
THREE HEARTS, ONE TOWN

SARAH JAE FOSTER

Published by River Valley Publishing at Smashwords.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by electronic or mechanical means, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the publisher, except where permitted by law.

Cover design by Scott Carpenter

Editing by Valerie Susan Hayward

Manufactured in the United States of America

Copyright © 2013 by Sarah Jae Foster

# Chapter One

Ludenville, Wyoming, 1882

For Cameron Engel, it did not happen when her father abandoned her as a young girl or upon her mother's recent death. Not even last week when Bud Jenkins broke into her home and tried to attack her because she'd turned down his father's marriage proposal. It didn't matter that Will Jenkins had six kids and owned a pig farm, or that he was three times her age. The one thing that caused this catapult into a new life was the deathbed confession of her mother. She had a brother. His name was Thomas Engel. He was twelve years older, and lived, according to the one letter he wrote to their mama, in Lincoln County, Kansas, a man who never knew she existed.

Cameron allotted herself one trunk and one carpetbag. Deciding what to put in them proved more painful than she thought possible. There was not enough room to pack all of her memories. She was giving up her childhood home, selling it to strangers. Even if she never located Thomas, the reason for her leaving all that was familiar was her determination to begin a new life. In all of her nineteen years, she'd never left Ludenville. Everyone always said that the Engels' were a strong lot, and despite Cameron's few weeks of falling into an awful state of despair over her mother's death, she now felt a tingle of excitement. There had been no escaping the thrilling fear of riding on a train to Kansas to see what life held for her in the unknown. For the first time, the courage of her mother, Madeline Engel, her flesh and her blood, seemed to fall upon her like a blanket.

She gripped up her carpetbag and took a lingering gaze at the home she'd built with her mother. "Well, here I come Thomas Engel, ready or not."

*** *** ***

Three days later a cheerful conductor walked up and down the tight aisle of the roaring train and announced they would be in Lincoln County within an hour's time. The words hit Cameron and she swallowed hard, it was now permanent and very real. Without a choice, the once naive child of Paul and Madeline Engel would be no more. She was a grown up, and would handle grown up things.

Finally they arrived at the Lincoln County depot. Opening wide the door for a future destined for Cameron and her brother, or so she hoped.

She arranged with the station clerk to hold her trunk at the depot and he gave her names of the two hotels in town, with simple directions of how to get to each. For the first time in her life, she did not know where she was going to sleep. The idea of that didn't frighten her, she was exhilarated—what an adventure!

Cameron lugged her heavy carpetbag over her shoulder and squeezed through weary and tired passengers awaiting luggage to be unloaded from the hissing train. Despite the late hour people milled about as if it were day. Just two of the streets were wider than the entire town she grew up in, with four corner lampposts lighting the way. Cameron searched her surroundings thoroughly and obediently followed the clerk's instructions, crossing streets and passing several buildings before she recognized the name of the first hotel.

She hesitated before the painted sign that read Lacey's Place and peered through the large window. The tunes being played on the piano drummed against her nose as it touched the pane. The women inside were barely dressed, flirting and sitting on men's knees. Cameron decided she should move herself to check out the other hotel, which couldn't be worse. Sleep was what she wanted, not to be man handled.

A couple strolled past her and the woman snickered, "Now there's a real goodie goodie."

Horrified, Cameron rushed off the boardwalk. She struggled with her bag, getting heavier by the moment, and steadied herself before investigating what the other hotel had to offer. The corner of Sable and Elm Street was what she was on the lookout for. Street names, dozens of buildings, the darkness, this was much more than she had ever dared to imagine. Not making eye contact with anyone seemed to be the wisest decision. Her earlier delight ebbed away and dread readily replaced it.

As she walked farther down the road, her nagging fear became stronger and her shoulder burned from the weight of the bag. The fact that there were no lanterns beaming in the corners of this part of town should have sent off a warning signal, but she'd already gone this far and finally stopped in front of the Half Moon.

Discouraged, she shivered. It was dark, dirty, unkempt, and... awful. Her eyes welled with tears. She was angry to have been defeated on the first night of her freeing adventure, on the first night of possibly being in the same place as her brother—a brother who was probably home somewhere, tucking his children into bed and sitting by the fire with a wife. A brother whom Cameron fervently hoped would take to her. She backed away, knowing it was her choice to stay here in this dreadful place or the bright, colorfully wild hotel several streets away.

Walking as fast as her weary legs would take her, she rounded the corner back onto Main Street. Keeping her eyes to the ground landed her smack into a man's hard chest. She let out a small cry, and in surprise, dropped her bag onto the dusty street. What was going to happen to her now? Bud Jenkins lust filled gaze shot through her mind.

"I startled you."

She heard her would be attacker's voice but couldn't see his face for the deep shadows and the low brim of his hat.  Naturally she had to recall the words of a man on the train "...ruthless, lawless, gunslingers," and after tonight, she would probably add murderer to the long list.

"I know it's none of my business, but what in blazes are you doing walking alone in this part of town?"

 The scolding in his voice caught her off guard—she wasn't a child!

"Here," he said softer. "Let me help you."

He bent down, retrieved the bag and handed it to her.

She inhaled the night air, feeling like a fool. After a deep breath, she accepted her carpetbag from his gloved hand. "I was just on my way to Lacey's Place, excuse me."

"Well, you're a might lost I would say."

"I'm not lost, I know the way." She hoisted the bag, which she could no longer bear the weight of, and soldiered on.

She refused to look back to see if he were following, although a little bit of her hoped he was. Unless he was a great liar, she didn't believe he'd hurt her. He could have already done that and without one witness about.

After checking into the hotel, Cameron climbed the wide flight of stairs and unlocked the room's door. Once inside she massaged her sore shoulder. All the emotions of the night, added to the strain of travel, had drained her. Soon enough, the noise from the rowdy saloon below faded into the darkness of her mind. Nothing short of that iron horse of a train coming through the doors could move her.

# Chapter Two

A grumbling stomach woke up Cameron. She stretched lazily and slowly opened her eyes. After some time adjusting to new body aches, she sat up and took in her surroundings. With no energy the night before to even care what the room was like, she was surprised now at the touches of femininity about her. The room was filled with a fresh, clean smell—lilacs. Gold colored wallpaper patterned with blood-red roses adorned her four walls. The furniture was an ivory color painted with gold-tone trim. There was a small window covered with red velvet drapery, tied back with golden ropes. The hotel was quiet and her room more elegant than anything she'd before known.

Cameron eased her tender but rested body out of bed, vaguely remembering where the dark haired lady who had checked her in last night said the privy was. After putting on her wrapper, she ventured into the hallway until she spotted the shared toilet. She hesitated and looked around—no one in sight. She could not have waited until she got dressed appropriately and made a dash for it.

A few minutes later, she put on a brown riding skirt, light blue blouse and twisted her hair into a bun at the base of her neck. She pulled open the drapes completely and looked out the window to see the sun high in the clear sky. It was time to find some food.

The saloon was now void of raucous townspeople and cleaned up, the chairs upside down on the tabletops, as if they were sleeping off their long night. Cameron entered the dining room on the other side of the hotel, the side that didn't appear tainted by the brothel across the foyer.

"Grab yourself a seat. I'll be right with you," the dark haired woman from the night prior called out over her shoulder as she walked past, bearing two copper pots. Cameron obeyed, wishing she wasn't so quick to judge the place last night. This side of the inn was stylish and beautiful. She chose one of the few remaining burgundy velvet upholstered booths. Each table had a crystal vase filled with fresh flowers centered on a doily.

The lady soon placed a china cup on a saucer in front of Cameron. "Coffee?"

"Yes, please."

"Where are you visiting from?"

"Ludenville, Wyoming. I'm here to find my brother."

"What's his name?"

"Thomas Engel."

She pulled her dark eyebrows together and it seemed all kindness left her. "Why can't you find him? Aren't you family?"

Cameron cradled her fingers over the cup. "It's a long story."

The noise level in the dining room increased as late risers began to arrive.

"My name's Lacey, I'd love to hear this long story of yours. I'll be back with a plate of ham and flapjacks for you, then you'll stay put until things slow down a little, yes?"

*** *** ***

As promised, Cameron waited around until the restaurant was near empty. It wasn't hard to do. She had nowhere else to go. Once Lacey came and sat across from her Cameron observed, "Seems awful busy for one person to serve all of these guests."

"This town is a popular place. People settling all over the area now that the Indians are on reservations."

"Do you own the hotel, then?"

"My no-good husband owned it all before he up and left two years ago. The hotel is still in his name, but I'm claiming it as my own... since he saw fit to desert it, and me. A good man named Liam keeps the saloon across the foyer, which he rents from me. I want nothing to do with whores."

Cameron was curious. "Do you know where your husband is?"

"Nope, and I don't care. He left me a note one morning saying he was bored with life and needed some adventure. Funny thing is, Della Carter seems to have disappeared the same time he did." Lacey's full lips spread into a friendly smile. "I'm sure that was all more than you wanted to hear!"

"I did ask," Cameron replied. "My pa left us when I was a little girl. He was the town drunk so my mother and I didn't mind too much."

"Well I guess we have some things in common." Lacey fiddled with a napkin a moment. "Tell me about Thomas. Why would you be looking for him?"

"He doesn't know about me. My mother said she was carrying him in her belly when she met my father. An unwed woman you know. I had no idea of any of this until last month. Apparently my pa hated Thomas. I guess our mother forced him to leave one day. She said my pa was going to kill him. She was expecting me at the time, but Thomas didn't know." Cameron peered at her. "Now you tell me, why did you respond that way when I told you his name?"

 "I don't care much for your brother or his gang."

"His... gang?"

"Mmm hmmm, they pretty much run Lincoln County. They don't do any harm to the townspeople, in fact they are like heroes to some. They are the only ones who took care of Ken Murphy—a man who once ruled this territory. He brought new meaning to the word 'terror' let me tell you. I suppose in his own way, Thomas believes he does us all good. By the way, what's your name?"

"Cameron."

Lacey's brows furrowed, "Seems to be an odder name than most."

Used to the puzzled response, Cameron explained as she's had to whenever she encountered someone new. "I was named after my mama's town of birth."

"Well, Cameron. You can't just go up to his ranch and declare your intentions. Sister or no, it doesn't mean he'll believe you. He's mean. You need to know that."

"I promised our mother, on her deathbed."

Lacey folded the napkin into a square before making a suggestion. "Then let me ask someone to help you."

"I have his letter to our ma as proof."

 "In turn, I have a favor to ask of you," Lacey propositioned. "Could you work for me until you find out about Thomas? I really need the help and you can stay as long as you need."

"I could do that."

"The tables aren't going to clean themselves. I best get to them. You be careful." Lacey removed herself from the booth.

Cameron sighed, she needed to get her thoughts wrapped around the fact that her brother was in a gang. In her mind, men in gangs were bank robbers like Jesse James, or killers... Yes, she could wait a while longer before declaring herself as Thomas Engel's kid sister.

*** *** ***

The man who walked into the restaurant during the supper hour was both stunning and dangerous looking. Cameron had never laid eyes on such a man in her entire life.

Lacey's laughter was light and came from behind her. "That's Jake Collins. Every female on the face of this earth looks at him like that. Young, old, married, you name it. Even the schoolgirls have playground fights about who's going to marry him. Close your mouth dear and I'll introduce you."

Cameron snapped her jaw together.

 "Don't worry," Lacey added. "He doesn't realize the extent of his effect on the female race. If you want to go to Thomas's place, Jake's your best bet."

"Why's that?"

"Because he's the only one in this town who doesn't give a fig about Thomas. Jake is controlled by no one."

Cameron didn't care if Jake was willing to help her or not. There was no way in the world she could go anywhere with him.

"Is the food any good today?" Jake took both of Lacey's hands in his and kissed her cheek.

"The best food in Kansas is served here and you know it!" She stepped aside. "Jake, I'd like you to meet my new friend." Lacey turned back to where she'd been standing. "Cameron?"

"I'm here." She stepped forward.

Jake's mouth spread into a teasing grin. "Looks like you found the place after all. We've already met."

"You haven't _met_. She's only been here a day."

He shook his head in disagreement and looked at Cameron with such intensity she thought she'd melt into the floor.

"It was last night when I tried to offer assistance." He spoke to Lacey, but his eyes remained on Cameron in torment.

"I... I was... not myself last night."

He took a step closer. "Are you yourself now?"

"Jake! Go to your favorite table, and leave the poor girl alone."

He chuckled. "All right all right, I'll be good."

# Chapter Three

Her second full day in town brought Cameron to the mercantile. She needed to tell Thomas she was here, despite other's opinions on the matter. Family was family, no matter who God gave you and certainly Thomas would see things her way.

"Is there somewhere I can try these on?"

The store owner answered, "Surely you are jesting."

Cameron smiled, undeterred. "Not unless you know which one of these will fit me." She held up two pairs of pants so their sizes could be judged.

"I certainly don't know what size of _pants_ you need! Why, those are men's!" The lady snatched the pants away and showed Cameron to a back room. She remained standing at the door, arms crossed, as if to see for herself.

"Thank you... Miss...?"

 "It's Miss Evah!" She snapped the curtain shut.

Cameron felt a tiny bit of remorse for not telling Lacey what her plans were. But she was a woman now and heeded to no one. So why did she feel as if she were doing something wrong? Cameron selected the pair which fit her the best, picked out a navy blue bandana, a canteen and a belt, all much to Miss Evah's dismay and displeasure.

A shameful, perverse delight filled Cameron as she bounded from the boardwalk to seek out a livery stable. She was not unaware of the stares she was receiving from townspeople. Some women gasped, children pointed and snickered, and the men had a different response entirely.

Upon entering, she asked the stable hand for a gentle horse.

"I have two that you can choose from."

He looked at her clothing from head and toe and shook his head in puzzlement or disapproval, she wasn't sure.

"I'll be right back with them. I collect the money from you when you bring 'er back because if she's riddin' hard, I collect more money, you see?"

While he was getting the horses Cameron filled her canteen from the bucket of water near the door and mentally recited what she would say to Thomas when she met him. She had packed a slice of roast beef, a biscuit and a couple of Lacey's oatmeal cookies, which she couldn't resist. And with what she'd purchased, she was prepared, confident, and knew everything was going to be all right.

The unkempt man returned with her horse choices.

"This here's Sandy and this one's Morty, brother and sister. Both old and gentle." He smiled crudely. "Course, Morty's still got a bit of spunk in him if you know what I mean."

"I'll take Sandy." Cameron nuzzled up to the horse's face, petting the top of her nose.

"Now don't go spoilin' her—like any other female she'll get the idea she deserves it!" He spat, taking Sandy from her to go and "saddle her up."

She followed him. "Sir?"

"What?"

"I also need to know how to get to Thomas Engel's ranch."

"What in heck do you want to go out there for? Don't ya get enough of those boys when they come blazing through town causing all kinds of trouble?" He tossed her the reigns.

"I just need to know where it is."

He sighed, letting out offensive breath. "I'll tell you how to get there but don't come running my way iffen ya don't like it."

She almost laughed at the thought of running to him for anything other than securing a horse.

*** *** ***

After an hour of riding in the warm sun, Cameron stopped to take a small break and a drink of water. She startled as she heard a rider approaching, rather rapidly. Before she could respond, Jake Collins was in front of her, dust rising up in a swirl from the abrupt halt of his horse.

"Are you crazy? Do you want to get yourself killed?"

Between his presence and his flagrant accusations, Cameron was so angry all she could say was, "It's none of your business."

"It became my business when Lacey ask me to help you. She's very upset that you would risk your life."

"Stop shouting!"

"I'm not shouting."

"How did you know where I was anyway—are you following me?"

"Don't flatter yourself. You're the talk of the town! Did you not consider that anyone would think it odd as you parade yourself down the middle of the street wearing men's clothes?" He clicked open and checked the barrel of his gun. "If you insist on going, then I'm obliged to come with."

"Why do you care if... is that thing... loaded?"

"Lacey asked me to protect you."

For the first time Cameron was a bit uncertain. After a moment's hesitation, she turned her horse and followed along at Jake's fast pace. His silence allowed her to become agitated to the point where she wondered if it were possible that her own brother would indeed hurt her. Finally, a ranch loomed before her and there was no going back.

"There it is," Jake said quietly. "Go ahead and ask about your brother."

Cameron took off her bandana and wiped sweat and dust from her face. She loosened the top two buttons of her shirt to swipe at a few more beads. "This heat is..." Her breath caught. His intense gaze traveling up and down the length of her caused her to wiggle in the saddle.

His voice was smooth. "After you."

When she got closer to the ranch, she noticed a cowboy sitting along the fence, legs outstretched, looking lazy and comfortable. As they approached, he looked irritated at the interruption and stood slowly, resting one hand on the butt of his gun.

He seemed to recognize Jake and glared up at him. "Collins."

"Mack."

Mack took her in. "Who's this?"

"I'll get right to it. Her name's Cameron Engel. She's looking for her brother, who happens to be Thomas."

A troubling look crossed the cowboy's face.

 "Look, she's not asking for or wanting any trouble," Jake continued. "She just wants to meet him."

Mack addressed her. "You want to _meet_ him? Ain't he your brother, or not?"

"He...he," she stammered.

"Speak up woman! He your brother or not!"

"Shut it, Mack, you're scaring her." Jake sighed with annoyance. Of course it was directed at her.

 "She tracked Thomas off a letter he wrote home," he continued on her behalf. "It was posted to a town in Wyoming called Ludenville, two years ago. He's her brother, Mack."

After a gulp of hot air she took over. "Could we, could I at least come in and...?"

Jake began to respond to her but she couldn't hear him over Mack's laughter. "Ma'am, if I bring you in here every single man-jack is going to say he's

 your brother!"

 Jake muttered. "Come on, let's go. I told you this wasn't a good idea." He turned his horse around.

"No."

With his booted heel, Mack kicked himself off the fence post. "You might want to share with your girl here that she's overstepping."

"I think you just did."

"Stop talking about me like I'm not here!"

Both men looked at her.

"I want to see Thomas!" The one thing she did not want to sound like was a petulant girl, and now she'd ruined her shot of trying to be adult and that made her angry. While she was in a stare down with Mack, she noticed his awful red hair, sticking every which way under the hat's brim.

"I'll be staying at Lacey's. Tell him where to find me." She would take Lacey's advice and wait for Thomas to come to her.

*** *** ***

"Cameron!" Lacey came running out of the hotel and practically pulled her from the horse. "Are you all right? What happened? Tell me everything. Did you find Thomas?" She placed her hands on either side of Cameron's face. "Well?"

"If you'll let her catch her breath she might be able to say a word or two." Jake tied his horse to the post in front of the hotel. Kindly, he removed the reins from Cameron's grasp and it appeared he was returning Sandy to the livery.

