And the Lightning Strikes

 

The Chance City Series Book Six

 

 

Robin Deeter

 

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Will love strike twice?

After losing the woman he loves to his brother and experiencing unspeakable trauma, Daniel Lone Wolf leaves Chance City to escape the constant reminders of his tumultuous past. However, the clouds of pain follow him no matter where he goes.

Meeting sweet, beautiful Annie Devlin is like being struck by a lightning bolt from out of the blue, and Daniel is instantly drawn to her goodness and kind heart. She’s full of pluck and surprises—like the fact that she’s raising her nephew and nieces on her own.

He might not wear shining armor, but Daniel is Annie’s knight in buckskin and moccasins. The tall, blue-eyed Comanche comes along when she most needs a miracle. He’s irresistible and breezes into her world with the force of a summer storm, bringing a tempest of passion with him.

When Daniel’s famous reckless nature lands him—and Annie—in hot water, there’s only one thing to do: take her and the kids and go home to Chance City. Having Annie and the children in Daniel’s life is a godsend and things are looking up for all of them until his past finally catches up to him. Can Daniel and Annie cling to their hope for a happy future, or will the raging storm forever separate them?

 

Table of Contents

 

Dedication

A Special Thank You

Other books by Robin Deeter

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Epilogue

About the Author

Dedication

 

 

This book is dedicated to all you brave readers out there who continue to accompany me on this adventure. We still have new characters to meet, exciting events to share, and new places to explore together. I hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. As always, your faith, friendship, and kindness are so very appreciated. Happy reading!

 

A Special Thank You

 

To my Essie, you are my rock and my biggest fan. You’re always there to cheer me on and give me a kick in the caboose when I need it. I treasure your love and loyalty and I couldn’t do this without you.

 

 

Other books by Robin Deeter

 

 

Chance City Beginnings

(Prequels to Chance City Series)

 

Part One

Part Two

 

Chance City Series

 

Mail Order Mystery

Mail Order Mystery Audio Book

Mail Order Mystery Print Book

On the Fence

Crossroads

Gray Justice

When the Thunder Rolls

And the Lightning Strikes

A Very Decker Christmas

 

 

The Paha Sapa Saga

 

Sacrifice and Reward

Sacrifice and Reward Audio Book

Sacrifice and Reward Print Book

Winter Moon

The Bear, Part One

The Bear, Part Two

The Phantom Horse Bridge Series

 

Phantom Origins Book 0

Phantom Heat

 

 

Wolf Junction Series

 

Silver Bell Shifter

 

Chapter One

 

 

The woman in Daniel Lone Wolf’s arms sighed as he kissed her neck and tightened his embrace. Her lush body and lavender scent had quickly aroused him, and fire flowed through his veins. He’d only been with a couple of women since he’d courted, Jin Cho, the woman he’d fallen in love with and lost to his brother, but the experiences hadn’t been all that satisfying.

He hadn’t planned to sleep with any of the saloon girls when he’d come to the Tight Fist that night, but something about Annie had spoken to him. She’d been cleaning tables when he’d noticed the blonde with generous curves and lovely blue eyes. The stirring of his libido had been so strong that he hadn’t been able to resist charming her into entertaining him.

Unlike most saloon girls, she’d been shy and hesitant at first, but had eventually agreed. Daniel had found her bashfulness sweet, and he had the suspicion she wasn’t terribly experienced in this line of work. He was more than happy to educate her, which was how they’d wound up in her room.

Capturing her lips, Daniel plundered her mouth, leisurely savoring her taste. He caressed her back and started undoing the ribbon that laced up her dress. She moaned and put her arms around his neck as she kissed him back. Slowly, Daniel drew her dress down her arms. At the last moment, Annie pulled away and covered herself.

Daniel met her wide-eyed, scared gaze with a surprised look. “What’s wrong?”

Her cheeks turned pink as she clutched her dress. “I’m just a little nervous, that’s all.”

His eyes traveled over her ample bosom, which was almost completely bared to his sight. He hardened even more, surprised at his strong reaction to her. “It’s all right. I’ll be gentle. I’m sorry if you’ve had some bad experiences, but I’m not like some other men.” He cupped her face, stroking his thumbs over her cheeks. “I want to please you, too.”

Damn, but she was gorgeous. Her full lips were delicious, and her skin was so soft. He imagined it was like that all over her body and he intended to find out. “I’ll double your fee, if that helps.”

Her eyes grew larger still and her luscious mouth dropped open. “You’ll pay me twice as much?”

Her reaction amused him. “Yeah.”

She caught her bottom lip between her teeth and nodded. “All right.”

Smiling, Daniel removed her pretty hands from the bodice of her lilac satin dress and pulled it down, revealing a lacy, white corset. “We have to get rid of that,” he teased.

Her tremulous smile revealed her anxiety. “I guess so. Whatever you want. The customer is always right, and God knows I need that money.”

Annie’s peculiar response gave Daniel pause and he cocked an eyebrow at her. “If you really don’t want to do this, just tell me and I’ll leave. I’ve never forced myself on a woman, and I’m not going to start now.” His heated body hoped she wanted him to stay, but his conscience wouldn’t let him proceed if she was against it.

“Oh, no. I want to. What woman in her right mind wouldn’t? You’re the most handsome man I’ve ever met. So tall and strong,” she said, resting her hands on his shoulders. “Besides, I won’t turn down that kind of money. It means I can pay the rent this month, so Mr. Lamont doesn’t throw me and the kids out.”

“Kids?”

She nodded. “I have three children to raise.”

Something didn’t ring true to Daniel. “Annie, how long have you been working here?”

“Just a couple of weeks. Hank hired me to clean, but he said it would be all right if I wanted to entertain customers. You’re my first,” she said.

That explained her nervousness. “Annie, are you absolutely sure about this?”

Annie gathered her courage. Her children were depending on her to provide for them. “Yes. I’ll be fine. I promise.”

Daniel pulled her close again. “I don’t know what happened to your husband, but what we’re going to do isn’t any different than what you used to do with him.”

Her golden blonde brows drew together. “Husband? I don’t have a husband.”

Daniel’s hands froze on her corset strings. “But you have three children.”

She nodded. “I have them, but they’re my sister’s children. She and her husband were killed a few months ago and I’m all they have.”

More pieces of the puzzle clicked into place for Daniel. “Annie, are you a virgin? Is that what you meant when you said I was your first?”

Annie couldn’t meet his gaze as her cheeks flooded with color. She looked at his chest and nodded. “Yes. But it’s all right. I don’t mind. I mean, I have to learn some time, and you are such a fine-looking man.”

When she would’ve put her hands on him again, Daniel caught her wrists and kissed each of her palms. “Turn around, Annie.”

She was confused but did as he asked. He began retying her corset strings, which perplexed her even more. Then he drew her dress back up over her shoulders and retied the ribbon. He turned her around and she met his vivid blue gaze.

“I don’t understand. Aren’t we going to do anything?” Panic took hold of her. She needed that money. “I’m perfectly willing. I’m just a little nervous, but if you just show me, I’ll do anything.” Tears of embarrassment and fear stung her eyes. “Please?”

Daniel shook his head. “No. Nothing is going to happen, Annie. My beliefs won’t allow me to take a woman’s virginity without being married to her. You’re so beautiful and I want you, but I just can’t.”

Annie swallowed her disappointment and tried to retain a few shreds of dignity. “I understand. It’s nice to meet a man who thinks that way, I guess.” She stepped towards the door, but his hand on her arm stopped her.

“Wait a second. I still owe you for taking up your time,” he said, taking out his wallet.

“Oh, no. Nothing happened, so you don’t need to pay me anything,” she said firmly.

Daniel folded up a bill and gave her a stern look. “Annie, you’re going to take this money and pay your rent. And I don’t want you to take any customers. You shouldn’t give away your virginity to some slob who doesn’t care about anything but his own pleasure.”

Annie crossed her arms over her chest. “Who are you to preach to me? I’ll do whatever I have to to feed my kids. Cleaning here doesn’t pay nearly enough, but it’s the only job around here right now. If I have to entertain on the side to make ends meet, then I will.”

Daniel’s jaw tightened in irritation, but she was right. He had no hold over her. He didn’t even know her. “You’re right. I can’t tell you what to do.” Stepping up to her, he gave her a mischievous smile and tucked the money between her breasts. “But I hope you’ll listen to me.”

She waited until after he’d closed the door to take the money he’d given her from her cleavage and almost fainted when she saw the fifty-dollar bill. “This is too much. Way too much.”

Annie rushed into the barroom to give it back, but he was already gone. How had he disappeared so quickly?

“Annie! If you’re done entertaining, how about you clean some of these tables?” Hank shouted at her from behind the bar.

Annie couldn’t believe Hank had just told the whole barroom that she’d just had a customer. She’d refused the advances of some of the men who frequented the saloon, a few of whom were now looking at her. Despite her brave words to Daniel, the thought of any of them laying a hand on her scared her to death.

