vacate the land until the dispute is settled.”
“Out of the question.” Gideon looked as unmovable as a mountain.
“I have no intention of leaving,” Evelyn shot back.
“If you both insist on staying, you’ll have to share it while you wait for the judge to hear your case.”
“That’s not acceptable,” Brett clipped out, his hand slicing through the air. “You’ve seen the stake. Thornton is clearly taking advantage of the situation.”
As her brothers argued with the older officer, Evelyn and Gideon glared at each other, locked in a silent battle of wills. No way was she sharing Walt’s inheritance with this man. For his part, her nemesis appeared equally appalled at the prospect.
When the arguments grew heated, Wellington held up both hands. “Enough.” His sharp command rendered the group silent, his cool blue eyes touching on each person. “However much you all dislike the situation, there’s no other alternative. I suggest you make the best of it.”
Reid came to stand beside her, Walt still held securely in his arms. “I’m not leaving my sister here alone with Gideon Thornton.”
Of all her brothers, her twin was the most protective. Maybe it was the age thing or the special bond they shared. Still, it rankled. Why couldn’t he accept that she was a capable adult?
Resting a hand in the crook of his elbow, she said, “I can take care of myself.”
“Other cavalry officers will periodically stop by to ensure they are sharing the land peacefully.” Wellington sized up Gideon. “Besides, if anything were to happen to Mrs. Montgomery or her son, everyone in Brave Rock would know whom to suspect.”
Theo scowled. “You’re forgetting the nearest claims are held by Gideon’s brothers, as well as town members who’ve been tricked into thinking the Thorntons are decent and honorable men. If Gideon turned against her, these people wouldn’t rush to her aid. They’d support Gideon. They’ve gone so far as to entrust their spiritual well-being to Elijah and their safety to Clint, whom they’ve named sheriff.”
Gideon visibly bristled. “No need to worry. I have absolutely no reason to go near this woman.”
Spinning about, he skirted the group and, greeting his beautiful palomino with a gentle touch, mounted with a grace and ease that belied his brawny build. And without a saddle, too. Moving as one, horse and rider traversed the fields until they faded from view.
Of all the insolent, rude—
“Our business here is concluded, gentlemen. Time to get a move on.” Wellington’s long legs ate up the distance to the wagon.
With a troubled light in his coffee-colored eyes, Reid sidled closer to his twin sister. “I’ll stay here with you.”
“We can take turns.” Nodding, Brett looked to his oldest brother for confirmation.
“Out of the question.” Evelyn planted her hands on her hips. “You have your own claims to tend to.”
Theo shouldered closer, his hair falling in his eyes. “The Thorntons—”
“Are not murderers, Theo. I’m in no danger here. You heard the officer. Gideon Thornton would be an idiot to try anything.” All three men’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “Not that he would,” she rushed to say. “You saw the way he acted. I doubt we’ll exchange so much as a single word.”
“I don’t like this.”
“I’m not a little girl anymore, Reid,” she reminded him quietly, determined not to be railroaded.
For the first time in five years, since her wedding to Drake, she felt free. It was a liberating feeling, buoyant and carefree, but not without a measure of guilt. Her husband was dead, after all. Shouldn’t she be mourning his absence? Her lack of reaction confounded her brothers. All three had been watching her since the funeral, expecting her to dissolve in a heap of tears. She’d even heard Theo mention the word shock.
How can I mourn a man who found fault with my every move?
Her five-year-old son watched them with wide, solemn eyes, unnaturally silent. Reaching out, she caressed his silken cheek. When was the last time he’d smiled? Or uttered a word? Always a quiet child, he’d stopped speaking altogether the day of Drake’s death.
How can Walt miss a father who’d basically ignored him?
Determination pulsed through her veins, washing away the doubts, the fears.
She would move heaven and earth to help her precious child. Her hope was that a new home, a change in routine and surroundings, would draw him out. While her brothers meant well, they didn’t know what was best for her son. They would not be allowed to sabotage Walt’s chance at a normal life.
When she held out her hands, he lurched forward into her arms. Soon he would be too heavy for her. Settling his familiar, reassuring weight against her hip, she half turned so that all three could see her face, see she meant business. “It’s my decision to make, and I choose to stay here and wait it out. Alone.”
The memory of Gideon Thornton’s ice-cold eyes sent a shiver of foreboding down her spine. May she not come to regret this decision.
Chapter Two
Temper boiling over, Gideon kicked an empty pail and sent it sailing through the air to bounce across the yard. Beneath the anger and resentment churned very real concern. What if the judge ruled in her favor?
A lifetime of living at the mercy of other men’s whims had sparked within his soul a desperate craving for independence. For control. The chance to shape his own destiny. And now, thanks to the Chaucers, his dream of running his own ranch was being threatened.
His gaze touched on the corral and the partially-built stable, the trees he’d felled and readied for use. All this effort—the planning, the sweat and toil and time—would’ve been for nothing.
His hunger forgotten, repressed energy making him jittery, he stalked around back and lugged another log closer to the rear wall. While he worked, he pondered the stakes. If Drake had indeed summoned the strength to switch them, where had Gideon’s disappeared to? Just didn’t make any sense.
He’d tried to help a dying man and his repayment was this—a problem he couldn’t readily fix, one he couldn’t have foreseen. Yet another tangle with the troublesome Chaucers. A year and a half ago, he would’ve gotten on his knees and sought God’s direction. Not now.
He was itching to inform his brothers of this new trouble. True to form, Lije would suggest he pray about the situation. Not happening. Lawman Clint would be more inclined to action, but what could be done? As much as he needed to mull this over with them, he didn’t feel right leaving his claim just yet, not when the Chaucers were sure to return with the widow and her son.
Wedging another log into place, he caught his thumb in the indented corner. With a muttered oath, he tugged the glove off and sucked on the throbbing finger. Should he abandon the project? After all, there was a very real chance he was actually building this shelter not for himself but for a hateful family who did nothing but point their fingers