Lacey continued clucking like a mother hen. "You don't know these men. You have to tread carefully, not go traipsing out there all by yourself. Yes, they help the town but they also do other things, things that are against the law."

"I don't understand about all of that but... I'm grateful you sent Jake my way."

*** *** ***

Jake was replenishing himself with alcohol, relaxing and allowing one of Liam's girls, Charlotte, to provide him some company until he heard a light voice say his name.

"Jake?"

He turned to find Cameron calling him from the entry of the saloon—it was clear she had no intention of coming any further than that.

He watched her slender throat swallow nervously.

"I wanted to say thank you for today and I need to know what I owe you for Sandy."

He was confused and she explained, "The horse. Her name is Sandy. What did you have to pay for her return?"

With purpose, he shifted so Charlotte had to get off his lap. He heard her grunt in exasperation. He could care less about her being annoyed when he had a puritan such as Cameron seeking him out. He walked the short distance separating them, taking his time to peruse the faded blue dress and high lace collar of her attire. Very prim and proper in contrast to Charlotte's red satin, low cut dress revealing all for the eye to see.

He leaned against the door frame that she refused to step through. "Join me for a drink."

He caught himself from laughing at her panicked expression. "Come on, you won't be tainted I assure you."

 "Oh, I... I couldn't," she stammered.

She twiddled her fingers awkwardly, clearly undecided. He wondered what happened to the brazen girl ready to storm onto Engel property earlier in the day.

"Do you have something else to do—another adventure, perhaps?" he nettled.

He thought she was going to take flight and ceased his mocking. "Really, a friendly drink. There's nothing else to do at this hour."

He hoped an honest look would reassure her.

"Suppose I'm ready to try anything once."

 "I've already seen you _try_ more than I care to. I know one thing about you, ain't nobody going to stop you from doing something you set your mind to."

He ushered her to a table far from Charlotte. He didn't need Cameron spooked any more than she was. Kimberly made her way through the throng of rowdiness and asked for their preferred drink.

"Whiskey for me, sarsaparilla for the lady."

Cameron leaned in towards him and whispered, "Who is that woman and why would she be glaring at me?"

He didn't bother to turn. "She is Charlotte, and is nothing to worry about."

She didn't look convinced but he couldn't help that. Charlotte had laid claim on him months ago and he'd foolishly allowed it. Now that there was someone in town he'd actually be interested in getting to know, he knew Charlotte would be a problem. He took in Cameron's innocent features, peering around the saloon with both avid curiosity and caution, and vowed to release Charlotte from any thinking she had on him.

# Chapter Four

By the next week Cameron was comfortable at Lacey's and was enjoying getting acquainted with the townspeople. She'd also taken to copying Lacey's style. Realizing how severe the bun at the nape of her neck must make her appear, she now wore a few tendrils loose and frequently colored her cheeks with a small amount of rouge. She knew in order to get someone like Jake Collins to look her way, she should not seem like the plain farm girl she was.

She was cleaning the floor of the hallway when she heard the front door bells chime. She was surprised anyone would be calling in the heavy downpour of rain they were having that day. She rose from her hands and knees to greet the entrant. Regretfully, she stood face to face with Mack from her brother's ranch.

His expression lit up with an unsavory smile. "Well, well, well. I sure didn't expect to see you here." He looked at her slowly from head to toe, deliberate in making her uneasy. "I'd forgotten about you."

He slid off his wet poncho and hat and hung them on the rack beside the door. After shifting his stance fully towards her he said, "I see you've busied yourself with scrubbing floors. Does this mean you're stayin'?"

Cameron reclaimed herself and gathered her wits. Firmly, she scooped up her skirts and stepped forward. "Yes, I'm staying. And you can tell that to my brother." She was not being timid and it pleased her to acknowledge this when Jake wasn't even at her side. She held on to this courage. "I want you to tell Thomas that he needn't worry about me ruining up his life. I just want to talk to him about Mama, and if he wants me to after that, I'll leave him be."

"I don't fancy on doin' something for nothin' lady. So, tell me what you have to offer for my good services."

"Mack Owens!" Lacey had appeared straight out of the woodwork and gave a verbal lashing before ordering him away. He smiled peculiarly before sauntering off into the saloon.

*** *** ***

After that, Mack had been nothing but pleasant, if not charming, while Cameron served him dinner. The only other patrons who dared the gloomy weather to eat at Lacey's were Jake, who apparently ate there often. Lacey's beau Sheriff Ed Randall, Mack and Lance, who surprised Cameron as being a part of her brother's gang. Lance seemed to be a tender-hearted grandfatherly type of fellow. The other seven guests who were staying at the hotel were stuck inside as well.  Everyone ate quietly.

Looking outside, there was no encouragement of the rain letting up at all. The main street in town was covered by a good three inches of dirty water. Cameron witnessed an article of clothing, some twigs and leaves float on by.

Within hours it was pitch black outside; angry, thick patches of gray clouds had covered the entire sky, as if it were suffocating any light that would dare attempt to squeeze through. Everyone in the dining hall was justifiably uneasy. And it was only three o'clock in the afternoon.

 Cameron delivered another round of soup to the men. She felt Jake's eyes on her and willed herself not to look his handsome way. That determination did not last long as she was weak and lost quickly to her will. When she couldn't take it anymore, her eyes locked onto his and a foreign sensation filtered throughout her core.

"He's not for you, Cameron Engel. You're sweet and he's... well, he's anything but." Lacey was quick to input. "Now go fetch our guests some pie."

The darkness loomed, reflecting the mood of everyone trapped at the inn. Even Liam had come over from his side of the hotel when he heard Cameron offering the sweet dessert. Suddenly the front door opened wide and banged shut as someone entered, startling the ladies present.

"Who died?" A cowboy asked cordially, stomping mud into the foyer. He had everyone's attention, especially Lacey's.

"No one died, Jesse! And I would have you not bring mud into my dining room!"

"Well I'm hungry."

Having no clue why Lacey would treat a guest this way Cameron stepped in and offered to get him some dinner.

"There now." He shook off his hat and looked hard at Lacey. "That's what I call hospitality. You might learn from this fine young woman."

Cameron hid her smile and brought him a bowl of warmed up beef and onion soup and set it down before him. Immediately she became shy. He was a handsome young man. With his hat off, she took in a full head of blonde curls and a most charming smile. And the way he observed her with blatant appreciation, just about made her giddy. Never before had she gained so much male attention.

"Thank you Ma'am." He dipped his head to her.

She heard a grunt come from Jake as he provided Jesse with a look of contempt. Cameron was unsure of what to do with everyone's issues in this town. Could no one get along?

Lance, it seemed, couldn't take it anymore. And to her relief he made an announcement. "Come on everyone, let's go engage ourselves in a game of cards." He rose from the booth without looking to see if anyone followed and headed to the card tables.

Cameron took another peek into the premature darkness and thought it spooky. She would be grateful for some games if it meant not going up all alone to her room.

She made sure to take a breath before approaching Jesse again. His fine looks could knock the wind right out of a woman. She made her way behind the others and went to the saloon with more confidence than the first time.

*** *** ***

Jake observed Cameron, her golden hair slightly in disarray, loosed from hairpins with her running around serving dinner. He frowned slightly at her actions towards Jesse, he was a no-good womanizer. Yet he couldn't deny that the cowhand was closer to Cameron's age than he was. He didn't care about that too much at the moment and decided to keep her attentions on anyone but Jesse. He motioned her over, pulling out the empty chair next to his. A smile came from her and he couldn't help but gloat as he'd won her by his side for the evening.

She hesitated a moment. "I don't know how to play."

"Seems like I can teach you a thing or two."

Lacey shot him a hot look. He winked in response, undaunted by her undue protectiveness.

 "Just watch for a bit, you'll pick it up fine."

Liam brought her a sarsaparilla without being asked.

As she was taking a dainty sip Jake noticed her eyelashes sweep over a unique color of hazel eyes. Something happened then to his insides, a tickling sensation he had not quite experienced before. He felt Lacey watching him, and refused to acknowledge her in any way.

Soon enough, the evening's mood seemed to be ignited by the drink and laughter that followed and he began to teach Cameron how to play.

Jesse found himself Kimberly and they snuggled up to the piano where Violet played a fast-paced tune and the trio began to sing a terrible, side-splitting, off-key song. Unfortunately the racket seemed to draw Charlotte out of bed and in all her glory she sauntered down the stairs, instantly fixating her lusty gaze on Jake. She started to offer him her best smile when her eyes swayed to Cameron where her smile faltered, then vanished altogether. He planned to ignore her too, but it proved to be difficult as she walked into the room in her sultry way, provocatively sliding her hands across Mack's back. As if that'd make him jealous. He nearly scoffed out loud as she made her way to Lance, but then it was his turn. She got to him and walked her fingers across his shoulders and lingered her jeweled hand there to squeeze him possessively.

He would not oblige her with any reaction, but it did concern him knowing how she'd feel about Cameron. Her type just didn't belong there—her drinking sarsaparilla, soaking up all his attention, playing cards with him—her with that dress way up to her chin. For Cameron's sake, Jake shifted uneasily under Charlotte's unwanted hold. He knew exactly what she was doing, and he didn't like it one bit. He would put up with it only because of Cameron. He met Lacey's eyes now and he read in them her warning to watch himself. He raised his glass to her and saluted her smartly with a mock toast.

One by one, his peers started to break off from the card game. They talked gently to one another in hushed tones. Once in a while an occasional laugh would break out. The piano playing died down to the last note and Jesse and Kimberly headed upstairs together without so much as a good-bye. Cameron arose and began picking up the many glasses used throughout the evening and placed them on the bar. Liam adamantly refused to let her wash them as she had requested. But she stayed at the bar anyway, talking to Liam, toying with a glass.

It was all Jake could do to not shake Charlotte off and go to her. The intake of alcohol was having its influence on him and his eyelids felt heavy, leaving him very, very relaxed. Charlotte had kept his alcohol supplied for hours and he'd had too much. His mind wanted to walk Cameron to her room, see her safe inside, but Charlotte had a vice-like grip on him and he was steadily losing focus. She helped him to a standing position, where he wavered and he knew she'd won. Blast it! He tried to look upon Cameron and the look she sent his way made him angry. Why should she care about his drunken state? He didn't need nobody judging him. "Come Jake," Charlotte purred. "I'll get you settled into bed."

*** *** ***

Lacey offered Cameron a brief look of pity. She accepted it, already disappointed in herself for being affected by Jake. She came to this town to find Thomas, not be fooling around! Quietly, she said good night to Liam and walked out of the saloon. Lacey met her at the bottom of the stairs, and like a big sister, warned her, "Jake will hurt you. He wouldn't mean to, but he surely will if you don't keep your distance."

# Chapter Five

Cameron had just finished an errand for Lacey and took a couple of extra minutes to enjoy the outdoors. The recently flooded street had been cleaned of all debris and a walk would do her good. From a distance, the town looked crude with its makeshift sidewalks and murky ground. Uneven, unmatched wooden planks filled in every space possible for people to walk from place to place and go along with their daily business. Ironically, the sky didn't match the dreary look of the town. The sun seemed to miraculously explode, shattering the blackness that had enveloped the heavens just two days before and was generous in giving off its heat for the end of May.

Cameron wrapped her mama's shawl tightly around her, feeling its hug—breathing in its scent made her think of home. Her mama had always loved this time of year, citing it as a new season, a time of rebirth and life. It described her life right now, new beginnings. She liked this part of herself, exploring and learning, gaining a passion for life, for friends, and with all of that came confidence—something she had never really possessed in the past. She whispered a thank you to her mama for giving her this gift, for sending her to Kansas.

She noticed in the distance the train making its way towards town. She wondered what type of visitors it would bring and went to ready the restaurant.

She walked in to find Lacey pacing uncharacteristically, looking irritated and flustered and not in the mood for chit chat. Cameron deposited the mail she'd picked up on her outing and finished setting the tables. An hour later, Lacey announced she would return shortly.

When she did, she was truly beside herself. Following her was a short, buxom older woman wearing a traveling suit and in her hat were several brightly colored peacock feathers, adding the height which she lacked.

She walked just as gracefully and had the same regal air about her as Lacey did.

The woman sized up the hotel, going into the saloon and back, then checking out the restaurant. "You have done very well my dear niece. I have to admit I didn't think you had it in you to work so hard." She smiled and patted Lacey's cheek. "Well done, my dear, well done."

Lacey squeezed her eyes shut and let out a slow breath, Cameron looked upon her curiously.

"Now, where are my rooms?"

A clerk from the depot arrived and asked where to place her luggage. Lacey ordered them to follow her. He carried up two suitcases and announced that another trunk was on its way. Cameron looked after the parade going up the stairs and went about her work.

A man, tall and slender, came into the restaurant and upon seeing her, removed his hat. "My mother and I are staying here and I believe she's just arrived...?"

Cameron welcomed him with a broad smile. "Does she have feathers in her hat?"

He laughed, a kind, wholehearted laugh. "That would be her all right. I suppose she's already settled?"

"Yes, she is working on it. Here, let me show you the way."

"Actually, I know the way. But I've yet to meet you."

"My name is Cameron Engel."

"Miss Engel, then. I bid you good day for now." He bowed slightly and replaced the derby hat upon his head.

Jake chose to come in just then on one of his frequent visits to the inn. Uninvited, he came up close to Cameron, where, instantly, strong scents of tobacco and leather assailed her.

Quite forthrightly, he put his hand on her upper arm, turning her fully to him. "Are you all right?" He asked tenderly.

No she was not all right. She had no reason to be jealous and yet she was. He seemed concerned and she appreciated that. But her focus needed to be on Thomas's acceptance of her, not Jake's.

Someone interrupted them by calling his name. They turned to see Charlotte in the entrance.

Cameron edged away. "You should go to her."

*** *** ***

Cameron awoke abruptly at some point in the middle of the night and, for a moment, wasn't sure why, until an echo of a loud popping noise seemed to catch up to her senses. She heard it again, two, three more in succession. Nervously, she sat up in bed and pulled her knees to her chest. She heard doors opening from the rooms on either side of her and murmuring worried voices ensued. Cameron drew on her cover up, and with all the courage she could assemble, cracked open her door an inch to peek out. A few men were gathered at the top of the stairs, crooked suspenders holding up pants put on in haste. Lacey was there in their midst, looking as awake and vibrant as she did when she came down to breakfast every morning. She opened the door wide for Lacey to enter.

"What do you think happened?" Cameron asked.

"Probably nothing out of the usual. A sore loser at cards maybe." Lacey stood and looked out of Cameron's window. Moonlight illuminated her pale face. "My aunt's here," she stated bleakly.

"I gathered that when she called you her dear niece."

"She comes once a year and utterly turns up my life. She lives back East with my cousin Andrew and feels it her responsibility to make sure that I'm still alive." Her arms were crossed in front of her like a spoiled, petulant child.

Cameron knew it was not the time to laugh and make light of this situation, blown out of proportion she was sure. "Andrew. Is that the young man who is with her?" She sat cross-legged on the bed and put her elbows on her knees.

"Yes, he just graduated from college, theolo... something. Anyway, he's now a minister." She looked over at Cameron and wrinkled her nose. "A minister! What a waste of a nice, handsome man!" Lacey then looked upon her as if she were plotting something. "You do think he's handsome, don't you?"

"Oh, no you don't! I have already made a fool of myself twice over this month."

Lacey swept past her dramatically. "Well I am going to need help in keeping my aunt and cousin entertained. I expect you will assist me in this."

*** *** ***

Lacey's demand was an easy one to obey as her aunt captivated Cameron. Grace Jackson was a remarkable woman, having not a meek bone in her body. It was difficult for Cameron to understand Lacey's irritation towards her as she didn't carry the same feeling for her cousin Andrew. She might tease and mock his profession, but she genuinely seemed to like him. During the breakfast meal Grace insisted they all eat together, causing them all to wait until the restaurant was closed so Cameron could join them.

Andrew turned out to be delightful company. He brought with him many entertaining stories from back East. He talked of all the balls and society events, and he had Cameron's apt and mindful attention when he described the plays and the operas. He was different from any man she had ever known. There were kind people in Lincoln County, but there was something deeply instilled in Andrew Jackson that caused people to be drawn to him.

Delicately, Grace sipped her tea and chose this time to share her news. "My son is going to start a church here."

Lacey choked on her coffee, causing a fit that lasted several moments. Her eyes watered, and she placed a hand over her throat as if it to smooth it all down.

"My dear, are you all right?" Grace's eyes twinkled as she smiled behind her teacup. Cameron thought she imagined the eloquent aunt actually taking delight in Lacey's distress.

"A... a church?" Lacey sputtered. A couple more coughs escaped her. She turned on Andrew. "Is this true? Will you be staying here?"

No one could tell if she was happy about this or not. Lacey forced a smile and asked, "Aunt Grace, will you be staying here as well?"

This time, her cool demeanor fooled no one.

"Only for a little while. I want to help in every way that I can, and of course to see my son settled in." Then she said as an afterthought, "And that could take a while I suppose."

"Mother." Andrew scolded.

The bells at the front door chimed, allowing Lacey to excuse herself to see to her customer. Cameron heard her exclaim, "Jake!" As hard as she tried, she couldn't untwist the knot of jealousy forming in her stomach. She envisioned Lacey hugging him, welcoming him, and wondered if she'd ever be so bold.

"Well, look who's here!" In two strides Jake walked over to their table. "How's my old pal doing?" He smacked Andrew loudly on the back.

 "Cameron," Grace solicited. "Make room if you will for our good prodigal son."

# Chapter Six

Andrew wasted no time in calling on the town to host a church-raising party. Within the week it was formed and construction nearly begun. There hadn't been church meetings for almost two years and teaching the Good Word was long overdue. He dressed down to pants and work boots, the same type that the farmers wore. His Eastern derby hat completed his ensemble, striking up a few good-natured laughs. He hadn't shaved in a couple of days, spending all of his time organizing the church-raising event, and he barely took a minute to eat, much to his mother's displeasure. He was unaccustomed to his new facial hair and scratched at it often. But his mind and his heart were wild with joy and excitement. His very own church! Well, God's church, but he got to watch over His flock. He could barely sit still and exercise the fruit of patience as he saw the workers coming. Men pulling wagonloads of lumber, tools and, yes, even the new church bell he had ordered special from back East. He'd had it placed on a train and paid extra to have it tended to carefully and properly. The beautifully shaped bell was his pride. He had big hopes for this town and he had been praying for her people long before arriving with his mother.

His heart was back in Lincoln County once again. He was convinced his destiny was to reach the lost in the town of his birth. As soon as the first wagonload was close enough for him to unload and get started, he leapt down eagerly from his perch on the tree stump.