The only reason she’d agreed to Daniel’s request was because he’d been so funny and incredibly handsome. He was confident and manly, but he wasn’t obnoxious or demanding. He’d made her laugh and he’d promised to be a gentleman. She’d also been desperate for money, but as she felt the stares of some of the less than desirable patrons, the money suddenly didn’t seem so important.

Hurriedly, Annie tucked Daniel’s money into her dress pocket and got to work before Hank hollered again and drew more attention to her.

 

 

 

“Would you like more mashed potatoes?”

Daniel looked across the table at the vivacious brunette woman who’d spoken to him. Her gray eyes sparkled with impish humor, and he couldn’t help smiling back.

“Yeah. Thanks.”

He took the bowl from her and put more on his plate. Maisy Kincaid’s cooking rivaled any he’d ever eaten, and her mashed potatoes were fluffy and buttery.

“How’d it go with that fence in the south pasture?” asked Maisy’s father, Garland.

“All done. Tomorrow I plan on starting to repair that soft section in the barn floor. It’s dangerous to leave it go,” Daniel said.

Garland coughed and shook his head. “I wish I was young again and had your kind of energy.”

Daniel’s heart went out to the older man who’d been fighting consumption for several months. “I’d feel the same way, but Dr. Bitterly said you’re getting better.”

“That’s right, Pa.” Maisy patted his hand. “Just give it some more time and you’ll be right as rain. In the meantime, Daniel’s been doing a great job.”

Garland grunted. “I still don’t understand why you don’t want to be paid.”

Daniel swallowed his bite of steak. “I told you: I’m rich. I don’t need your money. Room and board is all I require.”

Maisy eyed him speculatively. “If you’re so rich, what are you doing here? Why aren’t you living high on the hog and having a good time somewhere?”

Daniel contemplated how to answer her question. He’d left home almost two months ago. After being in Dr. Vin Ellis’ experimental psychiatric unit at the Chance City Memorial Hospital for a couple of months, he’d thought he’d been ready to leave.

At first, it had been great being back home with everyone, but at the end of another month, he felt smothered by everyone’s concern. Being watched for abnormal behavior had started grating on his nerves. He knew his family and friends meant well, but their constant scrutiny had made him anxious.

Not only that but trying to fit in with his old life hadn’t worked. It was as though he was a square peg trying to fit into a round hole: an impossible task. The problem was that he didn’t know who he was anymore. He wasn’t the same Daniel Lone Wolf he’d been before he’d been kidnapped. That man had died in that barn the night he’d…

“Daniel?”

Daniel startled a little. “Hmm? Sorry.”

Maisy smiled. “Are you going to answer me?”

Daniel had only been with the Kincaids for two weeks, but he’d already learned that Maisy didn’t let anything drop. “I’ve always just wanted to travel around and meet new people. I like this kind of work and I needed something to do with my time. You needed a ranch hand, so here I am.”

Maisy frowned. “Are you fixing to leave soon?”

Daniel shook his head and felt his hair barely brush his shoulders. Normally, his hair would’ve been almost waist-length, but in true Comanche custom, he’d cut it off in a sign of mourning. He was grieving for the man within himself who’d perished. “No, ma’am.”

Garland said, “Maisy, don’t pester Daniel about that. We knew when we hired him it would only be temporary. We’re just grateful to have you and you’re welcome to stay as long as you like.”

“Thank you, sir.”

A bell sounded in another part of the house and Maisy jumped up. “Aunt June must be done with her supper. I’ll be back in a bit.”

“Do you want anything from in town?” Daniel asked Garland. “I’m going to Potter’s in the morning for some nails. I’m not sure I have enough, and I don’t want to have to quit in the middle of putting in that new floor.”

“Good idea. Just the newspaper. Can’t think of anything else,” Garland said.

Daniel finished the rest of his dinner and then leaned back in his chair. “Maisy sure can cook.”

Garland chuckled. “Just like her mama, God rest her soul.”

Rising from the table, Daniel took his dishes to the sink and started making dishwater.

“For a rich fella, you sure know your way around house chores.”

Daniel smiled as he cleared away the serving dishes from the table. “Ma made sure my brother and I knew how to clean a house and cook for ourselves. We’ve never had servants. I’m good at the cleaning part, but I can’t cook worth a damn. Sly is a great cook, though.”

Garland watched Daniel as he started washing the dishes. It was only the second or third time Daniel had mentioned his family. In fact, Daniel hadn’t divulged much information about himself at all. Although he was pleasant when spoken to, he wasn’t a talkative man.

“You and your brother get along?” Garland asked.

Daniel grinned. “Yeah. He’s my best friend.”

Garland rubbed his chin. “How’d he take you just up and leaving?”

Daniel’s hands stilled below the surface of the dishwater and his pulse rose as he searched for a plausible response. My brother married the woman I loved, and I can’t stand to see the two of them together, wasn’t something he wanted to tell Garland, but it was the truth.

“None of my family was happy about it. They tried to change my mind,” he said honestly.

Garland coughed before saying, “I’ll bet they weren’t happy. Son, I’m a good judge of character. You’re a good man. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have let Maisy hire you. But you got a sadness in you, and I can tell you’re running from something. If you ever want to talk about it, I’m a good listener.”

Daniel didn’t bother to deny it. He was sad and running. Running from his past, from his family, from himself. But what was he running to? He had no idea. He had no future plans and was just living each day as it came. Maybe if he did that long enough, he’d figure out who he was now.

“Thanks, Garland. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Sure thing. Well, I’m off to rest a little before Maisy starts hounding me about it,” Garland said.

He coughed as he got up from the table, but Daniel didn’t comment on it. Garland didn’t like calling attention to his infirmity and Daniel allowed him to keep his dignity by pretending he didn’t notice. He knew what it felt like to have people treat you with too much concern, too much kindness. He wasn’t going to do that to Garland.

Maisy returned to the kitchen. “Daniel, what are you doing?”

“What’s it look like?”

She put her hands on her hips and arched an eyebrow at him. “Don’t smart off to me. That’s my job.”

Daniel smiled. “I was just trying to help out. You’ve got a lot on your plate.”

“You do enough around here,” Maisy said. “Go on. I’m fine.”

Knowing when not to argue with a woman, Daniel dried his hands and stepped aside as someone knocked on the kitchen door.

“I’ll get it,” Daniel said.

Pulling open the door, he smiled when he recognized Harm Bradley. He’d met Harm at the Tight Fist, the saloon in Bartonville, Oklahoma.

“Harm, good to see you.”

Harm nodded. “You, too, buddy. You got plans tonight?”

“No.”

“You do now. Pride put together a backroom card game.”

Daniel grinned. “Did he now? Okay. What time?”

“Eight.” Harm’s dark gaze moved past Daniel. “Hello, Miss Maisy. You’re looking prettier than ever.”

Maisy blushed as she smiled at him. “Thank you, Harm.”

“You’re welcome.” Harm’s chest puffed out a little. “Well, then, I’ll see you later, Daniel. Maisy, a pleasure, as always.”

“Goodbye, Harm,” Maisy said.

Daniel shut the door when Harm left and asked, “When are you going to put Harm out of his misery and invite him in?”

Maisy smiled. “When I’m ready. I just met him a month ago. I don’t want to seem too eager, and I want to make sure he’s truly interested.”

“Trust me, he’s interested. I’ve never seen him with any of the saloon girls and you’re all he talks about,” Daniel said. “How about I invite him to Sunday dinner?”

Maisy chewed on her bottom lip a moment as she pondered his suggestion. “That would be all right, I suppose.”

Daniel was enjoying playing matchmaker for Harm and Maisy. He figured that if he couldn’t be happy, he could at least help two other people find love. “Great. I’ll invite him tonight.”

“Alright.” She gave him a speculative look. “How come you don’t have a lady? A rich, handsome man like you ought to be able to find a wife real fast.”

Daniel smiled despite the painful way his heart constricted. “I’m not ready to settle down,” he lied. He found himself doing that a lot now. A man who used to pride himself on being truthful had turned into a skilled liar. “I will one day, but not now.”

“Well, when you are ready, I hope you find someone who appreciates you,” Maisy said.

“Thanks. I have a couple of things to do before I leave for town.”

“Have a good time.” Maisy went back to doing dishes and Daniel took his leave.

As he walked to his bunkhouse, a couple of the ranch dogs trotted beside him, and he was reminded of his cousin Cy’s four dogs. Cletus and Jingles were good cattle dogs who helped him move the steers with ease. Although he was a skilled horse breeder and trainer, Daniel didn’t mind working with cattle.

He took writing supplies from the top drawer of his dresser and sat at the tiny table in his bunkhouse to write a quick letter to his family, which he’d mail tomorrow. He sent a letter home twice a week from wherever he was, so his family knew he was alive and well.

Just because he’d needed to leave Chance City didn’t mean he was inconsiderate of the fact that they would worry about him. After being kidnapped and kept as a captive for almost a month last year, he knew if they didn’t hear from him, they’d go frantic with worry.

