Thimbles And Thistles (Baker City Brides Book 2) Page 14

  Despite Maggie’s insistence she’d never give her heart to another, it appeared Tully Barrett had already laid claim to it.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “May I have the pleasure of this dance?”

  Maggie glanced down into the expectant face of Jack Jordan and smiled. “I’d love to dance with you, Jack. Thank you for asking.”

  The boy took her hand and led her out to the dance floor where others twirled around in time to the music.

  A newly constructed warehouse served as a wonderful place to hold the spring dance. Maggie thought it generous of the owner to open the building to the community for the celebration.

  After a box supper and pie auction, a band set up on the temporary platform erected at one end of the building and began to play.

  For the most part, Maggie had stayed behind a serving table, ladling punch and slicing cake. Thane and Tully had both forced her to dance. She’d even danced with a few of Thane’s ranch hands, since they all knew her well.

  Jack bowed to her, displaying impeccable manners, before taking her hand in his. Despite the fact he was only ten, the boy led the dance with smooth confidence. Thane’s son took after him in many aspects.

  “You are a very good dancer, Jack. I’m impressed.” Maggie hid her smile as Jack concentrated on keeping his steps in time with hers.

  “Mama taught me how to dance. Those lessons were much more fun than the piano lessons she insisted I needed. Thank goodness we don’t have a piano here or she’d probably still make me hammer ‘em out.”

  Although Jack spoke with a British accent, he’d started to pick up a western twang from the ranch hands. It entertained Maggie to listen to him blend two vastly different cultures in his speech.

  Jemma probably cringed while Thane encouraged the boy.

  “Do you think Jemma will get a piano when the house is finished?”

  “I sure hope not, but I heard her talking to Dad the other day about things she wants to order for the house and a piano was on the list.” Jack appeared distressed at the prospect of taking piano lessons again.

  “What other lessons do proper young English boys take, other than your school studies, of course?” Out of the corner of her eye, Maggie glimpsed Lily as the child whirled in circles near where Thane and Jemma danced.

  “Riding, archery, and fencing.”

  “Why don’t you suggest one of those as an alternate to piano lessons? I’m sure Thane would agree.”

  “Thanks, Aunt Maggie. I’ll ask Mama next time she mentions that confounded piano.”

  Maggie grinned and finished the dance with Jack, pleased when he led her off the dance floor and back to the refreshment table. He bowed to her before scampering off with some of his friends.

  She accepted an invitation to dance from Ben, one of Thane’s employees, and enjoyed the lively pace as he spun her across the dance floor.

  It didn’t escape her notice that Ian danced his fourth dance with Miss Eunice Morrow. The simpering little blonde batted her eyelashes at him while smiling coyly as he moved her across the floor.

  Of course, Ian would be a wonderful dancer. He moved with grace and ease, combined with self-assured strength. Thoughts of his dancing demonstration on the riverbank returned. She held back a snort, recalling the shock on his face when he fell in the water.

  Angry and annoyed that he hadn’t asked her to dance, she turned a bright smile to Ben and continued their dance.

  When that song ended, Tully claimed her for the next two dances.

  Ian lingered by the punch bowl, drinking a cup of the fruity drink and glowering at her.

  Due to the fact he watched, she leaned closer to Tully. She pretended to whisper in his ear, hoping it bothered Ian even a smidgen as much as it infuriated her to see him with that Morrow girl.

  “What are you about, Maggie? I really thought you’d come to this shindig with Ian. Was I wrong or aren’t you just the littlest bit interested in him?”

  Maggie feigned innocence. “I don’t have any idea what you’re talking about, Tully. You know I won’t get involved with anyone again. Ever.” No matter how much she wanted to.

  Tully stared at her until she felt like squirming beneath his scrutiny. “Ian is a good man, Mags. Since you missed the opportunity to be with Thane and still refuse to accept me, he’d definitely be a solid third choice. Why not take a chance and see what happens?”

  “No, thank you. Even if I was interested, which I’m not, at all, he has turned his fickle attention elsewhere. Have you failed to notice the way he practically drools after Miss Morrow?” Maggie scowled as Eunice approached Ian. The girl pretended to trip, throwing herself into his arms.