By noon, four walls were up and the men were tuckered out. The June heat added to the extra burden of fatigue. All of them lost the motivation to work as soon as the ladies appeared with baskets of homemade food. By the end of supper, the men had consumed generous portions of fried chicken, corn on the cob and tart rhubarb pie.

"Hey, Reverend!" Jake called, a smart grin on his sweating face.

"Yes?" Andrew lifted his brow, knowing his friend was jesting, but he liked the new name "Reverend." Besides his graduation commencement, he'd not been addressed as such.

"Where do you want this?" Jake held up a fancy cut of wood.

"That's for the cross. Set it down yonder under that tree."

The crew stretched their work until the last of the light of day disappeared and fireflies began to flash about, dodging in and out of the almost finished structure. Andrew inhaled the smell of sweet maple and oak emanating from the fresh cut lumber. It was time to be done for the day. It was going to be a perfect building; a place of worship for those who put in so much time with their loving hands of labor and donations of food. Andrew vowed not to let these people down. They were expectant—he could see it through the dirt smeared, glistening faces all day—except for perhaps Jake, but Andrew had plans to work on him, too.

Jake appeared at his side, and the two men stood for a moment, taking in the stillness of the warm night.

"I wish I could offer to buy you a drink, or something."

"No need friend." Andrew placed his work roughened hand on Jake's shoulder. "I'm going to sit on here awhile, savor the sight of her."

Jake shifted uncomfortably. "Yeah, well I guess I'll see ya tomorrow then."

# Chapter Seven

The next morning Jake opened a small window to let out the smoky, bacon scent filling his kitchen. He stood and breathed in the fresh, cool air that filtered through, and scrubbed out the iron griddle, stubbornly hanging onto burnt bacon and tough grease. Jake let his eyes settle onto the endless fields of wheat that now belonged to his neighbor.

He never had an interest in farming. In his childhood years he'd fought his father every morning during chore time. He'd toss buckets, wasn't kind to the animals, and never did anything extra. In his adolescence, he did not appreciate his father or the hard work the old man did for his family. Despite his children's disrespectfulness, their father had done his best by them.

It was just one of the things Jake wished he could go back and do all over again—he would have been a good son. Regrets always came too late.

His sister Jenny had been too wild at heart to settle down doing women's farm work, let alone keep house. She barely knew how to bake bread and refused to hang laundry. When his father died, Jake had to make himself stay home and protect his sister the best he could; they fought constantly.

He wished he could forget the day that Jenny was in a frenzy, her flawless, heart shaped face twisted into something unrecognizable. She threw her "unfit" clothes at her brother, screaming at him to provide better for her. Jake remembered thinking he only needed to leave her be. He'd never hit a girl before and was getting close to doing so. He didn't come back for three days, and by then, Jenny had gone off to live on Thomas's ranch.

Jake dried his hands, grabbed his gun belt and methodically headed to the store he owned in town.

*** *** ***

"Good morning Mr. Collins."

"Did we have a good week?" Jake asked his employee as soon as he entered "The Gun Shop." The sound of his boots scraped on the wooden floor as he came up to the counter. He set his hat down and ran a hand through his too long hair, something he did when he needed to get down to business.

"No sir, not much traffic through here and we aren't getting our inventory until Monday."

Jake was disappointed. "Go on and get out your pay, William."

"Yes, sir."

William shut the till and carefully laid out his pay onto the glass countertop above the large display of guns. Jake counted it out and signed the receipt.

He went into the exceptionally small room in the back of the store, which served as an office and proceeded to go over the books. An hour later he was done. He withdrew what surplus was left for his own earnings and headed for the bank.

"Mr. Collins!"

Jake cringed at the high pitched, nasally voice of Miss Evah. She was surely sentenced to be a spinster the rest of her days. He composed his nerves and turned around to face her. "Mornin' Ma'am." He forced a broad smile and tipped his hat to her.

"I haven't seen you around. Are you hiding out in that lonely home of yours?" she asked coyly, doing something with her eyes that should constitute a flirt.

Jake took in her tall, shapeless body and her long, pointy nose and that voice....

"Where are you on your way to?" she queried.

His hands itched to smooth out the sound but any attempt would be futile unless he snatched out her vocal cords. "I'm going to the bank. You have yourself a good day."

Before he could turn away from her, she linked her arm with his. "Me, too!"

She sure knew how to lock in on a man but he would go to blazes before he would hold hands with this woman. He undid his arm from hers, stepped back and said, "After you."

Her cheeks flushed pink. "Of course."

The moment Jake stepped inside the bank he felt a sudden, burning blow to the back of his head. Instant blackness overpowered him.

When he came to, Jake saw two men keeping watch at the window and front door where he'd just made his poor, untimely entrance. Another had a gun digging into the back of the bank teller. He counted four bank robbers and silently cursed at being outnumbered.

Kimberly, the saloon girl from Liam's, stood flat against the wall, her hands gripping a sequined purse so hard her fingers were pasty white. A farmer Jake vaguely knew sat on the floor holding his wife, who was quietly sobbing.

The men's faces were covered up to their eyes—hats were drawn down low. Jake listened to their voices for clues to their identity and came up with nothing.

"There's someone coming this way. We don't have any more time!" one of the thieves by the window exclaimed.

"We're getting it all. Hurry up Teller-Man, 'cause if _I_ have to do it, it'll be 'cause you're dead!" the bank robber who seemed to be in charge goaded.

Jake lay there groggily and focused as best he could, keeping his eyes closed and listening. It was all he could do to lie still, but common sense warned him not to move, to feel the situation out a little longer. His gun had been promptly removed and again, he swore to himself.

"He's fifteen paces away, he's old—we can take him," the robber at the window acknowledged.

"He might just be passing, bide your time, boy. We're almost done." The leader tossed the teller aside and finished shoving the rest of the cash into a bag. "Sit down on the floor behind the counter. You're closed for the day." He laughed as he cinched up the bag.

Whoever was walking outside loudly declared, "I think the bank's being robbed... the bank's being robbed. Somebody get Sheriff Randall!"

The ringleader cursed.

Within minutes Jake heard the sheriff making an announcement from outside. "Everybody stand back."

It was then that a shot rang out from the bank—through the window, shattering glass. A woman inside screamed and another gunshot was heard.

"Blast it!" Ed exclaimed. "I've been shot."

"What's your plan? We can surround the place. I'll gather up some men," Seth, his deputy, offered.

"The only men you're going to round up are Thomas Engel's!"

Another shot rang out. For once in his life, Jake might be appreciative for Thomas and his gang. Problem was, if Jake could hear the sheriff's plans, so could the robbers. He needed to make a move and soon. He cringed when he heard Ed order Lacey and Cameron to get off the boardwalk and out of the way. Just what they needed, to worry about their women.

# Chapter Eight

Cameron was terrified but allowed Lacey to string her along to the scene of an actual bank robbery.

"Stay out of the way. I don't think Thomas would take kindly to having you shot up along with me," Ed ordered through gritted teeth.

"Thomas can throw himself down a well for all I care! I heard you were shot, Ed Randall!" Lacey hadn't quite reached him yet though she carried her petite frame at an astonishing speed.

She turned to Cameron. "You better get out of sight. I'm going to tend to that sheriff of mine, fool of a man! Stop fidgeting. Go!"

Cameron disappeared out of sight, close enough to see, yet far enough away to keep from getting herself killed.

The door opened and Kimberly ran out holding up the front of her torn dress, racing madly in the direction of the sheriff.  When he saw her coming he stood up, firing at the bank's entrance until the door was slammed closed by one of the robbers.

"They were...they were...going to...but then Jake..." Kimberly stammered on, breathless.

"Jake's in there?"

"He's the one who stopped them from..."

The adrenaline coursing through Cameron caused her to shiver. Blessedly, Lacey sent Kimberly her way and they huddled together. It helped keep the fear at bay.

*** *** ***

Four to one. Jake had put up a fight but couldn't overtake all of them in his muddled condition. His first choice had been to target the scum who decided to attack Kimberly.

He managed to bash the man's head against the black iron wood stove and get in a few kicks to his ribs before he was grabbed by the others, throttled and beaten to a pulp. He lay still and quiet on the cool, wooden floor. He couldn't see through his eyes if he wanted to. They had been pounded shut. The previous head injury had his equilibrium going for a spin. He had taken a beating, but it was to distract them from Kimberly, who had gotten away, making it worth the while.

The robbers began to complain of thirst. The man giving orders grabbed Evah and stood behind her while he kicked open the front door. "I want some food and whiskey brought to this doorstep or you'll start digging graves."

Once back inside, he discarded Evah to the side. "Sit down ugly woman!" he sneered.

Evah's intake of breath was too much for Jake, and he felt a twinge of regret.

*** *** ***

Cameron and everyone else turned to the sound of horse's hooves pounding the dry ground as riders came roaring towards the bank. A man dismounted and took cover next to the sheriff behind the water trough. He took in Cameron huddled behind a post and scowled at Ed. He crouched low, keeping an eye on the bank.

Cameron's breath caught. It was Thomas. There was no mistaking it. He had the exact same eyes as her and their mama.

"Give me the numbers, Ed. How many cutthroat thieves are we dealing with?" He sized up Lacey. "Looking for some entertainment?"

She said something unintelligible and made her way to Cameron.

"I heard you want some food and drink?" Thomas hollered toward the bank. "It's not gonna happen, so you might as well give up now. We don't care who's in there with you, you ain't getting' away with that money!"

"What are you saying?" Ed asked in disbelief.

"I'll handle this now _Sheriff_ —go back to your women!"

"I'm staying. I was here when it started, I'll see it finished."

"You're not so yellow as I thought! Let's get on with it then." Thomas smacked the sheriff on his back and spoke as if this were an everyday adventure.

Cameron saw Ed wince from the pain caused by Thomas's hand to his gunshot wound. She heard he was mean but never wanted to believe it.

They all turned still as stone when they heard a gunshot go off inside the bank. Thomas signaled Lance into position and Mack crept up the boardwalk to the bank's broken window. Someone kicked at Jake's broken body until it was out the front door. He bounced down each step until he'd landed with a final thud.

"Ya don't care who's in here, eh? Start yer diggin'!"

The robbers opened fire and the townspeople who had gathered scattered in all directions, dodging bullets.

Thomas and his men fired back. When the firing ceased, the only sound heard was Cameron weeping. Thomas held up one hand and waited. She threw herself into Lacey's arms. "Jake's dead, Jake's dead!" she sobbed into Lacey's bony shoulder before looking again at Jake's lifeless body.

"It's time to end this annoyance." Thomas glared at Cameron before lifting his fingers. One, two, three. Mack turned towards the window and fired a shotgun. Jesse aimed, and with great accuracy, shot through the other.

The robbers attempted a run for it but didn't get far against Thomas's men. Thomas fired and wounded the ringleader, shooting him clean through the side. He then walked over, gripped the leader by his hair, snapping his head back as he pulled him up. Blood drooled from the corner of the man's mouth. Cameron watched it all in horror while biding her time for it to stop so she could get to Jake.

 "Hurts to stand, doesn't it?" Thomas curled his lip in disgust, stretching the man upright even more. He spat at the man's feet. "You picked the wrong town to mess with and now you're going to hang." He threw him down the steps, much like what had just been done to Jake, who now had several people hovering over him.

Cameron made her way to him and in the process found Thomas's disturbed gaze on her. She halted as he took her in. There was nothing of acceptance in his expression, and if she wasn't in such a state, she would probably have been crushed, but her concern was for Jake. She watched as her brother continued his mission of punishing the criminal. Apparently he was judge and jury.

She got to Jake as two men rolled him onto a thick, wool blanket. Then followed as they carried him to the doctor. Jake's face was stark white and he was covered with so much blood Cameron couldn't be sure where he'd been shot.

For some reason, Thomas was making his way to them. He frightened her and she wondered how her mother could have born such a soul. They were nearly to the doctor's when he must have had a change of mind, because he'd turned away.

# Chapter Nine

Cameron took turns caring for the patient and the restaurant. Business had picked up since the newest train line opened, bringing tourists and new settlers through Lincoln County. Now it was time to check on Jake, still recuperating at Dr. Colvin's infirmary. She arrived along with a slice of spice cake left over from the noon meal. "How is he doing today, Dr. Colvin?"

"He's spending more time awake, but he's not going to be a good patient once he's awake long enough to get bored. So far he's slept most of the time, which has been heaven sent I'll tell you. It's a shame to say this, but it's a blessing he's weak from losing all of that blood. It'll make him rest and stay in bed. I started weaning him from the laudanum yesterday. His last dose was during the night. The pain's going to kick in if it hasn't already. I haven't checked on him this morning with the rounds I've had to make. Since you're here, I'll give you the pleasure and be on my way."

"Take your time, Dr. Colvin," Cameron offered.

The doctor grabbed his black leather bag and opened the door. "I'll do that. Good day." His eyes twinkled at her mischievously. She wondered at the look for a moment before going in the back room where Jake was healing. She sat down in the chair next to his bed. He was sleeping so she pulled out a book to pass the time.

She smoothed out her skirt and read until she heard his voice. "You're so different than Lacey." He scrutinized her with bruised, yellow-black eyes. "It's a wonder you two get along so."

"Good afternoon, it's nice to see you awake and talking. You've been a worry to us all."

"I'm sorry to have been a bother," he teased. "By the way, what day is it? I've been coming in and out of sleep forever it seems. And each time I looked around, I got that old goat shoving some horrid tasting stuff into my mouth!"

She smiled, grateful she could enjoy his humor again. "It's only been three days and he was giving you something for your pain. You nearly died with all your blood loss."

"Just from the blood loss, huh? I feel like I've been trampled by a hundred horses!"

"You might have been better off if you had. Those bank robbers almost did you in, but I don't want to talk about that." Her eyes watered. She distracted herself by returning the book to her basket and asked if he could handle some food.

"I'm starving. Doc hasn't even given me bread crumbs," he said lightly, wincing as he tried to sit up.

"Here, let me help you. Are you sure you're ready?"

He nodded.

She held all of his upper body weight with one arm, while trying to pull out the pillows from under him with the other. Her hair was coming loose. She imagined it was tickling his face and wanted to pin it back, but then she heard his intake of breath.

*** *** ***

With pleasure, Jake breathed in her sweet smell. Instantly his lungs protested the sharp inhale and punished him, making him cough hard, and painfully. He had paid the price for enjoying femininity and would no doubt do it again—just as soon as the opportunity presented itself.

"Maybe it's too soon to sit up. Please lie down."

"All right," he sputtered. "Only for today."

Cameron adjusted the pillows and gently eased back his throbbing head. They were close, and she stayed a moment longer than necessary before moving away, to his near undoing.

"I'll get some water." Abruptly, she removed herself and went to the kitchen where he heard her shuffling around. When she sat down to spoon-feed him some water, he saw no mockery or teasing about her, only pure sincerity. He was a prideful man, but a thirsty prideful man, so he allowed her assistance.

After swallowing the first taste of water he said, "Just tell me what happened, and then we won't talk about it again, I promise."

She hesitated. His request clearly was not something she cared to relive. She set down the cool water. "The doctor removed a bullet from here." She traced the bandage above his collarbone. "And you've got three broken ribs here, and one here. He had to sew up your head a bit and your nose was broken."

"So I'm lookin' pretty good am I?"

Steadily, she looked at him. "Yeah, a real prizefighter." She picked up the water to give him another mouthful.

"And are you my prize?" he teased, pushing a little.

"Jake, I..."

"I'm jesting. No more water. I apologize, but I'm getting tired."

"Certainly."

She sounded hurt at his dismissal, but her presence was making him physically uncomfortable.

She gathered items, placing them in the basket and prepared to leave.

"Cameron?"

She turned, bright hazel eyes looking at him, hair still falling out of its metal clip.

"Come by tomorrow if you can. I'll be here." He grinned.

"I will. I would like that."

He fell into a restful sleep for the first time without laudanum. Pain forgotten temporarily as images of a tall, slight girl with messy wheat colored hair and golden eyes pleasantly filled his dreams.

# Chapter Ten

The hotel maid, Patsy, poured the last drop of water into a porcelain tub and took her leave. Cameron locked the door behind her, quickly undressed and climbed into the water. It turned out to be lukewarm so she hurried her washing. Earlier that morning, Doc Colvin had breakfast in the hotel and informed her that Jake was good enough to go home. She smiled at the thought of being the bearer of good news.

She was sitting at the vanity table in her room wearing a white cotton shift when she heard a knock on the door. Cameron went over to unlock it and Patsy came in, holding hairpins, combs and a metal curling iron. "Would you like me to fix up your hair? I saw a particular style in one of those French magazines. It would look beautiful on you."

"Why, Patsy, I can't imagine you looking at magazines from France. Where did you ever get one of those?"

"Lacey gave it to me when she was finished with it. How do you think she always knows the latest styles?" She danced gracefully around the room, imitating Lacey's elegant moves.

"I hadn't thought of it. So, you can do a miracle with this?" She held a fistful of ratted hair towards Patsy. It would be a nice change from the regular style of her pulling it back and tying it at the nape of her neck.

Patsy answered her with a beaming smile and by grabbing the hairbrush.

She brushed, twisted and pulled Cameron's hair up and around with surprising expertise. She provided Cameron the choice of a gold comb with red faux rubies lining the edge or a pearl comb. Both were beautiful, but Cameron chose the one with pearls; it was simple, like herself.

Patsy seemed pleased with her work. "There. Don't you look fetching if I don't say so myself!" She giggled.

Cameron's fingers gently followed the loose curls that slightly teased her slender collarbones. Both sides were pulled up, twisted into the comb she guessed, since she couldn't see it. Patsy left the length of her hair cascading down her back.

"What can I do to thank you?" Cameron asked thoughtfully, looking at her stylish self.

"You enjoy yourself with that Jake Collins is what you can do! I'm off to see Mr. and Mrs. Kline. They're about to check out so I need to help them and then clean their rooms."

 Cameron tugged on her black stockings, went to her small wardrobe for a dress and found that nothing fit her new, vivacious mood. With no other choices available than what she had, she chose a deep green dress with a row of button closures down the bodice. It had a wide, U-shaped neck, allowing the eye to take in her slender neck, namely, Jake's eye. She pinched her cheeks to color them and went to the man who stirred up foreign feelings in the pit of her stomach, in a tender place beneath her ribs.

Warm sunshine and a light breeze met her as she stepped outside of the hotel. The town was buzzing with people. Most everyone seemed in a pleasant mood, sending greetings to Cameron as they passed, men tipped their hats to her, causing her to feel confident. She'd finally been accepted and found her place in this town. Those who knew her stopped and chatted a few moments.