Except for how things were at the Kincaid ranch, Daniel didn’t have much to tell his loved ones, but his short letter would be better than not sending one at all. He finished it and stood it up against the kerosene lamp in the center of the table and then got around to leave.

He washed up a little at the wash stand. As he cleaned up, he looked at the new, thin scars that marred his biceps. More evidence of his grief. He pulled on a clean shirt and ran a comb through his shiny black hair. Other men might not care how they looked when they went out after a hard day of work, but Daniel tended to be fastidious about his appearance and he hated stinking of cows and sweat.

Finished, Daniel went to the barn and saddled up his horse, the only other thing outside of some clothes he’d brought from home. Royal, a blood bay Thoroughbred stallion of the finest quality, was intelligent and had plenty of heart. He rarely startled at anything, and he was obedient. His speed was dizzying, and he could jump almost anything in his way.

As soon as they left the barn, Daniel urged Royal into a fast canter, enjoying the stallion’s powerful movements and the breeze created by the horse’s speed. Any time Daniel rode, his worries and troubles temporarily faded away and he had peace for a little while. Lightly touching his heels to Royal, Daniel whooped with joy when the stallion jumped into a gallop and sped down the road.

 

 

Chapter Two

 

 

The card game at the Tight Fist was sure to be raucous and hysterical. Daniel thoroughly enjoyed these nights because he’d been easily accepted by the group assembled. They didn’t know he was the man who’d been kidnapped, raped, and forced to fight. To them, he was just Daniel, a ranch hand and fair poker player.

Knowing some of the men could use the money to feed their families, Daniel often threw a few hands whenever he played. He was a good actor and grumbled convincingly about losing so they didn’t suspect. That night, he made sure he lost a rather large pot to Brody, one of the deputies in Bartonville. Brody was a widower with four kids to raise and he needed the money.

Daniel tossed his cards on the table. “Shit! This sure hasn’t been my night. I’m out, fellas. I know when to cut my losses.”

Brody grinned as he scooped up his winnings. “Better luck next time, Daniel.”

“Thanks. See you all later,” Daniel said.

The group bid him goodnight and he went to the barroom and sat at a table. One of the saloon girls propositioned him, but he respectfully declined her attentions. While the redhead was pretty enough, she left him cold. Not like Annie. No, she’d gotten his attention right away. Until he’d seen her, Daniel hadn’t felt that particular urge for about a month. Another thing that was different about him.

Before the horrible events of last November, he’d been one of the best customers of the girls at the Chowhound Saloon. He’d usually spent several nights a week there, but since coming home, his desire for sex hadn’t returned to its previous level.

Falling in love with Jin Cho had shown him how much better passion was when it was coupled with love. He and Jin had never crossed that line for several reasons, but he knew that if she’d chosen him, their lovemaking would’ve been incredible.

However, the Korean woman with the ethereal beauty had fallen in love with his twin brother. But even though her choice had left his heart bleeding, he’d been happy that two people he loved so much had found happiness together.

Daniel nursed a double whiskey and just relaxed as he thought about the work he wanted to get done tomorrow. He heard the swish of skirts behind him and then watched Annie sit down in another chair at his table. Her smile was radiant, and he felt like the sun had just come out from behind the clouds.

“Well, hello, Annie. How are you?”

“Fine and yourself?”

She leaned forward a little and her dress stretched tighter over her cleavage. A dart of such intense desire shot to Daniel’s groin that he almost jerked. “I’m fine, thanks. How’s work?”

Her smile disappeared and she shrugged. “Fine.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I wanted to thank you for the money, but you shouldn’t have given me so much. You didn’t get what you paid for.”

Daniel smiled. “It’s okay. I was happy to help. But that’s not what I asked you. What’s wrong?”

Annie noticed Hank watching her and she knew she had to make it look like she was working. She pulled her chair closer to Daniel’s and put a hand on his arm. “I’m still a virgin.”

Daniel’s expression went blank for a moment as his body screamed, I can help you with that! Instantly, his conscience slapped his baser self into silence. “I’m sorry?”

Annie covered her mouth as she giggled. “That’s not what I meant to say.”

He laughed and shook his head. “What did you mean to say?”

“That I decided to listen to you. It hasn’t been easy since Hank opened up his ugly trap, though,” Annie remarked with a dirty look at the bar owner.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, after you left yesterday, he yelled at me to clean the tables since I was done entertaining and now all the men think I’m a soiled dove,” Annie said. “I turned down a bunch of them in the past. I told them I was just the cleaning woman.”

Daniel couldn’t be angry with the patrons because they didn’t know any better. But he was angry with himself because he’d inadvertently caused trouble for Annie. He’d made it look like Annie was an experienced prostitute and he hadn’t given her the knowledge she needed to be one. He should’ve figured that other men would’ve already propositioned her.

“Why did you say yes to me and not to them?”

“Because you were so nice about it, and they were such pigs. Plus, you really are incredibly handsome,” she said. “I’ve never had anyone who looks like you show any interest in me. I know it’s only because you thought I was a soiled dove, but still.”

The honesty in her eyes convinced Daniel she had no idea how stunning she was. He did, though. Daniel loved women of all shapes and sizes, but he most liked a woman who had what he could only term as a glow and Annie had it in spades.

It was the same sort of glow Jin possessed. Yes, Jin’s dark shining eyes, delicate features, and slim build had drawn him like a bee to honey, but it had been her sparkling spirit that had attracted him to her the most.

Annie was Jin’s opposite in every way. She stood at least five inches taller than Jin and was voluptuous and ripe. Her pale blonde hair, blue eyes, and creamy skin were just as striking as Jin’s appearance. But she had that extra little something about her that captivated Daniel.

Putting an arm around her, Daniel leaned towards her. “Annie, the reason I requested your company is because you’re incredibly beautiful and I wanted to get to know you better.”

Annie didn’t believe him. “No, I’m not. I’m an ugly duckling compared to my sister.”

Daniel was shocked. If she was the ugly duckling how much better looking could her sister be? “I doubt that.”

Annie shook her head as she traced a knothole in the table top. “My sister, Samantha, was so slender and dainty and I’m, well… not.”

“Annie, you have many fine attributes.”

Looking in Daniel’s gorgeous eyes made Annie’s heart beat faster and she couldn’t resist glancing at his mouth. His kisses had been thrilling and she would’ve given herself to him without being paid. She wanted to kiss him and when she raised her eyes to his again, she saw he was thinking the same thing.

“Daniel, we could pick up where we left off last night.”

Although he was sorely tempted, Daniel resisted. “Thank you, but I have to turn you down.”

Annie’s temper flared. “Well, there has to be something I can do for you. I don’t take charity.”

Daniel thought for a moment. “Do you sew?”

“Yes.”

“I have a couple of shirts that need to be repaired. You could do that for me.”

Annie smiled. “That would be fine.”

“Where do you live? I’ll bring them by tomorrow.”

“You can just drop them off here.” She didn’t want him to see her home. “Then you wouldn’t have to go out of your way.”

Daniel persisted. “Where do you live?”

She dropped her eyes. “Out past the feed mill. It’s the third house on the right. It’s pretty plain.”

“I have to come into town in the morning. Will that be a good time?”

“Sure.”

Daniel noticed the way some of the men were watching them and he was loath to leave Annie to deal with their advances. There was a way to ensure that none of them talked her into going to bed with them, but it was a crazy idea. However, the absurdness of it appealed to Daniel’s reckless side, which suddenly reared its head again.

He ran a hand over Annie’s shoulder to the back of her neck and lowered his head, pressing his lips firmly to hers. She stiffened a moment before relaxing and placing a hand on his chest. Her mouth was so soft, and she tasted like peppermint. Forgetting where they were, he coaxed her mouth open and delved his tongue inside. She was intoxicating and his instinct was to deepen the kiss even more. However, he heard a few chuckles and suddenly remembered they were in public.

Pulling back, he smiled into her eyes, amused by the surprise in their almost lavender depths. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

Annie nodded mutely, unable to speak for the shock and desire flowing through her.

Daniel stood up, looking around with a fierce glare. “I got something to say,” he said loudly. “Annie is my woman and if hear that any of you pester her, I’ll make you sorry. Trust me: you don’t want that kind of trouble. Understand?”

Several of the men nodded and mumbled their assent.

Annie’s mouth dropped open further and she stared at Daniel as the enormity of what he was doing sank in.

Daniel bent and kissed her cheek. “See you in the morning.”

With that, he walked out the door. While Annie was grateful to him in a way, it also made her angry that he’d just claimed her without speaking to her about it. She was not his woman and she’d make that plain when he came to her house in the morning. Unless…

Annie got up from the table and went about her work with a little spring in her step. The men all treated her respectfully now and she had to admit Daniel’s actions had spared her from more groping and crude comments. The rest of the night passed without incident, and she went home in a good mood, thankful to the man with arresting blue eyes and sinful good looks who seemed to have appointed himself as her savior.