  Tully twirled her around so he could see what had her so upset and observed Ian attempt to disentangle himself from the brazen girl.

  “Don’t tell me you’re jealous of that little piece of baggage?” Tully tipped his head in the direction of Eunice as she dogged Ian’s every step.

  “Me? Jealous? That’s ludicrous. Completely ridiculous.” Maggie bit out the words as Eunice again tried to work her way into Ian’s arms. “I’d have to care sufficiently for the man to experience jealousy. That simply isn’t the case.”

  “Oh, I see,” Tully said, maneuvering Maggie closer to him and bending his head down to whisper in her ear. “Is that why you look like you want to snatch that poor girl bald-headed and blacken both her eyes?”

  Maggie leaned back in his arms and glared at him. “I’d never do such a horrid thing.”

  Tully chuckled and pulled her close again. “You wouldn’t do it, but you’re sure enough wishing you could.”

  Maggie felt a smile kick the corners of her mouth upward. “Maybe I am, but she deserves it. What kind of girl is she to throw herself at Ian like that? Why, it’s absolutely shameless.”

  “Especially when you wish you could be the one in his arms.” Tully’s tone took on an edge. He still didn’t like the idea of anyone trifling with Maggie’s affections. In his mind, the perfect solution was for her to marry him. Even if they weren’t in love, their friendship gave them a good basis for marriage, more than many couples had.

  Although Ian seemed like an upstanding citizen and a good match for Maggie’s strong personality, Tully preferred the lumberman turn his attention elsewhere. However, he did pity the fellow Miss Morrow decided to pursue. The girl appeared to be relentless.

  “I don’t wish any such thing,” Maggie lied, both to herself and to Tully. “You better just hush, Tully Barrett, or I’ll leave you dancing by yourself and go home.”

  “Now, Maggie, just calm down.” Tully glanced over to where Ian again worked to extract himself from Eunice’s grasp. “Why don’t you do something to make him jealous?”

  “Him? Who?” Maggie asked as her gaze bore holes into Ian’s back.

  Tully shook his head. “Well, if there isn’t any competition, maybe I’ve got a chance after all.”

  With a quick step, Tully danced her over to the edge of the room and pulled her against him then pressed his lips to hers.

  Maggie jerked back and gasped. It took every bit of restraint she possessed not to slap his face. “How dare you!”

  She started to march off through the crowd toward the door but stopped when she heard Ian’s voice behind her. “Leave the lady alone, Sheriff.” Maggie spun around in time to see Ian push Tully.

  Tully calmly removed the badge pinned to his vest and shoved it into his pocket before pulling back his fist and throwing a punch at Ian, catching the edge of his jaw. Ian’s head snapped back and the fight sprang to life.

  The music came to an abrupt halt, along with the dancers, as all eyes turned to observe the unfolding drama.

  Well-matched in both size and strength, Tully and Ian circled each other, throwing and taking punches. Tully’s nose bled from a forceful blow, while Ian swiped at blood trickling from a cut on his lip.

  “You don’t need to get so riled up, Mr. MacGregor. I was just enjoying the dance.” T
ully gave Ian a cocksure grin.

  “From what I witnessed, Mr. Barrett, you had more than your share of fun.” Ian swung at Tully and caught him in the stomach.

  With the air knocked out of him, Tully dropped to one knee and glared at Ian.

  Frantically looking around for Thane, Maggie saw him enter through a side door and hurry across the room.

  Before the two men exchanged more punches, Thane stepped between them, effectively breaking up the fight.

  “I suggest we take this outside and discuss whatever is bothering the two of you calmly,” Thane said, helping Tully to his feet.

  “There’s naught to discuss, man! He’s taken lib…” Ian’s eyes were bright and wild as he turned his gaze toward Maggie. He didn’t want to embarrass her by stating her name as the cause of the fight so he snapped his mouth shut.

  Disgusted with both Tully and Ian, Maggie rushed through the crowd outside. Jemma stood by the door holding Lily on her hip while Jack clung to her hand.

