Chapter Seventeen
The remainder of theday was a complete loss. Wade accomplished only what absolutely needed to be done, and he suspected most of the men did the same.
They had nothing left. Everything they’d owned, aside from their saddles, their guns, and the clothes on their backs, was in that bunkhouse. They’d sleep outside tonight, but that couldn’t go on forever. He’d lose men like sand through a sieve if he didn’t get another bunkhouse built fast.
And that conversation he’d had with Hazel had rattled him.Didhe trust his own men? None of them had given him a reason not to, unlike his neighbor to the south. Trenton was the only person Wade could think of who would have the motivation—and the means—to slowly destroy him.
And Trenton having his wife befriend Hazel was particularly cruel.
Hazel. She weighed heavily on his mind. She served supper with an even more cheerful disposition than usual, as if she wanted to help ease the men’s worries. She knew they’d be sleeping outside, and so she’d fixed a warm and hearty meal of beef stew, crusty bread, and custard pie.
The conversation went on around Wade as he ate, Kristiansen and some of the men discussing the fire and how long it might take to rebuild the bunkhouse. But Wade found his gaze turning again and again toward Hazel, who listened to the conversation with curiosity.
The delicate features of her face belied the courage she held within. She’d proven that, and Wade respected her immensely for it. She would stay. He had no doubt whatsoever that she’d remain here even if the house burned around her.
The question was—would he let her?
He debated it in his mind over and over as he finished eating and retreated to the stable to see the horses tucked away for the night.
He wanted her here. He’d been foolish, let her work her way into his life. He wouldn’t deny that he enjoyed seeing her smile every day, relished her presence in the house, and—heaven help him—thought about her every night as he laid awake in bed.
She was more than willing to be his wife—in more ways than he’d ever thought he needed, but that he now wanted with every breath he took.
But it was wrong.
Wade leaned against the doorway of the stable, his eyes on the house. If he kept her here, she’d be in danger. She was already in danger, and it was a miracle she hadn’t been harmed yet.
If he let her stay, and something happened . . . He balled his hands into fists at the thought. He wouldn’t be all right.
He wouldneverbe the same.
He would turn into his father, unable to carry on with life. A hollow, empty person, useless and dependent upon others to keep him from succumbing to death himself.
And even worse, Hazel’s bright light in this would be gone.
Wade flattened his hands against his sides. That wouldn’t happen, not so long as he held breath in his body.
He’d save them both by making the hardest decision he’d made since he’d sent his brother away.
*****
He waited until thelast possible minute that night to tell Hazel of his decision.
She’d finished setting the house to rights and had just begun to climb the stairs when he called her name.
She paused and turned toward him, her easy smile instantly disappearing when she saw his expression. “What’s wrong?” she asked as she stepped down to stand in front of him.
Wade’s stomach clenched. He didn’t want to do this. His throat felt tight and dry, almost as if it was refusing to cooperate. But it had to happen, and so he forced the words out.
“I need you to pack. I’m taking you to town tomorrow. The train to Cañon City leaves at six o’clock in the evening.”