"What's this?" she asked when Amy and Mary Swanson handed her a piece of paper. Printed on it was news about the Fourth of July Annual Celebration.

"Fundraisers for the growing town," Mary informed her.

Cameron blocked out the two chatty girls as she read the flyer, plans for picnics, bands playing and even a kissing booth.

The sisters began to argue about where they were going to have the lemonade and pie booths. So they didn't miss Cameron as she eased away, absorbed in the flyer's contents. She had never been to an event like this. The only thing she could remember enjoying was the wedding of her mama's friend, Joanna, and she was only a small child then. Her pa hadn't been around that day to keep them from attending so her mama told her they could go to the wedding. Madeline braved the wrath of her husband as she danced and danced at that party. Cameron still remembered her mama laughing like she had not a care in the world. Reality hit them when they got home to face a furious, drunken Paul Engel. When her mama tucked her in that night, she had a swollen, pink cheek. She didn't realize at the time what her mama meant when she said, "Darling, I wouldn't change today for the entire year, because your pa can't take it away from me, no matter what he does."

Quietly, she opened the door to Dr. Colvin's. Her skirts swept against the table by the front door as she set down the basket of food. This trip in, she took her time and looked at the three large oval pictures hanging on the wall above a green velvet sofa, framed in beautifully carved cherry wood. On the left was the doctor at a younger age, in the middle was the doctor and a young woman whom she knew to be his deceased wife, Rose. The piano in the corner was also lined with smaller frames of all shapes and sizes, each placed carefully on crocheted doilies.

Lightly, she touched one of the keys, imagining Rose playing once upon a time. The feeling of love filled this room. Dr. Colvin had left it with his wife's touch, and it was well dusted and in good order.

"Who's there?" she heard Jake ask.

"It's me—Cameron." She took the basket and the flyer with her to the back where patients were kept.

"Good afternoon, sir," she said with a smile as she turned the corner to his room. The smile faded. "What are you doing?"

Jake was sitting on the edge of the bed straining to pull on his boot. "I can't stay here any longer. I miss my horse, I miss the outdoors—and I miss my own bed!" He slapped his current bed.

Her eyes widened for a brief moment.

"Woman, you blush so easily." He peered at her curiously. "And you're even prettier than I remember."

She noticed his almost full-grown beard and looked down quickly.

He turned serious. "You look, heck, I don't know, you look different today."

She reached for his other boot.

"Don't," he said. "I need to start taking care of myself. I won't have anyone at home handing me my boots, or feeding me, or bathing me." He smiled, big.

"You know I did _not_ bathe you!"

"How do I know? I've been drugged for the past week."

She set down the basket of food and waited patiently for him to be done with his stubbornness.

He winced as he pulled on his second boot. "It's just my ribs," he said. "They're healing up fine. They just feel worse than they are, according to the doc anyway."

"I brought you some lunch so that you could leave with a full belly. Then I was wondering if, well...  Lacey thought it would be a good idea to have you recover fully at the hotel."

He managed to get his boot on and balance himself to a standing position. He stood mere inches from her. "I'd love nothing more."

She walked swiftly towards the front living area. She needed to get away from his bedside. Intimacy was radiating from wall to wall, and the feeling of surrender that was forging up inside flooded her with agitation. She gripped the wall feeling as though she couldn't breathe.

*** *** ***

# Chapter Eleven

At last, Fourth of July arrived, and to add to Cameron's excitement, Lacey appeared before her with a dress she'd ordered special from a catalogue.

"Is this for me?" Cameron asked in disbelief.

"Indeed!"

Immediately, she put it on and relished in the yards of pink material gathered and tucked here and there, creating a scalloped look to the edge of the gown. It was the first short sleeved dress of this type she had ever worn and with Patsy's offer to do up her hair again, she felt beautiful.

"Absolutely stunning!" Lacey remarked.

Lacey appeared simply angelic in her sleeveless, white lace dress with pearls sewn all throughout the bodice. They were dressed much too elegantly for a town fair, Cameron knew, but for the moment she decided not to have a care as to what anyone else thought of them.

  They exited the hotel after placing a "closed" sign in the window. Lincoln County had transformed into a small city of colorful booths, which seemed to have popped up over night. A makeshift stage had been built to accommodate a band, and men were involved with putting together a fence for a rodeo. Excitement filled the air and she could not get enough of it. A brightly painted banner swayed across the entrance of town where all of the horses and buggies were parked. The horses were feeding on long stemmed green grass.

Newspaper journalists sported around interviewing people for highlights of the day, and comical clowns rode down the street on high-wheeled bicycles. She wondered how they managed not to take a "header" on the rough ground. People of all kinds filled in every nook and cranny of the streets awaiting the parade, after which they would all convene to the schoolyard for a short play on Independence from the school children.

Cameron was unsure what to do with news of Lacey hosting the kissing booth. She tucked the information away until she figured out why it bothered her so.

Just after the children's theatrical portrayal of George Washington winning independence from Britain, Mary accosted Lacey. "I need you _now_ at the kissing booth! The men are already lining up!"

Lacey smiled in playful smugness and allowed a high strung Mary to lead her away. Cameron moseyed around, wondering if she would run into Jake soon. The past few days of him sleeping under the same roof did nothing to appease her growing attraction. He was as old as her brother, which she didn't think should matter, but there was a strong sense overwhelming her that Jake thought her too young to be of interest, a bit of a turnaround since she'd first met him. Seeing all the families around prompted a yearning to have one herself, or at least to have someone with her. Parents and children spread large quilts across the lawns for the picnic and those who didn't bring blankets could use the tables, which were decorated with checkered tablecloths and tin cans filled with wild flowers. Although he was not overly popular with the town's people, Cameron was hoping to catch a glimpse of Thomas. Even if her notions were foolish, she could not give up.

Something had stirred the people's attention near the entrance of the town, under the great banner. The Engel gang was making an entrance—some sitting tall on their horses, others walking their mounts in the middle of the main road. People parted out of their way as the Red Sea would have. And as if she'd just wished him up and out of nowhere, there was Thomas. He took the lead and looked as menacing as ever—like a man filled with vengeance and rebellion. Although she strongly disliked him for allowing Jake to nearly die, she remembered her mama had loved him, and the road his life took when he was just a boy was not entirely his fault. The scene reminded her to look around for Jake, then she wished she hadn't. He was standing in Lacey's line. He too had dressed up for the special day, his brown hair tied back with a piece of leather, and he looked to have been shaved smooth and...he was waiting in line to kiss her best friend.

Cameron scanned down the long, absurd line of men—businessmen, farmers, young dandies, cowboys. One woman came and yanked her man right out of line, and some took to laughing and calling him a momma's boy. All the rest looked anxious to get in a quick peck with Lacey, the regal queen. Amy Swanson was collecting money from the men, trying desperately to flirt with each one. She'd succeeded with a few while the rest had eyes only for the raven beauty in front of them.

Jake was conversing avidly with a tall, blonde man. Cameron was too busy fuming inside to notice that he was more interested in the man he was visiting with than paying any mind to Lacey. It bothered her that she should care at all. She realized it was because he hadn't sought her company. He hadn't even as much as greeted her, and after everything she did for him while he was stuck at Dr. Colvin's. Visiting him, bringing him Cook's great food. She refused to waste another second of her life pining over him. Even if he was utterly the most handsome man around, he was most ungrateful.

Sighing, she settled herself on a blanket until Lacey could join her after her kissing duties. By then the sun had risen to the middle of the clear blue sky where not a cloud was around as far as the eye could see. She admired a young couple twirling around the dance floor, which was festooned with bunting. She focused on Patsy, who was laughing and enjoying herself in the arms of a young man—while she sat there, alone.

Lance and Jesse arrived to the dance with Thomas arriving minutes later. Cameron wondered why he even bothered to come to such a happy place. He didn't seem the celebratory type. She remembered Jesse from the night of the storm when they were stuck overnight in the hotel. Watching him now, stamping his foot to the music, hands hooked in the hips of his denim pants, singing to the band's  melodies, made her wish she were enjoying herself. Why couldn't she be bold like Lacey and do whatever she wanted to, whenever she wanted to? Nothing was holding her back but herself. She recognized Jesse's charm the instant he looked across the lawn and caught her staring at him. Quickly she removed her gaze to the blanket, picking at a loose thread. She was mortified, and he being in her brother's dangerous gang, of all things!

"Howdy."

Without looking, she knew it was Jesse. His voice all sweet and silky. She peered up into his adorable boyish face. He squatted down to her level and smiled a big, white smile.

Removing his hat with the utmost politeness he said, "There must be an awful good reason for you to be sittin' here all by yourself. You sick or somethin'?"

Her face grew hot to the core. "No, I am not ill."

"Then why aren't ya dancin'?"

"I...I haven't had anyone ask me to do otherwise."

"Well, mind if I change that? Pretty gal like you I should think would be dancing with every man here, Thomas's sister or not."

She'd never willed away her blushing as much as she did at that moment.

"I would be happy to dance with you."

He helped her to a standing position. What a gentleman he was.

Cameron had to steady herself. She hadn't realized how long she'd been sitting there, watching everyone else have all the fun. With grace, Jesse led her to the dance floor by the small of her back. She had never been touched so by a man. It stirred something inside of her, similar to that time at Doc Colvin's with... Jake.

Dancing didn't look so hard when she was watching others do it, yet shamefully she admitted she'd never before danced. Truth was, she'd only ever twirled around as a little girl with a pillow as a partner. This was hardly the same. She was actually touching a firm body, warm flesh. With patience, her experienced partner taught her how to move. Her attempts were comical but, by the end of an hour, she was keeping up with the best of them. Jesse spun her under his arm, twirling her back and forth until they were breathless. She could now relate to that dance, at that wedding so long ago when her mama had felt the same way.

Cameron realized the hour was getting late when the surrounding lanterns posted in the ground were being lit. She had no idea what time it was when the band announced they were playing the last song. Suddenly Jesse's fun-loving eyes became serious, and he pulled her closer. "You are the most beautiful woman here, you've got to know that."

She could _almost_ believe him, the intensity with which he spoke the words, his eyes blazing into hers... _almost..._ but she wasn't that naïve anymore. She looked away.

Gently, he cupped her chin, pulling her gaze back to him. "I mean what I say."

"I'm no beauty, Jesse. You must not know Lacey Jennings!" she said lightly, adding a modest laugh.

"I know Lacey, and she is pretty on the outside, yes, but she's full of ice on her insides. You, you're warm inside and out, I can tell. Come and have a drink at the saloon with me," he ordered softly, pulling her off the dance floor before the music stopped playing, before she said no.

She didn't want the old Cameron to come back. She wanted to be confident and this man could help her accomplish that, at least a little. He made her feel pretty and desired.

She looked up at him. "You taught me to dance, Jesse—now you'll have to teach me to drink."

"You're on, angel girl."

# Chapter Twelve

The moon was bright, the sky had a silver glow to it and finally the air was nice and cool. Crickets sang out as Jesse and Cameron made their way through the crowded street.

Jesse carried the blanket and Cameron the picnic basket—which had been meant to share with Jake. When she arrived at the saloon on the arm of Jesse, she couldn't help but gloat. She was with a handsome gunslinger who chose to be with her. Lacey was in the saloon playing cards with Ed Randall and others. Not understanding her irritation at their entrance, Cameron ignored the cocked eyebrow and look of exasperation she received from Lacey. She could be in the company of men, too. Lacey didn't have a monopoly on _all_ of them.

The saloon was crowded, every chair filled, some even having a "lady of the night" occupying the men's laps. Those who didn't have a seat stood around to peer over the card players' hands. Lacey's table seemed to have a high stakes poker game going on, with several onlookers watching, intrigued.

Being one of Thomas's gang must have given Jesse some clout as he ordered two cowhands out of their seats and they promptly obeyed. He and Cameron took their places. She was embarrassed at his behavior towards the men minding their own business, but couldn't resist the pleasure of his attention either. Jesse ordered two shots of rum and two shots of whiskey. This life of freedom to do anything she wanted was beginning to grow on her. She allowed Jesse to cajole her into trying the first drink. She sipped at it, tasted it, and wrinkled her nose before setting it tentatively back down.

"Ugh! Who likes this stuff?"

"Angel girl, you need to let it slide down, like this. See, all at once. You'll like it then. Go on, try again."

She retrieved the miniature glass, held her breath and drank it all at once, as her encouraging teacher showed her. A warm, tingly, burning sensation followed after the liquid went down. She sputtered a moment, placed a hand over her heart and closed her eyes, savoring the unexpected effect.

When she opened them and licked her lips, she was completely unaware of the effect she was having on the charmer sitting across from her. She reached for the second shot.

"Whoa, slow down, it might be tasty now, but it's gonna get your head spinning if you don't take it easy."

"Well, you're done with both of yours. I'm just trying to catch up."

No one was going to hold her back now. She drank the second one and the same fuzzy feeling came, spreading warmth through her, only she didn't choke up this time around.

"Yeah, I guess you're right, although I reckon I'm a little more used to this than you are."

Lolling her head back, she attempted to focus on scenes of Greek statues and gardens painted on the ceiling, unwittingly exposing the curves of her neck and shoulders. "I've had so much fun today. And you topped it all off by befriending me. Thank you." She lowered her eyes on him.

She watched his Adam's apple swallow hard and heard him order another drink for each of them. Cameron's mind had an indistinct feeling overwhelm her, but its effect was not upsetting _._

The third shot of rum was at her lips when Lacey appeared and stood angrily in front of Jesse. Readily, he stood up and over her by a good two feet. Cameron liked how his blonde, curly hair peeked out from the sides of his hat, hair that a girl could envy, it looked so soft. Cameron imagined weaving it in between her fingers, but Lacey's impolite voice broke her happy thoughts.

"Just what do you think you're doing? She's never had a drop of liquor before in her life!" She got as close to Jesse's face as she could, standing on her tiptoes to do it.

"He knows _that,_ Lacey!" Cameron said matter-of-factly before taking in the last drink.

Jesse smirked. "Come on, let's go somewhere where it's more quiet _._ " He held out his hand, which she accepted and staggered up beside him.

"I'm telling you, you're not taking her anywhere. Cameron, get over here!"

Cameron's eyes grew wide. "Leave me alone. This is what I want to do."

"Honey, you don't even know what it is you're asking for!"

Embarrassment stole over Cameron's whole being. "That's what you think—you think you're the only one who can be a _kissing doormat?_ Well, I have news for you, you don't get to kiss _this one_ tonight!" Cameron pulled Jesse out of the room, oblivious to the rush of hot air Lacey breathed out and the look of shock on her face.

Jesse laughed and mumbled, "Well I'll be! I've never before seen anyone talk to her that way."

Cameron stopped dead still as Jake Collins, whose presence seemed to fill the doorframe, overpowered her senses. She took a step back into Jesse after seeing the murderous look on Jake's face. Moved by hurt and rebellion, she held her head high and tried to pass him, while clinging to Jesse.

"Don't do it," he said in a low voice, briefly closing his eyes. If she'd had a clear head, she would have seen his pleading gaze.

"Stay out of this," Jesse warned.

White spots seemed to be attacking her from all directions. First their handsome faces became blurred and then rude blackness came. She passed out in a heap at the bottom of the stairs.

*** *** ***

Neither man had been ready to catch her—so intent were they with each other.

"Get out of here Jesse. You don't care a fig about this girl." Lacey pushed past him and knelt beside Cameron.

"Fool of a girl!" she scolded. "Jake, please, take her to her room for me."

Jake finished his stare down with Jesse and it took all self-control not to thrash him then and there. If Cameron hadn't needed him at the moment, most likely he would have offered Jesse an option for a nice dust up outside. Only when Jesse realized Cameron was out of commission, did he back down. Jake sighed and bent down to get a gentle hold on her and carried her up the stairs. He laid her neatly onto the bed and carefully adjusted a blanket about her. He'd wanted to visit with her all day, but was hosting a guest for business. When he finally had the opportunity to introduce them, he saw her dancing it up with Jesse. If he hadn't been so caught up in his business deal, he might have stirred trouble that very moment. As he thought about it, he should of. He looked down at Cameron and her innocent face, unblemished and sleeping peacefully. He took a chance to smooth away a strand of hair across her brow. His stomach tightened at the thought of her with anyone and grunted in disgust. Jesse was no good, then again, he wasn't so good himself and wondered at the mess he was getting himself into emotionally. Either way, she deserved better than the likes of both of them. The question was, why didn't she see that?

# Chapter Thirteen

July arrived swiftly with an incredible force of hammering heat. Cameron wiped her perspiring brow with a cloth napkin and readied a table for teatime. She had given up on Thomas, who clearly had no care as to her existence. But it turned out to be no matter. She'd made a life here regardless. She was surrounded by people she cared about and who cared about her, what more could she want?

Tonight, Liam was promoting a new imported beer and even hired a professional singer to entertain clientele. Cameron knew it was sure to be a crowded night and one that she would avoid. Since her humiliating moments after the picnic, she'd stayed away from the saloon as much as possible. And during the day, when no one was likely to be around, she and Andrew would visit over a cup of coffee. She enjoyed his simplicity and kindness and was impressed when he talked about his God. Cameron had no idea there was so much to the Bible. Although they were good stories to her, she could see how much Andrew believed in them.

As she had done countless times in the past two weeks, she replayed over and over that formidable night. It was a blessing she didn't remember everything, only she knew she'd made a fool of herself, throwing herself at a man—not just any man, but one of Thomas's gang—as if that'd make her brother want to get to know her!

There was something about Andrew that made her comfortable in sharing the mortifying event, maybe because she was confessing to a preacher, although it still made her cringe. When she did, he digested it and said thoughtfully, "We all make mistakes." He folded his hands in front of him and leaned across the dining table. "Are you looking to have someone fill a void in your life? It's something to think about, Cameron. Your pa abandoned you, and Thomas is not showing up as your family. We all want to be accepted, there's nothing wrong in that."

He made comments to her with gentleness and without judgment. On the days when she felt she was no better than Charlotte or any of the other saloon girls, she realized Andrew's friendship is what was beginning to matter, because she knew he did not believe that about her. Although she wasn't quite sure about his God, she enjoyed their discussions.

It was nearing time for her tea with Andrew and she was about to welcome him when she heard him coming. When she looked up to do so it wasn't Andrew standing in the entrance of the restaurant, it was Jake. It was the first time she'd been face to face with him since the Fourth of July.

*** *** ***

Jake caught Cameron's eyes with his and held them. There were unsaid things between them. They haven't spoken since the night he wanted to punch Jesse's face in. He watched her squirm uncomfortably. Finally she broke away from his intense look, and being the professional she was, she came over and offered to serve him some food. As he slid into the booth, he could not help but inhale the sweet scent of her. Her nearness brought the memory of their last moment together. He wondered if Jesse had ever made it back to complete what he'd begun. At the thought, Jake clenched his hands open and shut. So help him if he ever hurt Cameron.