  “Maggie?” Jemma gave her a concerned glance. “Are you okay? Ben saw what happened and caught Thane just as we were leaving.”

  “I’ll be fine, Jemma. Thank you for your concern. Please thank Thane for me. I’m going home.” Maggie patted Jemma’s arm as she walked by her.

  “Wait. We’ll take you home. I don’t think you should walk alone.” Jemma glanced around but most everyone was still inside. Through the open door, it was easy to see very few couples occupied the dance floor.

  “I’m more than capable of walking…” Maggie turned to the door as Thane walked outside with Tully and Ian. The two men continued to glower at each other although they had at least stopped tossing punches.

  “What in the…” Thane closed his mouth and glanced at the women and children standing a few feet away. “What got into you two? I had the idea you were friends.”

  “We were… are…” Ian said, glancing from Maggie to Tully and then at Thane. “The sheriff took liberties with Maggie at the dance and I took exception to his behavior, that’s all.”

  “Why would you care what I do?” Tully directed his question to Ian. “You were so busy enjoying the amorous attentions of Miss Morrow, I’m surprised you had time to notice anyone else was at the dance.”

  Ian straightened to his full height and clenched his hands into fists. “I did not invite Miss Morrow’s attentions. I didn’t even ask her to the dance. She’s been dogging me for the last week. She even showed up at my house last night and I had to shut the door in her face to get her to leave. Don’t imagine romantic intentions on my part where none exists. I have no interest in that bothersome girl. None whatsoever.”

  A wail pierced the air. Eunice Morrow ran around the corner of the building, heading down the street toward her home.

  Ian tipped back his head and rolled his eyes. He’d just added insulting the annoying Miss Morrow to his list of transgressions.

  Thane glanced at Tully and raised an eyebrow in question. “What did you do to Maggie, Tully?”

  “I kissed her. That’s all.” Tully shrugged his shoulders and winked at Maggie.

  “Oh, well, I suppose everything’s fine, and there’s no need to worry.” Thane glanced at Maggie.

  “That’s all you have to say, Thane Jordan?” Maggie glared at him. “Tully has obviously taken leave of his senses and you can’t come up with anything better to say than everything is fine?”

  “Now, honey, don’t get all worked up. I’ll take you home and we can get this all figured out.” Tully reached out and pulled Maggie against his chest, kissing her temple.

  Maggie jabbed her elbow into his side, drawing a surprised grunt from him. Infuriated, she yelled, “Men!” and stomped off in the direction of her apartment.

  Jemma frowned at the three men as Maggie departed. “What is wrong with the lot of you?” Jemma handed Lily to Thane and ran after Maggie. She caught up with her a block away but after a brief conversation, Maggie shook her head and continued walking home.

  “I’d suggest you both leave Maggie alone for a while.” Thane leveled a firm look at first Tully and then Ian. “No more kissing or fighting or fussing. Especially you, Sheriff Barrett. You should be above such behavior.”

  Thane helped Jemma into the buckboard while Jack scrambled into the back. He handed Lily to Jemma, climbed up to the seat, and gave Tully a knowing look before heading out of town.

  Ian glanced at Tully and offered him a curt nod before stalking home, riddled with anger, confusion, and humiliation. He’d never picked a fight with anyone and he most certainly had never struck an officer of the law.

  That beautiful dressmaker had him so tied up in knots, he obviously couldn’t keep his head on straight.

  Chapter Fourteen

  At church the next morning, Maggie made certain she sat between Jack and Lily at the end of a pew, not giving Tully or Ian the opportunity to sit anywhere close to her.

  After the service, she hurried outside and started home when Thane caught up to her, inviting her to join them for lunch.

  “Before I agree to go, perhaps you should tell me who will be there?” Maggie gave Thane a questioning look as Jemma and the children approached.

  “Just you,” Thane said, offering her an encouraging smile. “Please, Maggie? We’d love to have you join us. Jemma heard they have a new chef at the hotel and wants to see if he’s as good as the one that left.”