 

 

As he trotted to where he called home for the time being, Daniel glanced up at the stars, searching out the constellations and wondering if his uncle, Cotton, was doing the same thing. Cotton hadn’t completely conformed to white society. He still lived in a tipi, hunted every day for many of his meals, and had kept his independence.

Daniel had gotten his defiance from him and was fiercely proud of his Comanche heritage. Back in Chance City, he rarely wore white man’s clothing when he was at home. During the summer months, he often wore only a breechcloth and moccasins and didn’t give a damn who liked it. He missed dressing that way, but it wouldn’t be a good idea while he was on the road.

Arriving home, he rubbed Royal down, put him in his stall, and went to his bunkhouse. He eschewed sleeping in the small bed provided, instead using a sleeping pallet. He’d always preferred the Comanche bedding to sleeping on a mattress and still did.

He unrolled his sleeping robes and arranged them. A smile crossed his face as he thought about the way his friend, Fong Cho, teased him about how fussy he was about them. Jin’s twin brother and he had become fast friends during the horrible experience last fall and in some ways, Daniel felt closer to him than he did to Sly. The two men had bonded over sharing the most horrible trauma of Daniel’s life.

Daniel opened the bunkhouse window to let in the breeze since it was a warm, humid late June night. The scent of rain reached him, and Daniel knew it would come before dawn. As he laid down and closed his eyes, Daniel tried not to reflect on the storm that had forever altered his life, but it was difficult.

He combatted those dark thoughts by thinking about Annie and the look of shock on her lovely face when he’d announced she was his. The memory of her kisses came back to him and his blood heated. What the hell was it about her that made him want her so much? As the breeze cooled his suddenly hot body, Daniel fell asleep with a smile on his face.

His slumber was broken by the nightmare, and he bolted up in bed as a clap of thunder sounded overhead and sharp lightning illuminated the interior of the bunkhouse. Sweat ran down his back and beaded on his brow as his chest heaved from the fear that gripped him.

Looking around, he oriented himself by reaching out to touch the hardwood floor beyond his sleeping pallet. There were still times when he wasn’t sure if he was really awake or if he was still dreaming. Relieved that he wasn’t stuck in the nightmare, he took some deep breaths and raked a shaking hand through his hair.

Rising, he retrieved a pack of cigarettes and matches from a shelf on the wall. As he lit one, he cursed Fong for getting him hooked on the damn things but smoking them was better than getting high on laudanum to combat the dreams. Opening the door, he went outside on the little porch and sat on a chair to watch the storm.

The rain was just starting, the big, fat drops falling loudly on the porch roof. Daniel lingered over the cigarette, giving himself time to calm down before trying to sleep again even though it would probably elude him. Finished with his cigarette, he laid back down, but he remained awake just as he’d thought.

The thunderstorm rumbled away near dawn and Daniel rose. Taking three shirts out of his chest of drawers, he ripped each of them in various places and put them in a saddle bag. Then he smoked a cigarette and put a small piece of peppermint in his mouth to combat the taste of it and to sweeten his breath. The candy made him think of Annie. They seemed to share the same affection for the sweet.

After breakfast, Daniel hitched Garland’s mismatched pair of draft horses to the wagon and set off for town.

 

Chapter Three

 

 

Daniel was dismayed to see the sad condition of the place Annie called home. The small clapboard house was barely more than a shack. The porch sagged, one window was boarded shut because one of the panes was broken, and the roof needed repairing. He frowned as his gaze roamed over the place.

He jumped down from the wagon and mounted the steps to the porch, testing the boards as he went. They gave a little but held him. He knocked on the door and waited, but no one answered it. The sound of an axe hitting wood drew his attention and he followed it around the back of the house.

A young boy was attempting to split a log and not having much success. Daniel judged him to be around twelve or thirteen. His messy blond hair lifted on the breeze as he swung the axe. It glanced off the log and almost hit him in the leg.

Alarmed, Daniel jumped forward, grabbing the tool from the startled boy’s hands.

“You’re going to hurt yourself that way,” he said.

“Hey! That’s mine! Give it back!” the boy shouted. “Get out of here!”

Daniel smiled at his defiant attitude. “I’m not trying to steal it. I’m trying to keep you from chopping off your leg.” Daniel held out a hand. “I’m Daniel Lone Wolf and I came by to drop off some shirts for Annie to fix.”

The boy looked suspiciously at Daniel’s hand before cautiously shaking it. “Rex Jackson. She mentioned you’d be coming. You can just leave them with me, and I’ll give them to her.”

Disappointment stole through Daniel. “She’s not here? Where is she?”

“Hunting for supper,” Rex said matter-of-factly.

That surprised Daniel. He couldn’t imagine Annie holding a gun. “I see.”

“Can I have that back?” Rex asked. “I need to get this wood chopped.”

Daniel shook his head. “How about I chop it for you this time and you stack it?”

Rex’s blue eyes clouded with uncertainty. “I guess so.”

“Okay. Now, let me show you the proper way to chop wood. You want to use smooth strokes and make sure the log is stable on the stump.” Daniel changed the position of the log, so it was better balanced. “Also, don’t choke up on the handle. You won’t get enough power behind your swing if you do. And don’t hold it directly over your head. Watch me close.”

Daniel demonstrated for Rex, expertly swinging the axe and cleaving the log in two.

Rex scowled. “You make it look easy, but I’ve been working on that log for ten minutes.”

Daniel gave him a kind smile. “Don’t worry. By the time we’re done, you’ll be just as good at it as I am.”

“I doubt that. You’re a lot bigger than me.”

Daniel just smiled and split a couple more logs before setting up a small one and holding out the axe to Rex. “Your turn.”

Hesitantly, Rex took the axe from Daniel. Following Daniel’s directions, Rex was successful in splitting the log.

“I did it! I split it!”

Daniel laughed at Rex’s excited statement. “Yes, you did. I told you that you’d be good at it. Start stacking this and I’ll finish chopping the rest.”

Rex eagerly complied, adding the wood to their meager pile.

As he worked, Daniel took in the ragged state of Rex’s clothes. Both knees of his black britches had been patched and his white button-down shirt had seen better days. The sole on his right boot was coming loose from the rest of it.

Thanks to his father’s successful horse breeding business, Daniel had always had plenty of good clothing and a beautiful house in which to live. It made him feel badly that Annie was struggling so much, and that Rex was wearing such poor clothes.

“Where are the other kids?” Daniel asked.

Rex stopped stacking wood to give him a surprised look. “How’d you know there’s more?”

“Well, I’m friendly with your aunt and she told me there were three of you,” Daniel replied.

“My sisters are in the house. Hannah is cleaning and watching the baby,” Rex said.

“Baby?”

“Yeah. Sarah is going on two and Hannah is ten.”

Daniel looked towards the house. “She didn’t answer the door when I knocked.”

Rex said, “That’s ‘cause she’s not supposed to open the door when Mama’s not here or I’m not in the house.”

Daniel nodded and split the last log.

The back door opened a crack, and a girl poked her head outside, her blue eyes wide with fear.

Rex saw her. “It’s alright, Hannah. You can come out. Daniel’s a friend of Mama’s. We call her Mama because she is now.”

Daniel nodded his understanding as Hannah stepped outside. He smiled at her. “Hi, there. It’s nice to meet you, Hannah.”

She gave him a brief smile and then glanced at Rex. “Sarah’s cough is worse.”

Rex sighed and his shoulders sagged. “She needs to see the doctor.”

Hannah nodded. “I know, but we ain’t got the money.”

This news distressed Daniel. “Let me see her.”

“Are you a doctor?” Rex asked.

“No, but I know something about medicine,” he said.

Rex shrugged. “I guess it can’t hurt none.”

He led Daniel inside and crossed the room to a crib. Daniel followed him, noting the sparse furnishings and plain interior of the dwelling. Although she had blue eyes like her siblings, little Sarah’s hair was a dark brown. Daniel was alarmed by the rattling wheeze that accompanied Sarah’s cough.

“Hi, Sarah,” he said smiling at her. “Can I pick you up?”

Sarah looked at his outstretched arms for a moment before reaching for him.

Daniel picked her up and settled her against his chest. She was warm to the touch and her nose ran. Taking out his handkerchief, Daniel wiped it and coaxed Sarah into blowing her nose a little.

“What are you doing?”

Annie’s voice startled Daniel and he turned quickly to her. “Hello. I stopped by with those shirts.”

Annie’s eyes flashed blue fire as she came to stand in front of him. “That’s fine, but what are you doing with my baby? She’s sick.”

“I can see that,” Daniel said. “She needs to see the doctor.”

Annie put her hands on her hips. “Don’t you think I know that? I just made an appointment for her on the way back home.”

“Oh. Good,” Daniel said. “How was hunting? You don’t look like the hunting type of woman.”

She held out her hands for Sarah. “I might not know what to do with a man, but I know my way around a gun. Got two rabbits for supper.”