Andrew entered the dining room, breaking Jake away from violent thoughts. It hadn't dawned on him that anything was out of the ordinary until he saw Andrew walk in a very familiar fashion towards Cameron. She said something, and only then did he make his way to Jake's table.

"Care to eat?" Jake offered.

"I've already had something, thank you."

Jake noticed a lone table set for tea, then brought his attention back to Cameron. It didn't take much to make out that Andrew had come for her company. He felt her body language shift and noticed she sought to keep busy. Her behavior was irritating and he'd not allow her to avoid him. "Cameron, why don't you join us? There's no one else here, come on now."

Andrew encouraged her as well, so she didn't have much of a choice. Jake stood first, making it obvious she had to share the bench with him. He was being ornery, but something was up. He could feel it even if he didn't know what it was. Once she planted herself inside, he sat. For a long while he did not move, not even an inch, trapping her between himself and the wall.

"It's nice to see you. Have you missed me?"

She peered from him to Andrew. "It's nice to see you too, Jake." Her voice was controlled, her head bent as she stared at her hands resting in her lap.

Andrew cleared his throat.

What was going on? He didn't care if he was being difficult. Why were these two suddenly the best of acquaintances? Did every man around these parts want Cameron? He twitched his jaw for calm and decided to get rid of his buddy.

"Andrew, I saw Jim from the assayer's office on my way here, said he needed to confirm a few things with you."

"I hope it wasn't urgent."

"Nah, but I just remembered it now."

Andrew looked upon Cameron apologetically, which irked Jake all the more. He hated secret glances and unspoken messages. "Till later, Cameron?"

She looked like she wished the seat would swallow her whole. "Yes."

As soon as Andrew departed, Jake decided to opt out of the teasing. Besides, he'd lost his teasing mood. "What's that nonsense?"

"What do you mean?"

He would take a more humbling approach. "I never thanked you for seeing me when I was sick. No one else did—it was you who brought me food and kept me company. I really am grateful to you."

"Then why didn't you see me at all during the festivities? I was hoping you would have picnicked with me." She turned her honeyed eyes to him.

"I was with a partner on business that day. We had to discuss an opportunity," he said in his defense.

"You managed to see her that day, as well as..."

"What?"

"Both times I saw you Jake, you were either waiting in line to kiss on Lacey, or in Charlotte's presence. This is silly. Please...please let me out," she pleaded.

"Now hold on a minute! Charlotte spotted us, and before we could get away, she was on us like a frog on a lily pad."

"I think if you'd wanted to, you would have introduced me to your friend."

It was his turn to glance away. He refused to share what he felt upon seeing her in Jesse's arms at that blasted dance. She was right. He didn't go out of his way to see her—heck, he was still trying to figure out why this woman had the effect on him that she did. He was eleven years older, she was too young, too inexperienced. He'd lived a rough life, she, a sheltered one and still exploring her identity.

He looked into her eyes and sighed inwardly. He knew she wouldn't settle for what he wanted. She had more class and morality than that, even if she didn't know it. But looking upon her physical beauty and sweet nature, it was not as easy as he thought it would be. Could he tell her that she was in his mind every day, all day?

He toyed awhile with the teaspoon and decided to clear something up. "Am I the reason for you being with Jesse?"

This thought had plagued him, though he was sure he knew the answer. He tried not to show anger, but it was all he could do to keep his focus on the shiny spoon in front of him.

"I guess it was. I'm ashamed of it." She turned her body fully towards him. "Can things just get back to the way they were? It's not too late, is it?"

He felt his jaw twitch. "I'm only glad that you fainted before..."

 "I won't do anything as foolish as that ever again. I promise."

"None of us should make promises we can't keep. I have no right to ask you to make such promises anyway." He didn't want her to think he was angry with her, but couldn't accept the feelings stealing over him, so he said, "I've gotta check on the store. I'll see you soon."

# Chapter Fourteen

The next morning Jake went to the dining room to catch a cup of fresh coffee before heading to the Gun Shoppe. For a few moments he watched Cameron serve a busy crowd of patrons. When she made her way to Andrew's table, a smile eased over her soft features and she poured him a cup of steaming coffee.

He was uneasy at the familiarity the two had with each other. Looking intensely upon Andrew, he supposed females might call that handsome. He sauntered over and heard Andrew ask her to go on a ride that afternoon. When Cameron saw him, she was extremely discomfited. Good.

"You're welcome to come, too," Andrew offered upon seeing his intrusion. So polite their reverend was.

Cameron managed to slide past mumbling something about getting Hank Levins his hot cakes. Her departure left him standing there with the person he wanted to least be around at the moment.

"I got work to do. Maybe another time, Rev."

*** *** ***

It had been offered on impulse. Never was it Andrew's intention to seek out Cameron's attentions. Their initial times visiting were meant to move along the boredom of living in a hotel. He was in Lincoln County to begin a church, not spend time dilly-dallying around with friends. For certain he needed to be concentrating on the Lord's good works. He would repent later, but for now, all reservations flew right on out of his mind when he saw Cameron emerge from the hotel. He bounded from the buggy seat and assisted her from the boardwalk step. "Well, don't you look a picture."

"I hope that is a compliment."

"It is."

When they arrived at the blank slate of land that would host his future home, they walked a piece before settling onto a blanket. Cameron pulled out a chunk of cheese and set out dried apples, which they snacked on for a bit, comfortable in silence. His heart constricted. Cameron was kind, beautiful and eager to learn whatever he had to share. But she was also troubled and he sensed insecurity about her like a cloud. That was not something he wanted to interfere with. Perhaps coming out here alone wasn't the brightest idea he'd ever had.

She searched his face. "Care to share your thoughts?"

He pulled a blade of grass and placed it between his teeth. "Just thinking about the church."

"We didn't have a church in Ludenville, so I can only imagine what it's like."

She nibbled on some cheese and he asked, "You planning on coming?"

She shrugged. Not the response he'd been expecting. He didn't want to press, so took to teasing instead.

"You could pretend some enthusiasm you know."

Looking embarrassed, she amended, "Of course I'll come."

"That's better." He pointed in the direction north of where they relaxed. "That's where I am going to build. It'll be a far cry from living in a three story home back East, but I'm looking forward to getting back to living in Kansas. I've missed it."

"Let's go to over to where you plan to build. I want you to make an imaginary outline of it for me."

She sprang up and waited for him to follow. He grinned. Cameron was so full of life, he wondered if he'd ever be able to resist her by saying no to anything. They got to the plot, and with his booted foot, he drew lines in the dirt where each room would be.

"Two rooms?" She teased.

Awkwardly he answered, "Just preparing for... family one day, I suppose."

"That's wise. My mama and me had a big 'ol farm all to ourselves. I loved being there with her, feeding the chickens, baking." She studied him. "I bet you're going to need something like that. You should be planning on more rooms than you can count. I've seen how those Swanson sisters swoon over you."

He was shocked to embarrassment at her blatancy.

She giggled.

"Now that was not amusing Cameron Engel!"

"I thought it was. You should have seen the look on your face."

She headed off to the direction of their blanket and he followed. She was like nobody he ever knew and was fast making her way into his heart.

*** *** ***

Jake was in the saloon when Andrew returned Cameron to the restaurant. He sat in a chair with a precise view to the foyer of the hotel. He saw the couple come inside laughing together, and he noticed Andrew's hand resting gently around Cameron's waist as he guided her inside, as if she needed his help. Jake harrumphed and took a swig of his whiskey. One more glance at her and her mussed up hair told him that she'd had an enjoyable time.

He never wanted Cameron more than he did now.

Charlotte honed in like a viper. "You look like you could use another drink."

He snapped his bloodshot eyes at Charlotte, shaking his head as if to focus on her. Specks of perspiration dotted her upper lip, causing the red paint she wore to bleed through the tiny wrinkles that spiked away from corners of her full, lush lips like small streams in the mountains.

"I miss you." She ran her finger coyly around the rim of his glass, looking him up and down.

He snorted in disgust. "I'm not interested anymore," he said acidly. He tossed down the drink she brought him, and stared straight ahead.

"Ignoring me isn't going to work. I know you're lonely. Is she ever going to give you what I can?"

He glared at her. "Don't you talk about her. You don't know nothin' about it!"  "Well, you won't to say it, but I will. No one else can love you like I can, you know that."

Angrily Jake scraped the chair against the floor and stalked off. Then he remembered he needed cured of Cameron Engel and her innocence, which he refused to ruin. Vigorously, he came back to Charlotte, pulled her into his arms and kissed her.

*** *** ***

It was dawn, the crisp morning air unaffected from the still rising sun. It was Cameron's turn to assist Cook with preparing food for the day. She heard someone coming down the stairs at the early hour. Thinking it might be a guest, she went to offer her assistance if it was needed.

She blanched when she saw Jake stop in the middle of the stairs to finish tucking in his shirt and buckle his belt. He adjusted the gun belt at his hip and slowly descended the last few steps. He halted when he saw her, and she thought she saw a flicker of remorse in his eyes, for what reason she wasn't exactly sure.

Until Charlotte practically danced around the corner. "Jake, honey. You forgot your hat."

"Cameron?" Cook called out to her. "Is something wrong?"

She held Jake's eyes with hers. "No, it's just a cowpoke leaving a whore's room." She choked on a shaky sob and hustled back to the kitchen.

# Chapter Fifteen

That evening, as the saloon was finally quieting down for the night, someone ran in and yelled. "Fire! About two miles that way... I think it's the church!"

Jake bolted up the stairs to Andrew's room, knocking relentlessly.

Andrew opened the door, rubbing his eyes.

"Get your pants on, Reverend. The church is on fire."

Jake exited the hotel and witnessed a dozen outlaws swarming down the hill. He swore, and for what it was worth, ran to get the sheriff. He found Ed locking up the jail. "We got trouble!"

At the same moment, it seemed the outlaws had made it to town and were pounding through the streets, smashing windows and breaking down doors in a pillaging rampage.

With urgency and regret, Ed ordered, "Go get Thomas, this is too big for us."

*** *** ***

Cameron and Lacey gasped as an intruder forced his way into the hotel. The man stood in the foyer, gun in hand.

Lacey whispered, "Go to your room. I'll deal with this."

"You know _him_?"

"Ken Murphy, an enemy of that brother of yours."

As much as she wanted to flee at the sight of this grossly intimidating man who looked as though he would devour them, she wouldn't leave Lacey alone with him.

 "What do we have here?"

"Leave us alone, we have nothing to do with your business with Thomas."

Her words sparked anger. "Everything in this town has to do with my business." He shoved them into the saloon. "I aim to take back what's mine!"

Another man entered and reported to Ken, "There's a couple of old ladies up there and two little kids. I left Frank to keep watch. They won't be of any good to us, that's fer sure." He laughed heartily.

How many men were there? Where was Andrew? Cameron could barely think. Why couldn't she be brave like Lacey?

Charlotte appeared just then. She seemed oblivious to the fear and danger going on around her as she volunteered the worst information possible. "Have you met Lacey's minion yet?  Her name's Cameron Engel... as in, Thomas's sister."

Tauntingly, Ken made his way over to her.

Lacey exploded, "So help me, you lay a hand on her and you'll be sorry."

Cameron thought for sure they were both dead but Ken seemed amused. "Your men will soon be done fighting that fire. I need you two to keep us company until the big fish arrives."

*** *** ***

Andrew fell to his knees in front of what used to be the entrance of his church. He seized raw dirt with his blackened hands and held it up towards the sky. "I don't understand. What is Your plan in this?"

His veins bulged at his temples and he pushed his scratchy, hoarse voice to its limits. It hurt to take in a breath. The dirt slipped loosely from his hands before he wept, his shoulders trembled uncontrollably.

After a while he wiped his eyes and nose clear—to better see the destruction before him. Heavy timber—once the ceiling beams—lay on top of the still burning coals like toothpicks that fell from their box. The once important bell was smeared with soot and nestled in the middle of the rubble, otherwise unscathed. Smoke floated up in strangled threads from the piles of wood, ash, metal and colored glass—leaving a haunting affect in its wake.

In his grief, Andrew managed to get back to town and saw the destruction of it as well, leaving no doubt that they were under attack. Darting through the shadows and alleys of the town's buildings, he made his way unnoticed to Jake's Gun Shoppe. The place had been ransacked but he grabbed one of the remaining weapons and quickly armed himself.

Someone had followed. Andrew slid behind a darkened door with his gun cocked and ready to fire, sweat pouring down his face. The slow, booted footsteps were getting closer. He could tell the man was being as cautious as he. The door opened, creaking slightly on its hinges. Silence.

"Hold it right there!" Andrew ordered dryly.

Jake raised both of his hands and released his forefinger from the trigger.

"Ya really gonna shoot an old friend, Reverend?" He pivoted slightly so Andrew could see his profile in the pale moonlight.

"You scared me half to death, man!"

"If it were anyone else robbing me, I would be hanging him from the nearest tree." Jake looked at the empty display cases where his guns once were. The few boxes of ammunition that remained were scattered across the floor. "Are you really ready to shoot someone? I know you're no coward, but doesn't it go against...heck, I don't know, against God or something?"

"I'm here to do what needs done. That's all there is to it."

"Let's go to it then."

Andrew and Jake were soon next to Thomas, who was slouched behind a wagon bed. Without greeting or spite, he filled them in. "I counted three men down that way, to the right, protecting their horses."

Andrew turned to find an outlaw coming up on Jake. He had no choice and fired his weapon. The man fell to the ground, writhing around. Under cover, Andrew belly crawled to the body, aiming his gun at the man's head to complete the job, the vision of his burning church raw in his mind. He looked at the blood flowing from the gut wound and hesitated.

"Finish it!" the man pleaded, groaning in agony.

Andrew's hand shook. "Oh, God! I can't do it!" Not like that, so close and so brutal. He heard a shot zing past him, striking the man in the head.

Jake fired the final shot on his behalf.

*** *** ***

This town was madness! Shots were being fired back and forth, but Cameron had no idea who was shooting at who.

A moment later she heard Thomas's voice ring through the night air. "Took ya long enough to find me, Ken Murphy. Your men are a bit anxious with their guns. I've killed me three already," he boasted. "There's gonna be a whole lot more dead if you don't come out now and fight like a man 'stead of hidin' behind skirts."

Cameron and Lacey looked at each other. Did Thomas have to taunt their captor so? Unfortunately, she'd come to know how Thomas dealt with lawlessness in his town. He cared nothing about hostages or innocent bystanders. His only concern was showing the offenders he was boss. Waves of nausea swept over her. If they didn't fight to get themselves out of this, there was no telling what might happen to them in the hands of Ken's men. Or, the more she thought about it, at the hands of her brother.

Ken made clear his purpose and threat. "We just want you, Thomas. I'll give back these whores the moment I see your face!"

"And I think you're gonna kill 'em anyway!"

Lacey looked ready to jump through the window and throttle him. "If Thomas thinks he's going to leave us in here do die for his despicable pride, I'm going to give him what's coming to him!"

Cameron pulled her down by her skirts. "Sit down! You're going to get yourself killed!"

Ken pushed greasy hair out of his beady eyes and pierced Cameron with a thoughtful look. The entire room fell to silence as he took in every inch of her. Reaching out he pulled her to stand. Hot breath heated up her neck. "Be a good girl and you won't get hurt."

Ken slid out of the hotel with her in his powerful, tight grip.

He placed her directly in front of him. "Come out Engel, all I want is you. Show yourself or this pretty little thing is going to suffer an unfortunate fate. I understand she might mean something to you."

She tried to remain stoic, all the while knowing she would die if Thomas didn't come through and save her.

"It's over. Let her go." Thomas surrendered his position.

"Thomas," she whispered, her heart pounded hard in her chest.

 "Toss your gun over here and tell your men to stand down," Ken ordered.

Thomas lowered his gun to the ground and Cameron noticed he refused to look at her. She was surprised as anyone he actually capitulated to an enemy. Did he truly care about her then?

Swiftly, Ken raised his weapon and aimed it straight to the heart of her brother. She screamed, "No!" and hurled herself in front of him, taking the bullet deep into her side.

Lying on the boardwalk and gasping for air, she looked up to see Jake standing above her, firing over and over again—two, three, four rounds. He finally stopped when the only sound left was the clicking of his empty gun.

# Chapter Sixteen

Two weeks later Dr. Colvin succumbed to Cameron's pleading to go home. "On one condition," he said with mock sternness, wagging an old, crooked finger at her. "I spoke to Jake this morning and he offered to carry you home."

She sat up prepared to argue.

He'd hear none of it. "Now, listen to me. The hotel is two streets away. I don't want you jostled about even a little bit in a buckboard and walking is clearly out of the question. So, you stay here for a few more days and keep me company, or you'll swallow your pride and take the man up on his offer."

She sat back, folded her arms across her chest, pouted and contemplated.

Within the hour she was engulfed in the nearness of Jake. Having no other way to hang on, she looped her arms around his neck while he carried her, without any sign of strain or exertion. She was mortified.

"You best get some meat on your bones. Starting today, I'm going to have Cook broil you up a big ol' steak with potatoes and peas, smothered in his famous gravy. I suggest you eat up a whole pie as well." He peered down and her breath caught.

She was soon deposited into an overstuffed feather chair that Lacey had set out in front of the hotel. "I don't need to be fussed over," she said to Jake. "I'm nearly all healed up."

Ignoring her protestations, Jake announced he'd go in just the same and check on her supper.

She felt ridiculous sitting outside, but was grateful to see the town appeared back to normal. A moment later, a shadow passed over, blocking her view. She shielded her eyes by her hand to see Thomas standing awkwardly above her.

"Nice to see you about," he said.

Cameron gripped the sides of her chair to pull herself up straighter and scooted to the edge of her seat.

"Thomas?"

He pulled his eyes to hers.

"Mama died of pneumonia," she said, wanting to rush their conversation should he bolt before she could say her piece.

She watched him work his hands at his sides, clenching them in and out, like one would do prior to a gunfight.

"She wanted me to find you, so that...so that we might be a family, you and I." She waited in the intense silence for a reply.

"What do you want me to say?" He asked bitterly. "You don't want me _._ I am not the ideal family. I fight outlaws for lands sakes!"

On shaky legs, she stood to her feet. "Just where do you think _I_ lived? In a grand house somewhere? It's been Mama and me for the past eleven years, working for every bite we took and her scrimping to save every penny she earned. I'm not used to an _ideal_ family." Her face felt flushed and she wavered a moment, balancing herself by holding on to the arm of the chair.