  “Okay,” Maggie said, taking Lily’s hand in hers as they walked down the street toward the grand hotel that opened just a few years prior.

  Ornately carved mahogany, sparkling chandeliers, and a stained glass ceiling on the second floor that shined down on the lobby made the hotel one of note in the region.

  Since she’d only been inside the hotel a few times, Maggie took a moment to study the opulent surroundings.

  “It’s quite something, isn’t it?” Jemma whispered as they took seats at a corner table in the busy restaurant.

  “Yes, it is. It’s amazing we have a place like this here in Baker City. I remember when things were somewhat primitive.” Maggie smiled as she draped a napkin across her lap and caught Lily before the rambunctious child tipped out of her chair.

  “Honey, you scoot on over here by me,” Thane said, pulling Lily’s chair close to his.

  “But, Daddy, I want to…” Lily started to pout but a glance from Thane quieted her. Almost four, she slowly grew out of the stage of throwing so many tantrums, much to everyone’s relief.

  “So Jack, tell me how things are progressing at the house. Are you almost finished? Have you decorated your room yet?” Maggie knew both children were excited to pick out furnishings and the colors for their rooms as the house neared completion. Jemma had discussed details with her the previous evening at the dance, but Jack loved to talk about the house.

  As interested as he seemed in the construction of it, she wouldn’t be surprised if the bright lad held a future in architecture. At least he might if Thane let him leave the ranch when he was grown.

  “Our house will be all done by the end of the week, won’t it, Mama?” Jack turned to Jemma, seeking confirmation.

  “That’s right, lovey.” Jemma smiled at the boy and brushed his bangs away from his face making him wrinkle his nose. “The furniture we ordered will be delivered a week from Monday and then we can move in. It is terribly exciting.”

  “My wife is most excited about having indoor plumbing. She doesn’t care a whit about the big kitchen, spacious bedrooms, or all of the other things the new home has to offer.” Thane grinned at Jemma. “In fact, I caught her weeping over the bathtub the other day, rubbing her hand along the edge and promising to take good care of it always.”

  Jemma blushed at his teasing and shook her head. “As you well know, Maggie, Thane thinks he’s much funnier than reality continues to prove.”

  Maggie hid a smile behind the cup of tea she held in her hand. She enjoyed the banter that took place between Thane and his bride. It was lighthearted and fun, m
aking her glad the two of them fell in love.

  Life hadn’t been easy for Thane, or Jemma for that matter. They both deserved to be happy and cherished.

  As she watched the private smile the two shared, she was glad they’d found the one person they were meant to be with for a lifetime. It was a blessed, wonderful thing to find the person who completed you, filled you up, and gave you purpose.

  She’d experienced that with Daniel and it would be selfish on her part to expect to find it again.

  When her thoughts turned to Ian, she tugged them back to the meal she shared with the Jordan family. Lily joined in the conversation, telling a story about a purple pony named Margaret who ate scones with marmalade for breakfast.

  Jack had finally given up correcting Lily when she told one of her outlandish tales. The boy simply released a long-suffering sigh and shook his head then continued eating his meal.

  After the group finished dessert, Thane paid the bill and they walked outside into the warmth of the May afternoon.

  “We’ve had such pleasant weather this spring,” Jemma commented as they walked toward the church where Thane left their buckboard.

  “It might seem pleasant now, but I’m concerned we haven’t received enough rain to get us through the summer,” Thane said. He walked with Lily perched on one arm and Jemma holding the other. “If we don’t get more rain before the summer heat arrives, it could be a hardship to farmers and ranchers alike.”

  Jemma looked to her husband. “I hope we do get some rain. However, I’ve never lived somewhere the sun shines so often. It’s quite an unexpected and welcome change from that to which I’m accustomed.”

  Since they walked past Maggie’s shop, they stopped and she invited them in to visit for a while.

  “We really should head home, Maggie, but thank you for offering. Maybe another Sunday,” Thane said. He studied her face, searching for signs she was still upset from the unfortunate incident that occurred at the dance the previous evening. Not finding any, he gave her a smile. “Can we talk you into coming out to see the house soon? You’re more than welcome anytime.”