Daniel grinned as he gave the baby to Annie.

Annie looked at Rex and Hannah. “You two go on outside and finish stacking that wood, please. I need to speak with Daniel.”

Rex scowled a little, but he motioned for Hannah to follow him.

“Why did you do that last night?” Annie demanded. “You told them something that wasn’t true.”

Daniel said, “I did it to protect your virtue. Did anyone bother you after I left?”

“No, but that’s not the point.” Annie shifted Sarah to her other hip. “You lied and now people are expecting to see us together. I’m sure it’s all over town, especially after the way you kissed me right in front of everyone.”

Daniel laid a hand on her shoulder. “I’m not sorry. I had to show them that you were mine.”

Despite the warmth his touch created in her, Annie moved away. “But I’m not yours. It was just an act. And when people figure that out, I’ll be a laughing stock. Men will be after me again at work and people will whisper behind our backs.”

Feeling like a clod, Daniel realized once again his actions had placed Annie in jeopardy when he’d only intended to help her. Like usual, his impulsive nature had caused trouble for an innocent party. It was a shock to realize that Annie’s fate, and that of her children, now rested in his hands. His next steps could either secure their welfare or damage it.

Having been the victim of gossip and discrimination all his life, Daniel knew how cruel people could be. Annie already had one strike against her because she worked at a saloon. Taking up with a man who abruptly threw her away would open her up to further criticism.

He’d created the mess and it was his responsibility to fix it. It was a lesson that had been drummed into him by his parents and uncle. “Then there’s only one thing to do.”

Annie shook her head. “What do you mean?”

“We’re getting married.”

Annie gasped, certain her ears had deceived her. “Married? We can’t get married.”

Getting married was the last thing Daniel wanted to do, but it was the only way to make sure Annie would be safe, both from the men at the saloon and the people in Bartonville who were petty and judgmental. It was also clear they needed someone to take care of them financially and Daniel had the means to do that.

“Annie, we have to. I’ve already damaged your reputation and I don’t want to hurt it more. I’ve been drifting for a couple of months now and I had no plans to settle down anywhere. I most likely would’ve left again in a couple of weeks, which would leave you in the lurch. I can’t do that to you.”

Annie’s chin rose a notch. “We’ll be fine. I’ll make sure of that.”

Daniel admired her grit, but he knew supporting three kids on her meager salary was impossible. Her current living situation proved that. “Annie, you’re out of options. Be realistic. You’re not going to be able to afford rent or food.”

Dismay weighed on Annie because she knew it was true. She was sinking fast with no way to keep her head above water. Daniel was offering her a way to keep afloat, but there was another issue to consider. “I hate to bring this up, Daniel, but there’s the matter of your heritage. I don’t think people are going to accept me marrying an Indian. I know you’re not full-blooded, but that doesn’t matter to people.”

Daniel smiled mirthlessly. “I’ve dealt with that all my life, so I’m used to it. You won’t have to worry about it, though. Where I come from, it’s not looked down on very much. They’re used to us in Chance City. My mother is white, and my father is half white. I get my blue eyes from Ma. We’ll go to Chance City to be with my family. I’d also like to get married there. Where are your parents?”

Annie shrugged. “Who knows? They ran off when Samantha and I were just little, and we were raised in an orphanage. Then Samantha got married and Tom took care of us. We weren’t rich, but we got by. I don’t have any other family.”

Daniel nodded. “All right. We can’t leave right away since I have some work to finish up for the Kincaids. Can you be ready in two weeks?”

“I haven’t agreed to anything, Daniel. Why would you want a woman with three kids? Don’t you want your own children?”

Daniel let his gaze roam over her meaningfully. “I don’t think that’ll be any trouble, Annie.”

Annie put a hand to her head. “But how will we afford more?”

“My family owns a very lucrative horse farm. We’re well off, so supporting you all won’t be a problem,” Daniel said.

“Daniel, this is crazy. I can’t marry you and let you tie yourself down to a woman you don’t love and a passel of kids to raise who aren’t yours,” Annie said.

Daniel cupped her chin. “Don’t be stubborn, Annie. You have to put the children first. I promise to be good to you all.”

Annie moved away from him, but her skin tingled where he’d touched her. “You fight dirty.”

“I fight to win,” Daniel said honestly.

Sarah coughed and wheezed, and Annie’s eyes filled with tears as she wiped Sarah’s runny nose. She didn’t know Daniel very well, but she knew that he was a good man and that he desired her. It still mystified her that such a gorgeous man wanted her. And he was willing to support the children, too. What other choice did she have?

Drawing in a deep breath, Annie nodded. “All right. You win. I’ll marry you.”

Daniel smiled, surprised at how happy his victory made him. “Good. I’ll do my best to make you happy, Annie. Now, I don’t want you going back to work at the Tight Fist.” He took out his wallet and counted out a hundred dollars. “Get Sarah’s medicine and some food. Buy some clothes for all of you, too. Maybe some toys for the kids. I’m going to be busy today and tonight, but I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Annie’s heart leapt at the sight of all that money. “You really are rich,” she said in awe as she took the money from him. “I’ve never held so much money at one time.”

Daniel held out his arms for Sarah, who came to him willingly. He took her over to the crib, kissed her forehead, and laid her down in it. Then he returned to Annie and tipped up her chin. “How about a kiss to seal the deal?”

The gleam of desire in his eyes made Annie’s heart pump erratically. His kisses were intoxicating, and she wanted to feel his lips on hers. “All right.”

His was gentle and coaxing at first, but the kiss soon grew in urgency. She parted her lips right away, inviting him to delve his tongue inside her mouth. He tasted good and she wanted more, but, mindful of the children just outside, she pulled away.

The heat in Daniel’s eyes sent a shiver down her spine and she wished they were truly alone. Did that make her a Jezebel? She supposed so, but she didn’t care.

“I’d better get started on those shirts for you.” Her voice was slightly husky with passion.

Daniel nodded. “Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“All right.”

He couldn’t resist pressing a last kiss to her lips. “Stay out of trouble.”

She laughed. “Get out of here. I have work to do.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Daniel said goodbye to Rex and Hannah and climbed onto the wagon seat. As he collected the reins and lightly slapped them against the draft horses’ rumps to get them going, he thought, What the hell have I just done?

 

 

Chapter Four

 

 

Dear Family,

 

I hope this letter finds everyone well. I have some startling news. I’ll be heading home in a couple of weeks. It’ll take us about a week to arrive, so you can expect us around the end of July or early August. Yes, I said “us”. I met a woman named Annie Devlin and I started courting her. She’s beautiful, funny, and sweet. I’ve asked her to marry me and she accepted my proposal.

I know this comes as a shock, but it’s what I want to do. She’s raising her nephew and nieces on her own and has been having a rough time of things. Annie is hard working and kind. I know you’ll all like her and the children, too. Rex is twelve and a tough kid. Hannah is ten and is very shy. Little Sarah isn’t quite two yet and she’s adorable.

I figure Rex can bunk in with me and Annie and the girls can take the spare room. We’ll need to either build an addition on the house or we can build our own since we have plenty of land. I know you all think I’ve gone insane, but I haven’t. I’ll explain more once we arrive home.

Take care of yourselves and I’ll be home soon.

 

Love,

 

Daniel

 

Daniel’s mother, Bonnie Lone Wolf, reread his letter, but still couldn’t believe it. While she was thrilled her son was coming home, his sudden engagement greatly concerned her. Who was this woman? What were the circumstances of their relationship? Were he and Annie in love? There’d been no mention of such a bond in Daniel’s letter.

Rising from the kitchen table, she went out the kitchen door, which looked out on the riding ring and walked to it. Her husband, David, was currently working with a young colt on switching gaits.

“David! I’m sorry to bother you, but this is important,” she said, reaching the fence.

David trotted the gray colt over to the fence and dismounted. “That’s all right, honey. What’s wrong?”

The warm evening air lifted his long, black hair as he stood before her, regarding her with his dark eyes.

“Daniel sent a very concerning letter.” Bonnie handed it through the fence to him.

David turned his attention to the missive. His left eyebrow arched as he read it. “He’s getting married to a woman with three children? This doesn’t sound like him at all. I hope he’s not jumping into this because he’s trying to get over his feelings for Jin. I don’t know what to think.”

“Neither do I. What if this woman is a gold digger who coerced Daniel into marrying her somehow?” Bonnie asked.

David folded the letter and handed it back to Bonnie. “I certainly hope not.” He sighed. “I guess we’ll just have to wait until they get here to assess the situation.”

Bonnie nodded as tears gathered in her eyes. “I just want him to be happy. I need him to be happy. After so many horrible things happened to him and he lost Jin, it’s no wonder he suffered so much mentally and emotionally. I wish he hadn’t felt the need to leave us again.”

David slipped through the fence and put an arm around her. “I know, but he’s been lost, and I think he just needs some time to figure things out for himself. It’s partly my fault because I was always asking him how he was. I think it was just too much of a reminder whenever I did.”

