“And you were proof that she had.” Judith wished she knew how to give comfort for the pain in his voice.
“Yes. After my mother’s death and funeral, her husband made a great show of having his attorney come to the house and write me out of his will. I hadn’t expected an inheritance from him, anyway, though I’d hoped he’d continue to pay for college. The hardest thing was when he forbade me to see my sisters. I was furious.”
“Marshall says you came out here to make your fortune.”
“I’d inherited some money from my father. I wouldn’t get it until I was twenty-one, but I could borrow against it. I had a chum whose uncle had come out to Wyoming to give it a try. He knew Tom McDaniel and suggested I get in touch with him. Tom took this nineteen-year-old greenhorn under his wing and taught me how to be a rancher.” Luke chuckled. “I’d assumed because I was a good rider and had tended my horse I knew enough. Tom’s been more than my foreman. He’s one of my best friends, and he’s been like a father to me. It’s Martha who’s helped me to let go of my anger at my stepfather. I can’t say I’ve exactly forgiven him yet. I find myself resentful too often still, but it’s not controlling my life anymore. It’s something you’re going to need to understand before you can find peace. You have to move on.”
“I’m not sure how. The pain is still so raw.” Judith had to blink her eyes rapidly to keep from crying again.
“Martha told me I had to face my future and leave the past behind me. If I was forever remembering what I’d lost, it’d tie me down like Marley’s chains.”
“Dickens’ Marley?” Judith asked, surprised.
“Yup. And Martha was right. As soon as I started putting my strength into building a lifehereand not counting my grievances against Lancaster, his wrongs lost their power over me. Then Reverend Pearce gave an excellent sermon on forgiveness. He reminded me it was to helpusand not necessarily the person who’s wronged us.” Luke chuckled again. “I’m not a particularly spiritual man, but I remember sitting in that pew and going over in my mind all the whupping the Lord did in the Old Testament. He’d said vengeance was His, and I could trust Him to do a fine job where it was needed. It was like a huge burden had been lifted from my shoulders. I’d come into church that Sunday carrying the weight of my anger and resentment, but I left it behind. Well, IthoughtI’d overcome it.”
“What—” Judith broke off as understanding struck her. “Oh. You mean William Lancaster. His attempts to get hold of your sisters are bringing up your desire for vengeance again.”
“Exactly so. He’s got me fired up in ways I haven’t been in years.”
“Will you help me overcome my anger?”
“I’m not sure I’m the best person to ask, considering I’m struggling again myself.” Luke’s dark brown eyes met hers. Something powerful lurked in them that sent a wonderful warmth flooding through her.
“Perhaps we can help each other,” Judith said, her voice soft with hope. “You’ve already overcome this once, so you have experience I don’t. If you’re willing to help me when I forget to look to my future, I could help you do the same.”
“You might be just what I need.” Luke rose and, still holding her hand, brought her to her feet. He leaned closer as though he meant to kiss her cheek.
She shut her eyes to resist the temptation to wish for more. When his lips brushed hers, Judith’s lids popped open. She quickly closed them again, giving herself to the warmth of his skin. He moved as though to pull back, but she slid her hand around his neck.
“Oh, Judith,” Luke said against her lips, pulling her close against him. Where his mouth had been soft before, it firmed, becoming more demanding.
Her heart pulsed in her head, making her dizzy. She could hardly breathe. Then Luke pushed back, breaking free of her hand, gasping for breath.
“I amsosorry. I didn’t mean to—”
“Stop.” Judith put her trembling fingers to his mouth. “Don’t you dare apologize. I amnotyour sister, and I donotwish you to see me as one.”
Luke clasped her hand and pressed it against his chest. The way his heart was racing as fast as hers sent another thrill through her.
“Are you sure?” he asked.
“I’ve never been surer of anything in my life.” Judith had longed after him for months, but she’d never imagined he might feel the same way.
“And I’ve been wanting to do that longer than I should admit.” Luke took her hand again and brought it to his lips. “If you would entertain my suit, I’ll speak with your brother.”
There was something too formal in the way Luke had said the words. He couldn’t feel some kind of obligation, could he?
“You would court me because you care for me,” Judith said, choosing her words carefully, her fear making her wary, “and not because you feel you must after having kissed me like that?”
“Because I care for you, yes.” His gaze held hers with an intensity that made her entire body tingle.
“Even though I’m a felon’s daughter?” Judith held her breath.
“A lot of people come out West looking for a clean start. You’re no different, andyoudidn’t break the law.” Luke tried to pull her close again. When she resisted, he said, “I promise I’m already falling in love with you, Judith Breckinridge.”
Her heart soared, and she threw her arms around his neck. He’d barely touched his mouth to hers when the parlor door opened. They broke apart, but he refused to release her hand.
“Jim said he’ll come in the morning to take the photograph of that dog,” Tom said, striding into the room. Seeing Luke wasn’t alone, Tom paused. He looked at their clasped hands and grinned, saying, “It’s getting mighty cold outside. If you’re going to see Miss Breckinridge home, you’ll want to head out soon. I’ll tell Junior he’s got chaperone duty.” He winked, but there was caution in his gaze before he headed for the door. “You’d best be talking to Marshalltonight.”