He noticed and took a step forward to help. "I wish you didn't do what you did," he said, less upset. "I can't believe you ran in front of that bullet—it was a stupid thing to do," he admonished. "I live a dangerous life. I will never bring you into my world."

"Don't I have a say in this?"

He shook his head and backed away slowly. He unhitched his horse without a word, mounted with ease and set off without looking back.

"I'm not going away, Thomas Engel! I'm staying put, right here!" she shouted indignantly.

*** *** ***

Cameron was alone in the restaurant late that evening folding napkins, after insisting she do something to earn her keep. Lacey learned well enough to leave her be in this after she refused to sit up in her room another moment. Andrew wandered in, no doubt checking why a lantern was on at such an hour.

"Would you like some tea?" She asked, reaching for the nearby teapot.

He looked at her curiously. "I would."

 "I'm afraid it's only lukewarm." She placed his drink in front of him. He was already sweetening it with sugar when she asked, "How was the service this morning? Your first since the... fire, yes?"

"It was difficult, but pleasant enough. It's not the same in the schoolhouse but I suppose it's not about the building, is it?" He looked down. "Forgive me, I am wrong to complain."

"There's nothing to forgive you for."

She noticed, not for the first time, how appealing his nature was. Although a relative of Lacey's, they hardly resembled anything like each other. Andrew had hair the color of hay, deep brown eyes and dark-toned skin, which strongly contrasted Lacey's porcelain-like features and silk black hair. He wasn't built as broadly as Jake Collins, but she concluded that Andrew was no weakling either.

"I would be happy to have you join us should you ever choose to come."

She smiled easily. "I will be happy to come."

"It's a bit late. May I see you to your room? I'd feel better about that rather than leave you down here alone and in the dark."

After thinking a moment, she said, "It is decidedly late, thank you, Andrew."

*** *** ***

The first customer of the morning was Jake, and although she'd been hurt by him, Cameron couldn't help peruse his noticeably handsome self dressed in a white cotton shirt, black vest and black jeans.

In her presence, he took off his hat and put on a nonchalant stance. "Cameron," he said softly, "I thought that maybe you'd like to come for a ride with me. I want to show you something. Are you feeling up to it?"

Her curiosity was piqued despite the fact she was done trying to earn his affections. "I am."

# Chapter Seventeen

After informing Lacey she would be gone a while, Cameron stepped out into the humid air to see Jake sitting in a buggy. It looked unnatural since she was used to seeing him in a saddle. He helped her into the buckboard with a welcoming smile. Wordlessly he climbed up next to her and smacked the reins.

"Where are we going?" she asked, tying the ribbons of her bonnet underneath her chin.

"Patience. You'll see soon enough."

The drive was bumpier than she'd prepared herself for. Jake tried avoiding as many ruts as possible but without much luck—the dirt was packed tight and baking in the sun and rocks and debris were sticking out of the hardened clay. But wherever they were going, their surroundings were becoming greener and lush. Cottonwood trees lined the roadside, and the small, feather-like seeds were floating in the air all around them like a mass of gnats flying about.

"This is beautiful," she said in awe.

"It's called Spillman's Creek."

 "Can we get down and walk?"

"That's the plan." He stopped the horses at the mouth of the creek and eased Cameron from the buckboard. "If you're feeling up to it after that ride. Do you need to rest?"  
She wrinkled her nose. "I'm tired of resting!"

He held up his hands "Alrighty then."

"What are these?" She pointed to a bluish-purple patch of flowers. "They're very pretty."

*** *** ***

Jake felt a pang of regret for bringing her away from the hotel. Who was he kidding? From Andrew. But selfishness got the better of him—he wanted her all to himself, even if it were only for the day.

He cleared his throat. "They're called asters. They grow wild—look there, there are hundreds of them."

She began picking wild flowers at random, making a hefty sized bouquet. "And these?"

"Columbines."

She thrust some into his hands, unable to hold the whole bundle in her arms.

"How did you know I love flowers? We had a bunch of flowers back home, only I never knew what they were. Once I got a horrid, itchy rash from going out picking one day." She winced at the memory. "I don't know which of the flowers was the culprit!" She belted out a laugh. "Look at you, holding a bouquet of color. You look like a nervous suitor!"

He was at a loss for words at her bright, innocent actions. Needing a moment, he brushed passed her. "Come on. Let's go down to the creek and cool off some in the shade."

He hadn't thought to bring a blanket or a basket of food and he was surprised to see she did not even seem to mind. She looked as content as could be to sit on a hard rock, drinking in the coolness of the stream, holding tight to her flowers as if they were a treasure. A trace of pink had finally returned to her cheeks and she didn't appear to move as if she were in pain. He hoped he wasn't pushing her too hard.

Watching her sitting there all pretty, arranging flowers in her lap, brought back the knot of self-loathing he felt when his thoughts led him to the night with Charlotte. Cameron's look of arrant disappointment brought a pang of remorse. Her words had stung, because they had been true.

Jake looked at her now in her dreamy state, smelling her treasures. She could never belong to him. But the harder he fought it, the harder it was to let go his feelings. A stronghold was building, and at this point, he didn't think it could be defeated.

The blasted weather changed abruptly as thick clouds swiftly overshadowed them. He didn't know what was coming their way but did not like the feel of it.

"Come on, Cameron, time to go." He stood up from his place in the dirt and held out his hand to her.

She reluctantly obeyed, not ready to leave the newly coveted place.

The blustery weather picked up as soon as they reached the buckboard, he being as gentle with her as possible during their rush. "Hold on to your hat!" he shouted over the hissing wind. Dirt swirled up fiercely from their path, filling their teeth with gritty sand. Although hindered, Jake untied his handkerchief from his neck and pressed it into her hand. She covered her nose and mouth with it. His hope to make it to town vanished as he watched the first ball of hail bounce off of the dry ground like the rubber balls he'd seen boys in town play jacks with. Then, as though they were coming under fire, more plummeted from the offending sky. Cameron's flowers were being pelted to shreds.

He knew the hail must be stinging her body just as he felt the effect of the pricking against his own. He dreaded going where he knew he must, but there was no other choice.

He helped himself to the shelter of the nearest barn, getting the horses in, secure and taken care of. Once the hail died down, he brought Cameron out of the barn. He didn't announce their presence when he entered the familiar kitchen of Thomas's home. The last memory he had there assaulted him. The very place he was standing in was where Thomas delivered Jenny's lifeless body to him.

Cameron nudged him to attention and finally he announced their presence.

The tip of Mack's gun met them where they stood.

"Take it easy. We need to wait out the storm," Jake said, easing down non-threatening hands.

Within minutes Cameron was wrapped in a blanket and holding a cup of coffee  between her hands, delicate fingers wrapped around the big mug as if she were comfortably sitting in her own kitchen. The picture briefly irritated Jake, but then he just wanted to make sure she wasn't hurt anywhere.

Mack sat across from her and was actually being halfway decent. Lance was on a sofa with his leg propped up onto a chair, recovering from the recent shoot out. After the initial commotion, he started back to reading the newspaper. Thomas and Jesse were involved in a card game, obstinately ignoring the uninvited visitors.

Jake sat, hoping for an opportunity to get out, until he heard thunder crackling above. Begrudgingly, he poured himself a cup of thick coffee, and having no choice, would wait. "I can't take a chance with us heading back to town with this lightning."

"We'll leave when you say, Jake. I know I'm safe with you."

Mack gave him a look of disapproval.

He planted a level gaze right back at him, daring him to challenge his motives with Cameron.

Mack stood up. "Well, I'm hungry. I'm going to rustle up some supper."

"Please, may I help?" Cameron asked.

"Well, uh...yeah, I suppose you could."

Jake strongly disagreed. "She's still recovering. I'm not gonna have her cook for you."

 "I feel better than I have in weeks," Cameron asserted.

After an awkward dinner hour with Jake wanting to be as far away as possible from the memories that went along with this ranch, the storm let up.

It was dark by the time they reached the hotel, but Jake realized he wasn't done spending time with her. "Let me buy you a drink. A sarsaparilla _,_ I mean," he emphasized, remembering her last bout with liquor.

"I actually like the taste of rum...well, once I got used to it." She giggled.

"I'm sure you did," he teased.

He helped her from the buggy, depositing her at the front entrance. After making sure she was stable, went to deliver the rented team back at the livery.

*** *** ***

Cameron explained her ordeal to Lacey the moment she saw her, apologizing for missing out on her duties.

"You were in your brother's home?"

"For whatever it meant. He's stubborn! I hope he comes around."

Jake returned. "I'll be in here," he said and went into the saloon.

Lacey watched Jake walk into the saloon, and before she could impede her with a warning to stay away from him, Cameron followed.

She entered only to find Charlotte and Jake in what appeared to be a heated discussion. She stood back, not wanting to interfere, but too curious to leave. Jake looked angry, Charlotte, too. Cameron was shocked when she saw him grab Charlotte's wrist until it looked like she'd surrendered to whatever it was he was telling her.

He made his way back to her.

"Is...is everything all right?"

"I needed to make sure we were left alone tonight and that you wouldn't be bothered. Come, sit down with me."

She looked at her sarsaparilla and her rum. He'd ordered one of each.

"We can get you more flowers another time."

The unease lifted once she saw that Charlotte was no longer in the saloon. "I would like that very much. Not just the flowers but all of it. Well, we can leave out the hellfire and brimstone. I did love the creek though. Thank you for taking me." She fidgeted her hands nervously. It seemed things were getting intimate again.

For hours they visited and Cameron was seeing a side to Jake she never knew existed. He opened up and talked about his childhood, his sister Jenny and his parents. Modestly, he described his homestead. She noted he specifically left out his sister after telling of his parents' deaths.

Conjuring up some courage, she asked about her. "What happened to Jenny?"

He pierced her with a sharp look that quickly softened. He was beginning to let down his guard. "She hung herself... at your brother's."

Jake sat back in the chair, arms crossed defiantly. Cameron leaned in close, wondering which words to express for comfort. He continued sharing before she could figure it out.

"Thomas said he was trying to get her to go home, says he never wanted her there."

Tears began to swell. She didn't know if her heart was breaking over Jenny, or over her brother's cruelty. "Do you believe him?"

"If I do, it means that she thought no one wanted her, and if that's the reason, then it's my fault, not his."

Before they realized the saloon was empty, they heard Liam stacking up dirty dishes and noticed all the vacant tables around them.

Jake cleared his throat. "I hope we didn't keep you."

Cameron stretched and smiled at Liam who said, "You two stay here any longer and I'll put you to work washing up all these here dishes!"

That was it. They rushed out laughing heartily, the heavy mood lifting, which she was grateful for. They stopped at the bottom of the stairs. Cameron held her finger up to her mouth and whispered, "Shhh." The last thing she needed was for Lacey to get upset with her for waking up the guests.

Jake lifted her finger from her lips and placed it to his own. He closed his eyes as if to savor her touch. She stood there, stock still, for what seemed like eternity. When he opened his eyes, he gently pulled her into him until their foreheads touched. She knew what he was doing—he was wrestling between letting her go, and keeping her with him. She was waiting in suspense, afraid to move. He lifted his face to search hers. If she didn't let him know what she wanted, he'd walk out the door. Cameron stood up on her tiptoes to get herself kissed.

Jake kissed her firmly, wrapping his arms around her waist, holding her steady, yet protective of her wound. He eased her back into the stair rail while she bravely pulled herself into him, sliding her arms up and around his strong neck, feeling his muscled shoulders. Dizziness overcame her, causing a very pleasant tingly sensation. Jake's breathing increased, then suddenly, he broke the kiss.

He rubbed a rough thumb across her moist mouth. "You don't want this, Cameron." He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled as if he could blow out the flames of burning passion.

"Please don't tell me what I want. Everyone tells me what I want. Mama told me that I wanted to come here." She smiled wanly. "Well, she happened to be right. But that's beside the point. My brother tells me that I don't want him or to be a part of his life, and now you. Please, don't. I do want you, Jake."

She would help him decide. "Please," she appealed.

*** *** ***

He shut his eyes, deliberating, wrestling, weighing. He knew if he searched her face, the act would wash away the last of his integrity, and worse, steal her purity.  Cameron must have taken his silence as rejection because she roughly pushed him away and ran up the stairs. He placed his hand on the rail where her warmth still remained and leaned his head against his forearm. It took him three seconds to decide to go up after her. He took the steps in twos, reaching her door just as she did. He pulled her to him and kissed her mouth over and over, all the while fumbling with the door handle. When he got it open, he paused to give her one more chance to stop him. Cameron held his anxious gaze with her welcoming one and backed slowly into the room. He followed and clicked the door shut.

# Chapter Eighteen

Throughout breakfast Jake had been attentive and kind, and shortly after his departure, Cameron went outside where the crisp autumn air made her chill. She had a full list of supplies to order for the hotel and headed to the mercantile.

She saw her brother leaning against a fence post near some horses, looking to be waiting for someone. When Thomas saw her, she heard him swear.

"It's so nice to see you," Cameron said cheerfully, choosing to ignore his boorish behavior. And besides that, nothing could break up her happiness today.

"I can hardly say the same." He tried to get past her, but she sidestepped along with him.

"There's no sense in avoiding me—I've told you before that I am staying. I no longer have the home where I grew up."

"As I've already told _you,_ I don't care if you're here or not, I just don't want you in my life. I'm not about to change the way I live for you or anybody else, so get out of my way."

Undaunted she plunged ahead. "Just who do you think you are?"

He cocked a brow. No doubt nobody had ever talked to him so.

 "You are egotistical thinking that I would ask you to change anything. I don't _want_ to live with you! I'm happy at Lacey's. How can you turn your back on family? I've come all of this way to meet you, Thomas..."

_No. Don't cry!_

Too late, the tears betraying her strength came rolling out, one after another.

He swore again.

"And you...you have the worst mouth I've ever heard!" she stammered.

"I wouldn't have to turn my back on you if you would just leave."

"Leave? Do you really want me to go? How about I just go and search out my no good pa? Would you like me to do that? The one who tried to kill you!" She snatched his handkerchief right out of his shirt pocket. She knew he didn't have it in him to offer it on his own. The act surprised him and he winced as she blew her nose into it, hard.

"Dang it! I don't want you to find him, Ca --" He swore and moved out of the way for someone to pass through.

"You can't even say it, can you? Just say my name, Thomas."

He stood there mute, as if he'd rather look at the dirt than at her. "You don't want to be around me. Sometimes I'm no better than your pa. You've got to see that." He walked away.

Distraught, Cameron declined shopping and was nearly home when she saw Andrew on Main Street talking to Miss Evah, the Swanson sisters, and another young female whom she hadn't seen before. The women were acting shamelessly, obviously seeking the man's attentions. She searched his face to see his reaction and wasn't surprised to see unease.

She crumpled her brother's handkerchief into her hand and walked up to the small, interesting group just as Mary invited him to come to dinner.

"Pardon the interruption, Reverend. I couldn't help but overhear and I wanted to remind you of your commitment this evening."

He looked at her blankly.

Promptly, she put on a miffed voice. "You _are_ still planning to help your cousin aren't you, Reverend Jackson?"

Mary Swanson waited anxiously.

"Of course!" he feigned surprise. "How could I forget? Please accept my apologies, Miss Swanson. I regret I have other plans."

Her disappointment was clear.

Cameron linked her arm with his and told him that he was needed urgently in the hotel, and started pulling him away.

"Excuse me, ladies." He tipped his hat to them and to Cameron he said, "I am supposed to be an upstanding man of the cloth!"

They had a good laugh.

"You poor, poor man," Cameron teased. "Being surrounded by women all the time must be awful! Too bad your mother hadn't returned back home. She could be protecting you."

Lacey hurried down the hall to see what all of the commotion was. "What seems to be so funny? You two look guilty as sin."

"I'm going to be hit by lightning I imagine. I lied to someone." He grinned, not at all concerned about the pending lightning strike.

"I think he should have to go to dinner with Mary and Amy Swanson," Cameron piped up. "That would be punishment enough!"

"Now you listen here!" Andrew turned on Cameron. "You're the one who started all of this." His smile faded. "And to say thank you—I'm going to serve you up a nice, juicy piece of...well, whatever Cook has for us." He turned to Lacey. "Are you coming?"

"No, I've got paperwork to attend to. Some of us have to work around here."

They snickered and settle themselves in the restaurant.

"My house will be ready for me to move into next week," Andrew said. "I would like you to consider coming to church with me on my last Sunday staying here at the hotel. No pressure." He held up his hand to her. "I would love to have you accompany me, is all."

"You just want me with you to protect you from all of the pestering females swarming around you like bees on honey!"

"Is that a yes?"

"Yes. I'll come with you."

*** *** ***

"Splendid." Andrew tried not to sound too excited. He had been praying for Cameron and Lacey. He knew the girls lived the way they did because they knew of no other and he desired to see change in their lives, to be a part of that change. More times than not, God had to remind him that it was He who changes hearts, not Andrew.

God willing, Cameron would enjoy Sunday and return again. That's all he could do—invite, speak the Truth, and step back.

"Has your brother come around yet?"

"I saw him today. You could say that he's far from coming around. He won't listen to me and he doesn't want me. I suppose I should just accept it. It seems strange, being so close to family and not being one." She spoke softly, not in self-pity but in resignation.

He had no words of experience to offer. He'd always been filled with love and support from both of his parents, and what they couldn't fill, God did. "I will be praying for the two of you," he said sincerely.

"What's that like?" she asked. "Praying. You just... talk to God and He talks back?" She waited for his answer.

"Well, it's not quite like that. I do talk to Him, I mean. I pray for people to be healed, to know God. I ask God on their behalf to show His love to them. I've never heard His voice, not like you think. I just feel Him and I know He's always there with me. In the Bible it says that He will never leave or forsake us. I believe that with all of my heart." He stopped. He could go on but didn't want to lose this opportunity of her being open and asking questions.

"I see," she said.

He saw that she didn't. This was when he was supposed to step back and wait for God to do it His way. It was a very difficult thing for him to do.

"I best start setting up the place for supper," Cameron said. "Thank you... Andrew."

*** *** ***

The supper hour called for the restaurant to be packed full of folks gearing up for winter. Andrew had barely a spot open next to him but waived Mack Owens over his way just the same. He couldn't leave a man standing to eat his meal. He smiled to himself when Mack searched high and low for anywhere else to sit other than next to the preacher.

Patsy was their server, and she set down two glasses of milk for them.

"Mack, you a church going man?" Andrew asked right out.

"Not one bit."

"Care to tell me why?" Andrew pressed.

"Never really thought much of it, I suppose. Been on my own since I was a boy and it just never crossed my mind to go, that's all."