Bonnie rested her head on his shoulder. “You weren’t the only one. When he comes home, we can’t act like that. I don’t want to drive him away again. If he does actually marry this woman, it would probably be better if they have their own house. Most likely, Annie is used to managing her own household and has her own ways of doing things. Two women like that in a household together can be a bad thing. And I’ll admit I’m rather set in my ways.”

David chuckled. “Really? I hadn’t noticed.”

“You’re just as bad with the work around here,” Bonnie retorted.

“Very true,” David said. “Speaking of which, I’d better finish up and get done in time for supper or my wife will have my head.”

“That’s right. I don’t want the chicken to get dried out,” Bonnie said.

David kissed her cheek and slid back into the riding ring. “Is Fong coming to supper?”

Bonnie laughed. “Who knows with him? I made plenty in case he shows up. He’d eat a whole chicken himself.”

As she walked back to the house, Bonnie’s heart was in turmoil over Daniel’s news. Would this marriage be a good thing for him, or compound his issues? She prayed it would be the former and asked the Creator for patience while they waited for Daniel to come home.

 

 

When Daniel arrived at Annie’s house the next evening, she surprised him by grabbing his hand.

“Come with me,” she said, her eyes shining. “Earl next door is playing his fiddle and a couple of his friends are playing, too. I love to dance, don’t you? I’m glad you showed up now because I don’t want to have to dance with Ricky. He’s nice enough, but he always has sweaty hands, bless his heart.”

Daniel smiled at her exuberance and went with her. “You look very pretty.”

She blushed and lowered her eyes. “You told me to buy some new clothes, so I did. I wasn’t expecting to find a ready-made dress, but I did. Do you really like it?”

The light blue gingham dress with white lace on the bodice and sleeves fit Annie well and gave a hint of tempting cleavage. “Yes, I do. It becomes you very much.”

“Thank you,” she said as they arrived at the neighbor’s house.

Earl was a big man, whose girth overflowed his pants a little. His shirt buttons strained as he moved, and Daniel expected them to pop off at any moment.

Ricky was a friendly young man with brown hair and blue eyes. The way he looked at Annie told Daniel he was interested in doing more with Annie than dancing. After shaking hands with Ricky, Daniel laid a possessive hand on Annie’s shoulder. His direct stare made Ricky understand she was off-limits to him.

“Where are the kids?” Daniel asked.

“Inside. Earl’s wife is watching Sarah for a little bit and Rex and Hannah are playing with the other neighbor kids.”

“How is Sarah?”

“She seems a little better,” Annie said. “Dr. Bitterly gave her some medicine to help with her cough and her fever is down. I was up with her most of the night. She’s sleeping right now. She needs it.”

Daniel said, “Maybe you should rest, too.”

Annie pursed her pretty lips and Daniel wanted to kiss them. “I’m a grown woman, Daniel. I know what I need and what I need right now is to have a little fun. Now, come dance with me.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Annie introduced Daniel to her other friends as her fiancé, which pleased him. It meant he wouldn’t have to keep arguing with her about marrying him. Earl and his friends started playing a lively reel and several other couples began dancing along with Daniel and Annie.

Dancing with Annie was incredibly fun. She was light on her feet and danced with abandon. Her radiant smile completely mesmerized him, and he would’ve gladly danced with her all night if she’d keep smiling that way. After four dances, she announced it was time to go home so she could check on the pot roast she was making.

“I’m not going to burn it up or have it taste like shoe leather,” she told Daniel. “It was too expensive, but it’s been months since we had meat like that, and I just couldn’t resist. I hope you don’t mind that I bought it.”

“No. I told you to buy what you wanted.”

Daniel startled when Annie shouted, “Rex! Hannah! Get your sister and come on home for supper!”

“Okay!” Rex hollered back from inside Earl’s house.

Annie chuckled as they walked back to her house. “Rex is mad at me because I’m making him read and write. He didn’t learn how until last year and he needs to work at it. Hannah is catching on quick, though.”

“Don’t they go to school?”

“I was told not so politely last fall that my children weren’t allowed in school because they didn’t already know their letters and numbers. The teacher said if they at least knew the alphabet and could count to one hundred that they could attend this fall,” Annie said.

Daniel burned with anger. “It’s the teacher’s job to show them those things as well as a parents to help them along.”

“I know, but what was I going to do? I don’t have the power to object,” Annie said.

They arrived home and the savory scent of roast beef hit Daniel before they even got inside.

“Smells great.”

“Thank you.”

Annie bustled about the tiny kitchen area, checking the roast and putting on some water for tea.

“I’m sorry I don’t have coffee, but it’s just too dear,” Annie said. “I chose to get decent boots made for Rex and Hanna instead of buying coffee. They’ll be done by the end of the week. I’m having their old pairs repaired, too. They’ll be ready tomorrow. Wash up, please.”

Daniel was enjoying Annie’s lively chatter and watching her move around. Since there wasn’t a sink pump, he used water from the metal pitcher that sat beside the sink to wash his hands. He made a mental note that when he built their house, he’d make Annie a nice big kitchen. That thought brought him up short as he realized he’d just made the decision that they should have their own house instead of adding onto his family’s home.

“Tea is fine, Annie,” he said, drying his hands. “I’m glad you’re getting the kids shoes.”

“Me, too. It’ll be winter before we know it and all the rain will come with it. Their poor feet will get wet all the time and I’ll be constantly washing socks,” she remarked as she set the table with tin dishes.

The kids arrived.

“Hi, Daniel,” Rex said. “You staying to supper?”

“I am.”

“Good. You and I have some things to discuss,” Rex said matter-of-factly.

Daniel smiled. “Is that so?”

“Yeah.”

Annie frowned at him. “You mind your manners, Rex. What do you want to talk about?”

Rex’s response was courteous but firm. “That’s between me and Daniel, ma’am.”

“It’ll be fine, Annie,” Daniel said.

Annie didn’t say any more about it, but she gave Rex a warning look. “Here, I’ll take Sarah so you two can wash up.”

“I’ll get her,” Daniel said. “You’re busy.”

Annie smiled at him gratefully as she lifted the roast pan out of the oven and put biscuits in to bake.

Hannah handed Sarah over to Daniel with a shy smile.

“How’s Miss Hannah today?” he asked.

“Fine. Would you like to see my new dress?”

“I sure would.”

When she finished washing her hands, Hannah led him over to their sleeping area and took a dress from a row of pegs that hung on the wall.

She held the pink muslin dress against her. “Mama says that this is only for good. I would never wear it to play in.”

Daniel bounced Sarah a little. “It’s very pretty and you’ll look beautiful in it.”

Hannah flashed a smile at him. “She bought some material to make a couple of everyday dresses and some pants for Rex, too. Sarah has lots of clothes one of the church ladies gave us.”

“That’s good. I hear you’re getting new shoes, too,” Daniel said.

Hannah’s smile reminded him of Annie’s. “Yes. Thank you for being so kind.”

“Come to supper, you two,” Annie said.

Daniel situated Sarah in her highchair and sat down in the chair Annie had indicated was for him. Annie had Rex say a blessing and then they started passing bowls around.

Rex rubbed his hands in anticipation as he looked at his full plate. “I’m gonna eat slow and enjoy it. Who knows when we’ll eat like this again?”

Daniel said, “You’ll all have plenty to eat from now on, and when we get home, I’ll teach you how to hunt deer, rabbit, and pheasant. We always have plenty of meat. My cousin has a cattle ranch, and we buy steer from them.”

Rex’s eyes bugged out. “You mean you eat like this every day?”

Daniel felt guilty he’d always had an abundance of good food to eat. “That’s right.”

Hannah said, “Gosh, I can’t imagine being that rich.”

Annie said, “Don’t start thinking that just because Daniel has money, you’re going to go spending it. I’m not and neither will you. Understand?”

“Yes, ma’am,” both kids said in unison.

Daniel gave Annie a devilish smile. “I appreciate your way of thinking, Annie, but I’m going to spoil you a little bit.”

Annie knew he meant well, but she wasn’t about to take advantage of him. It was more than enough that he was going to provide a home and necessities for them. She wasn’t going to ask for extras. “I don’t expect that.”

“I know,” Daniel said. “You’ll have to start thinking about what kind of house you want. I’d like to start building right away so we can have it finished by the time winter sets in.”

Annie rested her fork back down on her plate. “You’re building a house for us?”

Daniel nodded. “Yes. I think that’ll be better instead of living with my parents and my brother and his wife. There isn’t enough room in their house for everyone—at least not permanently. That way the kids can have their own rooms and we can build a nursery, too.”

Rex said, “I get my own room?”

“Sure,” Daniel said and took a bite of Annie’s buttery biscuits. “Annie, this is a delicious meal. As good as anything my mother would cook.”

It was high praise when a man said that, and Annie couldn’t help beaming with pride. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”

“I am.”

“Me, too,” Rex said. “Mama, I’m gonna work at the feed mill tomorrow afternoon. Mr. Jarvis said I could sweep the floor for him.”

