away from you as possible.”
“There’s a problem.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Two problems.”
“Moyer?” The word came out as a growl. “Has he gotten out of line?”
“No. Nothing like that… He asked my uncle for my hand in marriage.”
Devon exhaled. “What did your uncle say?”
She lowered her gaze. “It doesn’t matter what he said because I’m going to be leaving here Christmas night.”
The implications of her avoidance sank onto his shoulders. “Your uncle said yes without even asking you?”
She shuddered. “My opinion wasn’t required. They’re going to announce the engagement at the Christmas Ball. If I’d refused, I would have ended up locked in the attic. But as I said, it doesn’t matter. I won’t be here for the wedding.”