Thomas came over to the table and glared at Mack. "Where have you been? Been lookin' all over this blasted town for ya and I find you sittin' here all cozy-like having a glass of milk?" Thomas swore.

"The _Reverend_ and I are waiting for our supper—care to join us?"

Thomas remained standing and looked hard at Andrew. "Been a long time."

"It has." Andrew felt like he'd just looked into Cameron's eyes.

Patsy came with plates of hot food and looked at them all. "Do I need to fetch another?"

"Fine," Thomas said and squished in next to Mack.

*** *** ***

As the hour went on, Cameron steered clear of her brother's table. One run in with him a day had been enough. She didn't know if he'd even seen her. Either that, or he was really good at pretending she didn't exist.

There were so many people crammed into the place that even Lacey appeared out of sorts, which was a first. If business kept up at this pace, the town was going to need another fine establishment to choose from. There was no way they could keep up. Why, even Thomas had to eat with Andrew. She'd love to be able to hear how _that_ conversation was going. She decided he deserved a little dose of goodness, and he'd get that from Andrew for sure. Such a genuine and kindhearted man he was, nearly without a fault. She'd never before met anyone so... pure.

The evening was made complete when Jake came around the corner and politely greeted her. Then he announced he wanted a drink from the saloon.

He'd rather go and drink then stay with her. A bit put out she said, "All right."

Possessively, he took her in. "When you're finished here, come over and spend some time with me."

She nearly melted at the way he looked at her. Hadn't she always wanted to be desired?

*** *** ***

Jake stood when Cameron later entered the saloon and drew near him. Instantly he ignored the card game. One of his playing partners was Thomas, and that had not been by choice. It was how the rules were and the outcome of the process of elimination; this was the final hand of the competition. Thomas had the nerve to order him to sit down and play or deal out. He looked down at Thomas and stated clearly, "I'm out."

He was going to enjoy his night with Cameron and to heck with the card game.

Thomas grunted. Charlotte came purring up to the table and placed a jeweled hand on Thomas's shoulder and whispered something. He nodded once and continued to deal a deck of cards. Jake look at them both, puzzled, but decided not to get caught up in anything with them. They could have each other for all he cared. Before he and Cameron made away, a man began to taunt him. "Come on, man! Finish what you started. Play."

"Said I was done."

Thomas became annoyed with everyone and said, "Are you gonna just sit there and take this, man?"

"He's drunk. What do you expect me to do?" Jake said dismissively before turning his attention back to Cameron. "Come on, let's go."

The drunk started up again. "When you're done with her, can I have her?"

"Jake, no--" Cameron pleaded.

Jake had pulled him out of his seat before she could finish the sentence. He warned him to knock it off.

"Does that mean no?" the sodden man pushed.

It took one punch for Jake to knock him clean out. The drunk landed backwards into the wall, eyes wide open as he slid slowly to the ground. Not a moment later, he started snoring. "Drunken idiot," Jake cursed. Then he turned to Thomas and said levelly, "I'm surprised you would let a man talk about your sister like that."

"You were just faster than me is all." He'd not moved an inch to defend her—still sat lazily in his chair. "Well, now you've taken out one of our players, you'll need to replace him." Thomas's eyes flashed. Before Jake could say no, Thomas added, "Look at it this way, you have a chance to get me back for _bein' so slow_."

Jake looked down for a minute in thought. He ought to put this jerk of a brother in his place and he knew he could. Falling into Thomas's hands or not, he pulled out his still warm chair. "Deal me in."

*** *** ***

Cameron looked at the two in disgust. She was mad at Thomas simply for being the way he was, cold-hearted—and mad at Jake for wasting an evening meant for her. Thomas smiled at her coolly, puffing on a cigar, while Jake avoided her altogether, naturally not wanting to see the glare he knew was shooting his way.

The final straw was the smug look that Charlotte was providing her with as she sidled up to the back of Jake's chair. Cameron huffed and strode out, arms clenched tight at her sides.

She stayed up waiting for Jake as long as she could, finally letting herself give in to fatigue when she realized he wasn't coming. The notes rising through the floorboards from the piano slowly faded away as they lulled her to a sound sleep.

In the morning after waking up alone, Cameron got ready for the day and unlocked the front door of the hotel. She saw Jake staggering down the staircase leading to the whores' rooms. He was holding the back of his head and looked drunk, his clothes were a disheveled mess.

She was so shocked she didn't know whether to run or hold her ground. Her feet decided for her. She flew right passed him, grateful for his slow reflexes as he reached for her.

*** *** ***

The pain in the back of his head cut through to the front of Jake's eyes, which he promptly clenched shut. After giving himself a moment, he turned around and slowly climbed the stairs to Cameron's living quarters.

Her door was locked, just what he needed. He was still unclear as to what had happened and had no idea what he was doing in Charlotte's room. He cursed when he woke up next to her. He was fully clothed and didn't remember going to her room at all. In fact he knew he wasn't _that_ drunk last night.

"Cameron," he said, quietly. He leaned his head on the door and almost fell in when she yanked it open, her eyes swollen from crying.

"Go away, Jake. You've had your fun with me. I guess I'm not woman enough for you, is that it?"

He pulled his eyebrows together, trying to register what she was saying, but before he could answer the charge, she'd slammed the door in his face, nearly taking the end of his nose off. He already hurt so much, and the pain she'd just inflicted was nearly unbearable. All he could think about was going home to numb the pain with whiskey and to sleep for a long, long time.

# Chapter Nineteen

After so many weeks of witnessing Cameron's ongoing melancholy, it was becoming more difficult for Andrew to stand by. He was at a loss as to how to reach her. Whatever had been affecting her was more than her brother's rejection; there was something else in her eyes, a different kind of hurt. Cameron had accepted her brother's resolute position on keeping her out of his hardened life. Secretly he was glad for that, for the time being, sure that Thomas would be a hindrance to Cameron and to the openness she'd been showing lately.

Even now, as she sat next to him in the buggy, she was just there. Eyes void of emotion. Church services didn't seem to be doing anything for her, although she went often—Andrew was sure it was out of friendship to him.

"It was a good service today," Cameron said, pulling the blanket snugly around her. Her ears and nose were red.

"I especially liked the story about Rahab. So, Jesus really is a descendant of a harlot?"

Andrew smiled. "Yes, incredible isn't it? We think that God would only do things a certain way. For instance, one would never think He would allow His Son to be in a lineage such as that. He makes it clear to us that He can never be figured out."

He sensed her mind was turning, processing what he had said as she always did. She never just believed, she questioned him a lot, sometimes right out of the blue, when they weren't even talking about such things.

"Andrew, is it all right if we don't go back just yet?"

"It's awfully chilly out and I worry you'll be too cold." He looked at her forlorn expression and caved. "What did you want to do?"

"Can we go to Spillman's Creek?" she asked. "I just want to see it. We won't have to stay long. I've been there once and it was so beautiful. I just need to see something beautiful, Andrew. You don't mind?"

"I would never mind."

*** *** ***

The creek had a thin layer of ice on top of it. Cameron exhaled a stream of cold air, then deeply breathed in the cool scent of freshness, water, plant life and winter. She tucked her hands into the slits in front of her coat. "It's really co-cold down here by the water." She shivered.

Andrew offered to fetch the blanket she'd left in the buggy.

"No, I won't be long." Her eyes rested onto a hollowed out log, decaying in the tall grasses.

Her eyes welled up with tears. "That's how I feel."

He stepped up beside her to see what she was looking at. "I don't understand."

"Like that log over there. Hollow, rotting because of its lack of life. Useless."

 "I honestly don't know what to say, other than I wish you didn't feel like that."

"You don't need to say anything, Andrew. It's my fault, the way my life is. After coming to church the past four weeks, I think maybe I'm beginning to believe there's more to life than just living it however I want to." She shrugged. "Maybe I don't even know what I'm talking about."

# Chapter Twenty

Jake entered his Gun Shoppe to find Lacey sitting there dressed in her finest, as if she were at an afternoon tea party.

He hung his jacket on the peg behind the door, ignoring her.

"Would you like some tea, or coffee?" She said coyly, trying to irritate him, and succeeding.

"What are you doing here? You're a sight! Did you think of my customers when you brought in your china cups and trumpets? What kind of gun business would they think I run?"

"Crumpets," she said, smiling.

"What?"

"Crumpets, not _trumpets._ And you haven't had any customers since I've been here, so don't worry."

He paced a moment. "Well, get this cleaned up before I do have one!"

"My, aren't we testy this morning, Jake Collins!" Lacey rose and slowly packed up her basket.

"You still haven't answered me. What are you doing here, making a spectacle of my business, disrupting my employees and God knows what else?"

In a huff, she walked over to him. "In case you haven't noticed, I've had a heartbroken girl over at _my_ place. You sleep with her and then you don't come around for over a month? What's the matter with you?" She raised herself taller than her five feet and jabbed her slender finger into his chest.

He grabbed her fingers and lightly squeezed them. "If you'll kindly shut up and listen to me, I'll tell you why."

She backed down.

"Have you bothered to ask _her_ about it? She's the one who slammed the door in _my_ face. Oh! I see you didn't know that. Surprised are you?" He folded his arms across his chest waiting for her to speak again.

"I've asked her repeatedly, but she won't tell me. Why doesn't she want to see you anymore?"

"I can't blame her after what she saw, but she won't give me a chance to explain. I'm at the point where I don't even care anymore—let her think what she wants. It should have never gotten to that place anyway," he said, regret hanging from his words, his voice wary on the matter. He sighed. "She saw me come out of Charlotte's room."

He heard Lacey's sharp intake of breath. "Oh. You didn't."

"Of course I didn't!" He walked away from her. "The problem is, I still can't figure out how I got in that woman's room in the first place. I keep replaying that night over and over again in my mind and I just don't get what happened."

Lacey sat down again. "Well, it's obvious that Charlotte had something to do with it, she's had it in for Cameron since she got here." She looked at him as if _he_ were to blame.

"Whatever that tramp did, it worked. I don't remember anything," he said, disgusted.

"It's not like it would be the first time you've been with that woman," Lacey stated dully, obviously angry at him for putting Cameron through this. Her innocent, pure friend was no longer innocent or pure, on account of him.

He looked at her. "I didn't need that."

"She's not herself. It's probably because Andrew's got her going to church with him." At Jake's puzzled look, she added, "Yes, _church._ "

"What the..." Jake put his face in his hands. "I'm not out of the picture for a moment before he starts filling her head with...with whatever church people put into their heads!" He didn't make sense and knew it. A moment ago he was done with Cameron. He wasn't sure why this bothered him as much as it did. He ought to be happy for her, and instead, green jealousy seemed to come alive, boiling to the surface.

"What are you going to do about it?" Lacey sat up, intrigued.

"Nothing, that's what. She can do whatever she likes, as well as our so-called preacher. I have work to do. See yourself out."

*** *** ***

Later Jake got up the nerve to visit the restaurant. He would attempt to talk to Cameron, see where they stood with each other. He heard laughter and debated a moment, hedging his bets as to what he'd find.

What he saw confirmed his suspicion, betrayal at its best.

Andrew saw him first. "Jake, it's been a while." He stood, offering his hand.

Jake stood back, staring at the top of Cameron's head. She'd refused to look at him. Andrew lowered his arm, his smile faded.

"Well, this is a nice, _cozy_ setting, wouldn't you say so, _Preacher."_

Andrew raised his eyebrows. "Is there a problem?"

"There's no problem." Jake let out a short, clipped laugh. "It's just a good thing that you figured out what kind of a man I am, Cameron. Looks like you've found yourself a better option. Good luck to ya both."

Cameron did glance up at him then, tears in her eyes. He'd hurt her and he was as tormented as she looked. But he was no match against Andrew, simply because Andrew was the decent one. He turned around before he could say anything else damaging and left them alone.

# Chapter Twenty-One

A few days after Jake's angry appearance, Thomas had gone and got himself shot by an enemy outlaw, giving Cameron the perfect opportunity to sort out her life. As soon as she heard, she took advantage of his paralyzed state and cared for him. While he remained as insolent and unbearable as before, she all but officially moved in with him and the gang. To add to his torment, his buddies began to treat her like a sister, and without remorse, she happily received their attentions.

She now risked a glance at Thomas, who was sitting with his miserable self in the wheelchair Doc Colvin had loaned him. "Would you like some more coffee?"

He was positioned to look out the window where snow drifted continuously about. "No."

She tried and she sighed. At least Doc Colvin believed Thomas would only suffer short-term paralysis, since he had feeling in both legs. "They're just weak, adjusting to the nerves where I removed the bullet," he'd said.

Despite Thomas's lack of interest, Cameron knew she'd found her place, feeling needed and wanted, even if not by all. Whenever she succumbed to thoughts of getting used to how Thomas behaved, she would catch him laughing with his men, getting into their stories or telling some of his own, only to clam up when he noticed her watching. And every time that occured, an unsettling sense of fear and rejection knotted up inside, overruling her contentment and happiness.

Several weeks into her stay, she noticed physical progress. "You're walking!" She found Thomas standing in the kitchen, his chair a few feet away.

"I'm standing on shaky legs all right," he said. It was clear he couldn't contain his excitement, let alone make himself appear nasty. His eyes lit up, even if his mouth didn't turn up.

She rushed to pull out a chair for him to sit in. "Breakfast is almost ready."

She poured him a cup of coffee with two lumps of sugar and the standard amount of cream. One by one the sleepy inhabitants of the house materialized at the table. The gang was getting spoiled with her cooking. The sausages were still sizzling when she placed the heaping plate in the middle of the table. She mounded up the scrambled eggs and stuck in a large serving spoon. Surprising them further, she took a plum bread pudding out of the new stove Jesse insisted buying for her use. They all had a good laugh when they saw him hauling the thing off the horse-drawn sled and dragging it through knee deep snow.

 "You're puttin' that fine stove to good use," Lance said as she dished him up a nice portion. "Thomas, you got a good thing here with your sister. Wish I had me one just like her." He spooned the hot dessert into his mouth.

Cameron stilled a moment, barely managing to serve Thomas, wondering what she could do to wipe his scowl away. She was getting wise and adapting. Strong determination moved her to see the best of him. If this was her lot in life to care for this gang, she wouldn't complain. Cameron Engel from Ludenville, Wyoming, finally had a purpose.

The pangs of longing she felt whenever she reflected upon Jake were getting fewer and fewer. She was grateful for the respite from her feelings, whatever they once were. Being at the ranch and away from him saved her some mental torment.

One thing she missed was Andrew's everyday company, though they still made Sundays their time to visit, after service. Now that she was at the ranch most of the time, trying hard to edge her way into Thomas' life, her priorities had shifted. She thought on the last couple of meetings she'd gone to, when she had become intrigued, curious about the stories Andrew shared. An unexplainable emotion stirred inside of her the last time she'd attended, and whatever it was, it made her want more of it. In the few times she'd listened to Andrew's passionate sermons about the way Jesus was and is, small revelations came to her revealing God and His forgiveness. She always knew it was morally wrong to give yourself to a man prior to being married, but when it's just you, there is nothing to stop you from following your heart. She readied herself to ask Andrew if it was possible for his God to forgive someone like her.

*** *** ***

Today she was anxious to make her way to the restaurant and hurried along from serving breakfast to getting ready. It was time to celebrate New Year's Day! After several days away from her dearest friend, she walked into Lacey's, dusting snow from all parts of her. She peered around the corner and found Lacey in the midst of placing a crystal bowl of cinnamon sticks and dried apples onto an elaborately decorated tabletop. Fragrance of spiced fruit filled the restaurant with a warm and inviting aroma. Sugar coated pinecones were strewn about, adding splashes of color here and there and Lacey was dressed as elegantly as ever, adding to the regal air she always had about herself.

"Everything is beautiful!"

Lacey turned. "Cameron! I've missed you so. Though I still haven't forgiven you for abandoning me!"

Cameron took her words and shook them off as she did the snow and immediately went to work.

As the dinner hour neared, she raced to get herself presentable. Her mind was split in two, one side toiled with being grateful that Jake would not be there, and the other wished he was. It was this second thought that scared her, as it was the one that brought on the feeling of hollowness, of something unknown that had been stolen away from her soul and spirit. Cameron desperately wanted these feelings to stop and go far from her mind, from her gut. She had many unanswered questions, _what_ would make it go away?

Soon enough her friends had made their way through the coldness and the snow. Lacey sat at the head of the table after the guests took to their seats. "It is good to have us all together," she said, greeting everyone with a strong sense of affirmation. She raised her glass. "We can be thankful for this—look around you. This is a time to celebrate the lives of our friends and family. Once Jake Collins decides to return to us, and Thomas stops being a stubborn old fool, we will be complete."

"Here, here," came cheers around the table. It was true. Cameron looked to her right at Lance. Across from him sat Jesse and Mack. Andrew sat next to her and she could hardly believe they had all come together. Ed Randall had his place next to Lacey and later Doc Colvin played his fiddle for the after dinner entertainment.

The saloon was closed as Liam was with his wife's family, so the men cleared away tables, creating a dance floor. Andrew surprised all and taught dances from back East, filling the room with absolute delight and laughter.

There was obviously a shortage of women, so Ed sat out a few dances allowing Lacey to accommodate Cameron and Patsy in making the rounds. Cameron was breathless by the time she flew into Lance's large arms. He proved to be extremely clumsy with his big frame and recent leg wound, causing a roar of hearty laughter his way. He managed to laugh himself back to his seat.

Cameron was available for a brief moment before Jesse grabbed her waist and swung her to the rhythm of the fiddle. Although the embarrassment of her actions on the Fourth of July still lingered over her head at times, she danced buoyantly. She would not allow anything to ruin this day.

When the night came to an end, Cook heated some bricks to be placed in the buggy. Cameron insisted on returning home with the gang to bring Thomas some leftover joy and Cook's good roast.  

# Chapter Twenty-Two

He'd been long overdue for a bath and a shave, but still, Jake walked into Lacey's.

 She ran into his arms, then wrinkled her nose and stepped back. "Ewww, I can't believe you took to bounty hunting—such an indelicate sport."

"I know, but there's not a chance in 'you know what' that I would bathe in one of those frozen creeks. I just wanted you to know that I came back, before I head home." His weary eyes scanned the room.

"She's not here."

A feeling of anger briefly passed through him. Most likely he'd lost her completely to Andrew.

"She's been taking care of Thomas. I don't know why, but she won't give up on that pigheaded brother of hers." She threw her hands up in frustration.

He sighed with relief. What he really wanted was to ask was what had become of Cameron and Andrew, but couldn't bring himself to do so. He'd had a lot of thinking time alone out on the trail, and by the time he found the outlaw he'd been hunting, he was still as messed up as before.