Every other week, Len Jarvis, who owned the local feed mill, had Rex clean for him. Annie hated having to use the money he earned towards the household, but they hadn’t had any choice. “All right. You do a good job for him.”

“I always do.”

When the meal concluded, Rex thanked Annie for the meal and asked Daniel to step outside with him.

“What’s on your mind?” Daniel asked as they walked a short distance from the house.

Rex met Daniel’s gaze. “You seem like a good man, Daniel, and I’m grateful to you for what you’re doing for us. But I’ve heard tell of good men promising women all kinds of things just to get them and then once they’re married, the man changes. He gets mean and hurts the woman. I’m warning you that if you ever get mean with Mama, I’ll kill you.

Daniel’s eyebrows rose in surprise.

Rex pointed at the house. “After our parents died, Mama could’ve put us in an orphanage, but she didn’t. She wanted to raise us, and she’s worked hard to make sure we had food and a roof over our heads. It may not be much, but it’s better than some people have. So, I won’t stand for anyone treating her with anything less than the respect she deserves. Are we clear?”

Daniel’s respect for Rex grew as he listened to the young man who was wise beyond his years. He liked Rex’s protectiveness toward Annie. “We’re clear. I promise you that I’ll never hurt Annie or any of you.”

Rex quietly regarded him for a moment and then held out his hand. “Shake on it.”

Daniel shook Rex’s hand, impressed by the grown-up way Rex was dealing with the situation. They went back inside, and Annie gave them a curious look. However, neither of them volunteered any information about their man-to-man talk. Daniel took his leave shortly after that, but he told Annie he’d come again the next night so they could start making some plans.

Annie stifled her disappointment that he was leaving, telling herself she was being silly. But as she watched him ride away, she couldn’t deny her attraction to him. He’d entered her life like a knight in shining armor, only he was a blue-eyed Indian in white man’s clothing. As she helped Rex and Hannah with their reading and writing, Annie vowed to do whatever it took to make Daniel happy to repay him for all his kindness.

 

 

Chapter Five

 

 

The next morning at breakfast, Daniel broke the news to the Kincaids that he’d proposed to Annie, and he would be taking them back to Chance City in a couple of weeks.

Maisy and Garland were stunned by his announcement.

“But you said you weren’t ready to settle down yet,” Maisy said.

Daniel smiled. “I know, but I wasn’t counting on Annie coming along.” He shrugged. “There’s just something about her. I can’t explain it.”

It was true. That sparkle about her dispelled the darkness inside him when he was around her. Not to mention the fact that she was dazzlingly beautiful.

Garland chuckled. “Reminds me of Maura. Soon as I laid eyes on that woman, I knew I wanted to marry her. It sometimes happens like that. I hate to see you leave, but I’m happy for you.”

Maisy grudgingly echoed Garland’s sentiments.

“I have to go to the store. Do you need anything?” Daniel asked as he finished his eggs and sausage.

“No, thank you,” Maisy said.

Daniel frowned at her cool tone, sorry she was upset with him. However, there wasn’t much he could do about it.

Maisy rose from the table and Garland caught Daniel’s eye while her back was turned. He gave Daniel an understanding wink and smiled.

Daniel smiled back and got up. “I’ll be back after a bit. I’ll finish the barn floor today and move the herd to the other pasture.”

“Sounds good, son.”

Daniel took his leave then, but he intended to talk to Maisy in private later to smooth things over with her.

 

 

Annie wasn’t used to being able to buy little extras and having so much money made her nervous. However, the kids deserved a few nice things since they went without so much. She picked out some candy and put it on the counter with the ribbon for Hannah’s dresses and the material for Rex’s new shirts.

After paying for her purchases, Annie started out for the Tight Fist to collect her last wages. She greeted a few people along the way and hummed to herself. It was a pretty day, and she had a little time to herself since Earl and his wife, Patty, were watching the kids. Annie had long ago learned to appreciate the little things because sometimes that was all you had.

Entering the Tight Fist, Annie wrinkled her nose at the stench of beer, sweat, and smoke. She’d been making headway in thoroughly cleaning the saloon, but the place had deteriorated again just in the short time she hadn’t been working there.

Hank was behind the bar when she entered the barroom. He frowned at her. “What do you want?”

Ignoring his brusque attitude, Annie said, “I came to get my pay.”

Hank snorted. “I don’t owe you nothing.”

“Yes, you do. Three days’ wages,” Annie said.

“I think you got that wrong. Now, get out of here,” Hank said.

Annie’s lips thinned and she planted her hands on her hips. “You listen here, Hank. I worked three days this week and I aim to get paid for them.”

Hank leered at her. “I don’t call entertaining your half-breed boyfriend working. Like I said, I don’t owe you any money.”

“Don’t you talk about Daniel that way. He’s a good man.”

“So go be with your good man and leave me be. I got work to do.”

“I want my money, Hank,” Annie demanded.

Hank came out from behind the bar and pointed at the door. “Get out while you still can.”

Annie didn’t budge. “Don’t you threaten me. Fair’s fair, and you owe me my wages.”

Hank grabbed Annie by the hair and started dragging her towards the door. “I told you to get out, but you wouldn’t listen.”

Annie shoved him, which caused her to drop her basket. “Get off me! Let me go!”

Hank cracked her across the face and lights went off behind her eyes. She dropped to her knees and shook her head to clear it. Looking up, she saw two Hanks about to punch her, but he never got the chance.

As her vision returned to normal, she saw Daniel wrap an arm around Hank’s neck and drag the bar owner to the floor.

Encircling Hank’s midsection with his legs, Daniel said, “I warned you that anyone who bothered Annie was going to have to deal with me, didn’t I?”

Hank struggled, but it was no use. Daniel was much too powerful for Hank to escape.

Daniel had stopped at the saloon to see if Wade Pride was around. He hadn’t found Pride, but he’d heard Annie shouting. Seeing Hank hit her had set off the switch in Daniel that turned him into a killer.

As he lay on the floor, slowly choking the life out of Hank, the Tight Fist faded away and suddenly he was in an old barn, surrounded by a throng of cheering men. He ignored their shouts, instead concentrating on his prey, who struggled in his arms.

“You should’ve never gotten in this ring,” Daniel said. “You have no idea who I am or what I’m capable of.”

Gurgles rose from his opponent’s throat as he tried to breathe, and Daniel tightened his hold.

Annie was scared to death. Not of Hank, but that Daniel was going to kill him. She crawled across the floor and took ahold of one of Daniel’s forearms.

“Daniel, let him go. Don’t kill him,” she said, pulling on his arm.

In his mind, Daniel was still in that old barn, but suddenly Annie was there. “Get out of here, Annie. I’ll make sure he never hurts you again.”

“No, Daniel. Don’t kill him. Please, let him go,” she begged. “He’s not worth it.”

It seemed to Daniel that Annie glowed as she knelt next to him. “But he hurt you.”

Hank was growing weaker, and Annie knew she had to convince Daniel to let him go before it was too late. Raising up on her knees, Annie shuffled closer to Daniel and took his face in her hands.

“Daniel, please let him go. We can’t get married if you kill him. What will me and the kids do without you? You’ll go to jail,” she said. “You promised to make me your wife, remember?”

Daniel’s hold on Hank slackened slightly as he became even more confused. Your wife, your wife echoed in his brain. “My wife?”

Annie nodded. “Yes. Now, please let him go, honey. Don’t kill him. Me and the kids need you.”

Daniel looked down at Hank’s purple face and then at Annie. “You want me to let him go?”

Looking into Daniel’s eyes, Annie saw that something wasn’t right about him. She’d never seen Daniel so unsure. “That’s right. Let Hank go.” Not knowing what else to do to distract him from killing Hank, Annie kissed Daniel’s cheek. “Come on, honey. Let him go.”

Her sweet lips against his skin created a different kind of heat inside Daniel, one that replaced his anger. Quickly, he released Hank and pushed him away. Getting up, he reached down and helped Annie to her feet.

“We have to get out of here,” he said, keeping hold of her hand. “It’s not safe. Barnes might come back at any moment.”

“Daniel, wait!” Annie tugged her hand from his and retrieved her basket.

Daniel took her arm and led her towards the exit, which in his confused state were the large barn doors of the place that had been his prison for three weeks. “Hurry, Annie.”

Annie trotted to keep up with his long strides as they left the saloon. “Daniel, who’s Barnes?”

As the bright sunlight hit Daniel, the world started changing right before his eyes. The field beyond the barn in his nightmare faded into the road outside the Tight Fist. Blinking, he looked around him, not sure how he’d gotten there.

“Daniel?”

He looked down into Annie’s frightened gaze. “Annie? What are we doing here? Am I awake?”

Annie said, “Yes, you’re awake, Daniel. We need to get away from here.”

Daniel noticed that a bruise was starting to form across her right cheek. “What happened to your face?”

“Not now, Daniel.” Annie tried to pull away from Daniel, but his grip was too strong.

“What happened?” he demanded.

“I came to get my pay from Hank,” she said. “We argued and Hank hit me.” Annie pointed at Daniel as his expression darkened. “Don’t you dare go back in there, Daniel Lone Wolf. You almost killed him.”

“What? I did?”

“Yes. Don’t you remember?”

Daniel remembered being angry as he fought someone and he remembered talking to Annie, but it was all too muddled up in his mind for him to make sense of. Fear sent his heartbeat racing, but he couldn’t show it to Annie.

“Of course, I remember,” he lied. “We’re leaving town immediately.”

“What?” Annie shook her head. “Why?”

“Annie, I’m an Indian who just tried to kill the owner of one of the most popular businesses in town. As far as anyone around here knows, I’m just a drifter ranch hand. If Hank presses charges, I’m as good as dead,” Daniel said, coming fully back to himself. “Come on.”

He took her arm and this time she went with him. Leading her over to Royal, he pulled himself onto the stallion’s bare back. Then he reached a hand down Annie. “Get on. Where are the kids?”

“With Patty. Daniel, I’m in a skirt and there’s no saddle. Besides, I’m not good at riding and—” She squealed as Daniel grabbed her under the arm and started pulling. “What are you doing? Put me down! You’re going to break your back.”

“Throw your leg over, Annie,” Daniel said.

Unless she wanted to hang with one foot off the ground all day, Annie had no choice but to comply. She lifted her leg and let Daniel pull her onto Royal’s back.

“Hang on to me,” he told her.

Annie complied as he kicked Royal into action. The stallion snorted and leapt forward, kicking up dust as he cantered down the road. She kept quiet as they rode, but Annie’s heartbeat pounded in her ears as she battled back her fear.

Would Hank really set the law on Daniel? She couldn’t bear the thought of him going to jail or being hanged. Eventually, the fact that she was pressed up against Daniel’s hard back registered and she lifted her cheek from him. However, she kept her arms around him, liking the way he felt.

It didn’t take them long to reach her house and Daniel brought Royal to a stop. Throwing a leg over Royal’s head, he slid off and reached up for Annie. Grasping her waist, he pulled her off Royal’s back.

“Get packed. I have to go get my stuff at the Kincaids, but I’ll be back just as soon as I can,” he said.

“Daniel, we can’t carry three kids and all our stuff on one horse,” Annie said.

Daniel grinned. “I know that. I’ll get a wagon and a team. You just get packed and let me take care of the rest.”

Annie blew out a breath. “Alright, I guess. I still think you’re overreacting.”

“No, I’m not. Annie, I know how people feel about Indians and the only reason a lot of people back home tolerate us is because we have money and sell them quality horses. People around here don’t know me. I don’t have that protection,” Daniel said. “Now, do as I say. I’ll be back.”

He planted a hard kiss on her mouth and jumped back on Royal.

Annie’s lips tingled as she watched him ride off. “I’m about to run away with an Indian and three kids. I must be crazy.” She burst into laughter at the absurdity of the situation and went inside to pack.

 

 

Garland gazed at the money on the kitchen table and looked up at Daniel. “How much is that?”

“Fifteen hundred,” Daniel said. “More than enough to buy a good team and a nice wagon.”

“Why do you want to buy my horses and wagon?”

“Because I almost killed Hank and I need to get Annie and the kids and leave town fast.”

Garland’s blue eyes bugged out. “Why’d you almost kill Hank?”

“Because he hit Annie. The reason doesn’t matter, though. I’m an Indian. You know what happens to Indians who almost kill people,” Daniel said.

Anger filled Garland’s eyes. “Ain’t no cause to go hitting a woman. I say Hank deserved what he got. But you’re right. Alright, you can have the team and wagon. Better take some feed with you to get you by until you get to the next town. This is too much money, though, Daniel.”

Daniel shook his head. “No, it’s not. Hire a good hand to help around here.” He looked at Maisy, whose eyes brimmed with tears. “And you marry Harm. He’s a good man and he’ll take good care of you guys.”

Maisy hugged him. “Let us know you got home safely, please?”

“I will. I have to go. Take care.”

Daniel shook Garland’s hand, grabbed his saddlebags, and hurried out to the barn. Unbeknownst to the Kincaids, he’d already harnessed the team and hitched them to the wagon. He’d been confident that between the amount of money he’d been going to offer them and an appeal to their affection for him that they’d say yes to selling the horses and wagon.

He tossed the saddlebags in the wagon and threw open the barn door. Jumping onto the wagon seat, he picked up the reins and got the team moving. They trotted out with Royal following from where he was tied to the back of the wagon.

Daniel wracked his brain, trying to remember almost killing Hank. He vaguely remembered seeing him hit Annie, but his memory had grown faulty after that. Thank the Creator she’d been able to talk him out of committing murder for a third time. He shivered under the hot June sun as horrible images flashed through his mind.

Closing his eyes, he thought about Annie and the kids. He couldn’t let them down by giving in to a hallucination. If that happened, who knew where he’d end up. Thinking about Annie’s breasts pressing against his back gave him something much more pleasant to concentrate on.

Opening his eyes, he smiled as he thought about how glad he’d been that he hadn’t been wearing tighter pants. The woman did something to him he couldn’t explain. He’d thought his attraction to Jin had been potent. She’d tested his control on numerous occasions, but not like Annie did. It had taken all his willpower to walk away from Annie that night at the saloon.

Rather than risk going through town again, Daniel turned onto a back road that would allow him to bypass it. Although he wanted to hurry the team, he didn’t want to tire them out. They might need whatever speed the team had in order to get safely out of town. He hoped like hell that Annie and the kids would be ready when he arrived.

 

Chapter Six

 

 

“I wish I coulda seen that,” Rex said. “I’d try to kill Hank, too.”

“You wouldn’t,” Annie said. “Don’t you dare think that way. Killing isn’t the answer.”

Rex shrugged. “Sometimes it is.”

Annie frowned at him. “Hush up about that. The subject is closed. Now help me get this trunk outside.”

Rex lifted the other end and they hauled it outside.

“This is kinda exciting,” Rex said. “I feel like Jesse James or something.”

“We’re not bank robbers, Rex,” Annie responded. “We’re just…runaways.”

“Well, whatever we are, it’s fun.”

Annie looked at their luggage. There wasn’t much of it. Just two good-sized trunks and a few carpetbags. “I think that’s everything. I’ll look one last time.”

Going back inside, Annie triple-checked they hadn’t forgotten anything.

“We got it all, Mama,” Hannah said.

Sarah toddled across the floor and grabbed onto Annie’s skirt. Annie picked her up and wiped her runny nose. The baby was starting to feel better, but she was still somewhat congested. At least her fever had subsided.

She heard the sound of a wagon and looked out the kitchen door to see Daniel pulling up to the house. He halted the team and jumped down from the wagon.

“Is this everything?” he asked as she came outside.

“Yeah. Where’d you get a team and wagon?”

“Bought them from the Kincaids.”

He picked up one of the trunks and put it in the wagon as though it weighed only five pounds. “Get those carpet bags in the wagon, Rex.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Now, listen to me,” Daniel said. “If anyone asks, Annie and I are married and I’m your pa. Got it, kids?”

“Okay,” Rex said, hefting two of the bags and putting them in the wagon.

“Daniel, do we really need to lie?”

“Annie, you’re white, so you don’t understand what it’s like for someone like me. We’re going to be treated badly enough if people think we’re married. But if they suspect that we’re not and we’re traveling together, well, I think you know what I’m saying,” Daniel said.

Annie did and she understood the necessity of the deception, but it still bothered her. “All right.”

Daniel looked at Hannah. “Hannah?”

“I understand.”

“Good girl. Alright. Everyone in,” Daniel said.

Rex took Sarah from Annie while Daniel lifted Hannah into the back of the wagon. The kids settled in the straw Daniel had spread in it.

“Come on, Mrs. Lone Wolf,” Daniel said.

Annie laughed at his playacting as he motioned towards the wagon. “I’m not Mrs. Lone Wolf.”

Daniel said, “As far as anyone knows, you are. Besides, it’ll be true soon enough. Get a move on.”

Annie gave him a sarcastic look before letting him hand her up onto the wagon seat. Daniel grinned and ran around to take his seat on the other side of her.

“Okay, Lone Wolf family, let’s go home.”

 

 

Chapter Seven

 

 

Annie heard someone talking and opened her eyes. For a moment, she forgot where she was, but it quickly came back to her when she recognized Daniel’s voice. Rolling over in the bed, she looked down at the floor of their hotel room where Daniel slept. He mumbled something, but she couldn’t make out the words.

As her eyes adjusted to the darkness, Annie saw that his eyes were closed and that his chest rose and fell rapidly. He moved restlessly and she thought she saw tears on his face. She reached down and put her hand on his shoulder.

That was a preview of And the Lightning Strikes: Chance City Series Book Six. To read the rest purchase the book.

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