Desperately, he wanted to deny affections for Cameron, thinking time apart would do the trick, but as hard as he tried, they wouldn't go away. He couldn't blame her if she hated him, he wanted her, and he'd had her. But she needed love and security, and it pained him to know they couldn't come from him. There was something about Cameron and her sweet nature that made him forget himself and what was good for her. Or was that just an excuse? He was finding out the hard way that lust and desire were pure evil, and for the first time he was beginning to despise their control over his life.

Knowing that Cameron was out of Andrew's reach and busy at Thomas's ranch brought a relief, which poured over him like warm oil.

*** *** ***

Andrew heard Cameron no longer stayed at the ranch and wanted to see how she was managing back at the restaurant. He wondered if Thomas continued to reject her or if he was just better and no longer needed a nurse. She was in his thoughts when his head landed on the pillow at night, in the very midst of his dreams, and upon waking in the morning. He wrestled with the knowledge that he wanted to be more than a spiritual influence in her life. This was a place he fought hard not to go. He was falling for Cameron Engel. And in his own strength could do nothing about it.

How could he reach out to her and maintain distance at the same time? The temptation to care about her more than he should was too great a struggle. Constantly, he pleaded with God to take these emotions from him. It was inadvisable to garner personal feelings for Cameron, with her wounded soul exposed. He would not crush her spirit. She'd been hurt enough by the men in her life, he'd not be one of them.

He found her with a plate of uneaten food in front of her. "Good morning," Andrew greeted.  "Would you mind if I joined you?"

"That would be fine," Cameron said, picking at a slice of ham.

After a moment of wondering if she wanted to be in his presence, he attempted a shot at conversation. "Are you enjoying Sunday services?"

"I like the story of Moses, and of Daniel and the Lions' Den." Her response was quiet, thoughtful.

"You know that they are not just stories, don't you? Those things really happened, and those people were real people."

"Yes, I know. Though it is hard to believe." She sat up a little, showing interest in their discussion.

The door he'd been praying for was beginning to open.

"As true as those stories are—He's the same today. He cares about us today and has plans for us today, just as He did way back then."

"Can someone sin too much?" Cameron's eyes watered, seemingly tormented at such a thought.

Compassion filled him. He wanted her to be free from whatever it was that plagued her—all the while wondering why on earth God would choose him to spiritually advise the very girl he fought hard not to love. It was all he could do to not touch her, to not take her into his arms and comfort her by telling her everything was going to be all right.

"He forgives anyone who asks."

She contemplated. "Is this why you seem to have so much peace? Or is it because you know so much about God?"

His laugh was more like a shudder. "I have much to know and still to learn about Him. I fail all the time. It's what we do with ourselves _when_ we fail that determines an everlasting relationship with Him, or not."

"I think that I would fail all the time." Her voice was soft, serious. She looked at him. "I want to feel different. I feel suffocated. I feel lonely. I do not belong anywhere, and mostly, I... I feel unclean." She looked down shamefully.

Andrew was taken aback by her last comment. Somehow he never put it together that this might be the case with her, that her purity might be lost.

He tried to squelch the anger that rose in him, desperately trying hard not to show it on his face. Not now. She would clearly misunderstand and would think that this was one of her big sins. He closed his eyes briefly. He felt robbed of something that didn't even belong to him and reminded himself of the words he had spoken moments ago.

"Nothing is too big for God to forgive. Always remember that." He wanted to be done. He didn't want to have this discussion anymore.

Cameron drew the napkin from her lap and placed it onto the table. "Thank you," she said softly.

As he watched her walk away, sorrow, pain, and nausea lined the pit of his stomach. He had no right to be upset with her for doing something she hadn't known better than to do. Internally he fought, trying not to resent God for allowing these feelings in the first place. He needed God now, as a man, more then he thought he'd ever needed Him before as a Reverend.

# Chapter Twenty-Three

Cameron walked into the Gun Shoppe and smiled shyly at the baldheaded man behind the glass gun case. He stood attentively, ready to serve.

"Is Mr. Collins here?" She asked.

"Certainly, allow me to fetch him for you, miss."

"If you could just show me where he is?"

"Right through there and around the corner, you can't miss it."

She tapped softly on the door and when Jake looked up from his desk she went in. "Lacey told me you would be here today."

He stood. "Cameron."

"I wanted to...to see you." she looked up into his bearded face. His eyes were softer than the last time she saw him. "It's not right that you should stay away from Lacey's. She misses you and I don't want to keep you from each other. The same goes for Andrew."

He was quiet. The edgy silence made her feel foolish for coming.

"Is that why you think I haven't come around?" He didn't sound pleased with her suggestion. "I haven't been around for a number of reasons. Would you like to hear them?"

She nodded.

"I've been bounty hunting," he said.

She was surprised.

He smiled his old, easy smile.

"Oh," she said. Could she feel more foolish? She was sure red was creeping up her neck, cheeks and forehead.

"That's only one reason."

"It's...really....I shouldn't have come."

Jake held up his palm to her, breaking her interruption. "It's true I've been gone, but I also can't bear the thought of what you must think of me. There's that, and it's hard knowing about you and Andrew, simply because he's a good man and much better for you than I will or would ever be."

Her mouth dropped. She was utterly stunned at his words. "What?"

"I don't know how I got in Charlotte's room that night, Cameron. I swear I don't," he replied, misunderstanding her. He put repentant eyes on her. "I didn't want to hurt you."

"Andrew? And me?"

*** *** ***

Everything about her expressed bewilderment—the high pitched sound of her voice, confused expression, a hand placed dramatically over her heart. Jake tried to stay calm. He didn't care to be made a fool of and was darned if he would allow her to feign ignorance as to what he was talking about. He sat back in his chair and waited for her acting spree to finish. She was quite impressive.

"What do you mean, you had no idea how you got into her room? She didn't carry you did she?" She narrowed her eyes at him, showing anger and jealousy. This he could handle, it was her wounded, hurt-filled eyes of that night that he couldn't.

He would humor her for the moment, for her attempt to distract from Mr. Preacher. "Like I said, I had every intention of coming up to your room."

She raised an eyebrow, disbelief written all over. He stood up tall in his defense, refusing to be shut down. "You must know that Charlotte..." He stopped. How could he say what he was about to say without sounding arrogant?

"Yes?" She pressed.

"Charlotte doesn't like to share me. Wait, that came out all wrong! I was done with her long before I came to know you."

"I know," she said.

"Don't you think it odd that after I told her we were finished, and she, knowing I was with you, would try to..."

"I get it," she said angrily. "Why on earth would a _whore_ want to bed someone who's already bedding someone else?" She stood up again, shaking.

"I'm telling you the truth!" He swore loudly, making her cringe. "Let's not forget that I wasn't but a few days out of your life when you sure didn't waste any time getting close to Andrew." Jake's jealousy was betraying him, manifesting itself. "And don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about," he added, disgusted with her and with himself.

He looked into her honeyed eyes. He missed the fragrance of her hair, the sound of her laughter. "I wasn't with her. I know I wasn't."

"Jake," Cameron said gently, "there is nothing but friendship between Andrew and I."

He looked hard at her, to catch her in a lie.

"So that's it?" he asked.

"I need to share something with you that is not easy to say." She reached out and grabbed hold his hand. "I expected you to fill my emptiness and that isn't right. I have been tossed aside by so many people in my life and there you were, accepting me. We met each other with a level of... intimacy..." Cameron withdrew her hand, but he pulled it back and held it tight.

"Of course you're right about all of this." He wondered when she got so mature. Unfortunately it appealed to him all the more.

"We have to get past this," she said boldly. "Don't you believe I still think about you?"

He burned his eyes into hers, surprised at her words. "I will keep my hands off of you, I promise."

So badly, he wanted to touch the loose hair that fell onto her forehead. He was already regretting this conversation. This was going to be harder to do than driving a thousand head of cattle through the driest desert.

"Don't be a stranger to the restaurant, your friends miss you."

 "Of course," he said, flexing his hands free, forcing them to stay at his sides.

She gave him an innocent, quick hug and fled. Jake felt the cool air blow in from outside and inch into his office, breaking down the lingering touches Cameron left on him. When she wrapped her arms around him, as brief as it was, she'd left her mark.

# Chapter Twenty-Four

That evening, an emotional exhaustion fell over Cameron but she pressed on, forcing her way through serving customers with a smile on her face. As the last person left, she observed out loud, "Lacey is awfully cheery tonight"

Patsy shrugged. "Maybe she's got somethin' to be happy about."

Cameron finished her work, ready to be done for the night. She massaged her lower back with her fists.

Lacey entered the room wearing a white fur coat with matching earmuffs and hand warmer. She was also carrying an extra coat and gloves. She smiled big and handed Cameron the items. "Put these on. I have a surprise for you."

She looked around. "What's this?"

"You can't ask any questions," Lacey ordered.

Cameron grinned, hesitation fading away. "All right. Have it your way."

"I intend to."

Cameron acquiesced and donned her coat and gloves.

"Wait." Lacey held up a blindfold. "It's just for a moment."

Her giggling friend led her out the front door. Cameron heard a horse snort and figured they were not alone.

Lacey took off the blindfold and Cameron looked up to see two sleighs parked in the middle of the street. One had Jake as the driver and the other had Andrew, two of the most strikingly opposite men in Kansas. Both men had on top hats, white gloves and black cravats. She couldn't see their shirts because of winter coats, but she guessed them to be dressed up underneath. Both sleighs had four lanterns hung up around them and in each of the cranberry colored seats were large, fluffy quilts for added warmth. Sheriff Ed Randall stood beside the sleighs ready to escort the ladies aboard.

Cameron put a gloved finger over her mouth, concealing her smile. Jake looked outrageously out of place in his Eastern attire. Andrew, however, fit it perfectly well. As their differences became more obvious, she recalled Jake's words... _Andrew is the better man._

"Ladies, if you will." The sheriff bowed, gesturing them inside by a slow swish of his arm, acting his part well.

Cameron was informed they were headed to Andrew's for the evening, and never having seen his home before, her curiosity was peaked. She nestled back into the soft blankets and looked forward to having a wonderful evening at best.

There was more food spread out on Andrew's tables than they would ever eat but it was all so delightful. A tiered tray containing a variety of cookies decorated the center of a large table. Small cakes and dishes of candies filled the area around it. On the second table was a feast containing hot beef roast, baked sweet potatoes, fried chicken, green beans, corn and biscuits.

Cameron gasped. "What on earth is all of this for? Is it someone's birthday?" It was as if everyone was watching and waiting for her response.

"It's for you," Lacey said softly.

"Why would you all do this for me?" She let out a short, disbelieving laugh and her eyes started to well.

"You've been so sad ever since you came back from Thomas's. Andrew and I, quite frankly, all of us, couldn't stand it any longer. We want to see you smile again, so this is for purely selfish reasons as you can see." Lacey came up and squeezed Cameron's hands. "Please, don't be angry."

"How can she be angry?" Ed asked. "She should be sad more often, then we'll all get a party!"

Lacey shushed him, nudging him with her elbow.

"I cannot, truly cannot, ever thank you enough. I don't believe any of you has an idea of what this means to me." Cameron looked at each one of the precious people in her life. They'd misjudged her despondence, thinking it was because of Thomas. But she'd accepted that there was not one particular person meant to make her life complete. She'd decided to let go of Thomas, Jake and her past, and a weight had lifted. The hole was still there but also hope that it would be filled somehow. She knew there had to be something else, even if it felt out of reach.

Andrew broke the growing silence. "Before we eat, would anyone oppose a brief prayer of thanks for our food?"

Surreptitiously, Cameron scanned Andrew's home and possessions while he prayed. It was small but quaint. Masculine touches were everywhere but so was the elegance. Every item spoke volumes about the man, who was fine, gentle and strong. Unexpectedly, she pictured herself cooking in his kitchen, perfect for two. With great guilt, she realized where her thoughts were taking her. She felt her ears grow hot and self consciously stooped a little in shame.

The small group was crowded in his home but no one seemed to care as they passed around plates of food and mugs of hot cider.

She had been watching Jake and Andrew relate with each other during the evening. The last thing she ever wanted to do was come between childhood friends. Little did she know the internal struggles both men had to deal with whenever she was near. Distinctively different as those struggles were, it came down to the same thing—they both wanted her.

# Chapter Twenty-Five

When everyone returned to the hotel they entered the foyer as quietly as possible, not wanting to wake any guests. Jake and Andrew both decided to stay rather than ride home so late in the heavily falling snow. The evening made Cameron's year. She was beyond grateful to have found a place within this new family of hers and regretted the need to say good night. She didn't want it to end.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, Charlotte appeared in front of them, instantly locking Cameron's neck with her forearm, a shiny knife gripped in her other hand.

Every face in the company turned dark—worry mixed with anger and fury.

"Don't even think about it!" Charlotte snarled at Liam. She whipped Cameron's body around. "Get out here where I can see you. Don't you dare reach under that counter or I'll cut her throat."

Thomas and Jesse were playing cards and ordered to stand as well.

Sheriff Randall was first to intervene. "Let's talk about this, what's the trouble?"

"Ask him." She jerked her head towards Thomas.

 "Do you really think you can take us all? Jake asked. "You think you're gonna get away with this?"

"I could care less if I get away with this. At least I'll be finishing what I came to do. I'm doing it for you, too, Thomas, as ungrateful as you are, you pig."

Cameron gasped. _What?_

Thomas took several quick steps. "Shut up, Charlotte. I am not in on this. Tell them," he ordered.

"I'll tell them all right."

Cameron saw Thomas stiffen.

Charlotte staggered, then gathered her balance.  Loudly she taunted, "You see, little girl, we tried to get rid of you but you just wouldn't go. I thought you cared for Jake more than you did—obviously you just wanted a roll in the hay, same as me."

Cameron let out a humiliated cry and brought her eyes to Andrew. She wished she hadn't, he looked so stricken.

"That's it, let all of these people who lift you up as 'Miss Innocent' know what kind of a person you really are. Why, you should be working over here on this side of the hotel." She laughed wickedly.

Salty tears streamed down Cameron's face and into the crease of Charlotte's fleshy arm.

"Shut up!" Jake said, disdain filling every syllable.

"No, you shut up. You should be mad at Thomas, not me. He's the one who hit you over the head that night that you and I... well ah, you know."

Jake swung towards Thomas. Both men had hands on their guns before settling eyes on each other.

"This is between me and her, Jake. That's all I am going to say."

Revelation hit Cameron—that's why he did it, to get her to leave. To make her go crying back to Ludenville from a broken heart due to Jake. Didn't Thomas know what he'd done was much worse?

Jake said, "I don't take kindly to being used. You ought to know that."

Lacey looked wildly at them. "That's all you have to say? Somebody do something!" she cried out desperately.

Charlotte pressed the knife into Cameron's cheek. "Anybody comes any closer, I'll draw blood from her pretty face." She teased the tip of the blade perversely, round and round, creating small circles.

Cameron felt herself grow weak. It had more to do with her brother's actions than the knife ready to carve her. She sought him out. He had to look away from her. It killed her to know what he'd stooped to. Her own flesh and blood.

Jake swore and yelled, offering himself if she would let Cameron go.

"It's too late for that. You flatter yourself." Charlotte grumbled.

He looked defeated and remorseful for putting Cameron in this situation.

Cameron took to pleading, hoping to distract Charlotte. "I've never done anything to you. There is nothing to be jealous of."

"Jealous? Ha! You couldn't be more wrong—jealous of you? You think too much of yourself. I'm way more of a woman than you are or ever will be."

Once more, she steadied the knife until blood dripped from the pressure of it. Cameron noticed Jake and Thomas exchange a glance and knew that time was running out.

Jake began spewing all sorts of invectives at Charlotte until Thomas rushed her. Cameron saw him coming from her blurred vision and so must've Charlotte, because she held firm the knife and sliced a fine line across her lower cheek. Thomas roared like a madman and was suddenly choking Charlotte with all his might. Jesse pulled him off.

Once on his haunches, Thomas fixed his stare upon Cameron, as if to say that this was what he was; this was exactly the part of him he didn't want her to know.

Lacey wrapped her arm around Cameron and lead her away from the scene. Cameron held a piece of linen to her face, lifting it once in a while to check the bleeding. Ed had Charlotte in his arms, carrying out her limp body.

*** *** ***

The beautiful evening had turned into a nightmare. Cameron shook Lacey off and approached Thomas. She'd been stripped of all pride, and without a thread of it left to hang onto, she threw herself at her brother's feet, sobbing. She sobbed even harder when she felt the surprised warmth of his arms raising her up and encircling her. The whole room could testify to the presence of longing and regret radiating from them. He whispered apologies, apologies for failing her, for being cruel and cold-hearted, and for abandoning her and their mama.

Cameron looked into his eyes, her tears never ceasing their flow. "You never abandoned us."

Everyone remaining in the saloon had been forced to eavesdrop, so each began to sneak out one at a time.

"Of course I did." His reply was harsh.

"Mama made you leave, same as she made me leave. She wanted better for us. And I think she succeeded." She still held the cloth to her cheek, but the bleeding had stopped.

"Look at you. How can you think that? And me, I've been killing men my whole adult life—look what I did to you and Jake? Cameron...that's the kind of person I am."

"That's the first time you ever said my name," she said softly.

He looked at her, stunned. "It is?"

"I've been waiting for you to acknowledge me and say my name. Thank you, Thomas. And because you try so hard to keep me away from you simply means that you care! It doesn't have to matter how you've lived. My father would have killed you if you had stayed. Mama knew that. He was a drunkard," she stated matter-of-factly.

"That's just it," Thomas said, full of remorse. "I told Mama I would come back for her, but I never did. I left her there to be abused and mistreated. What kind of a son is that?" He asked the question which must have tormented him his entire life.

"How old were you?" She already knew, but he needed to hear it for himself.

"Eleven, twelve," he said.

"You were eleven years old. Did you really expect to come back and stand up to Pa? He was a nasty, bitter man who cared only for himself and his whiskey. He would have killed you for sure if you had come back. He would have no problem doing it—you weren't his."

"It's not that simple. I've had to live with this..."

"Would it help you to know that Mama never once said ill things of you because you didn't come back? She hated herself for making you leave—on your own at such a tender age. She had been afraid that you were hurt or dead until she received your letter. Thomas, that one letter changed the course of her life and mine. It gave her hope and released her from fearing for your life every day. It changed mine because, if you'll have me, I want to be your family."

She waited.

"I still don't have a clue why you want to be with me."

She gave him a bright smile. "Ouch." She winced and flexed her jaw, testing the forgotten pain in her burning cheek. "I want you because I want us," she continued. "I want it because it's what Mama wanted."

"You need to get that cut looked at." He rubbed her unscathed cheek.

Dr. Colvin rushed into the room and promptly scowled at Liam, who shrugged. "She was cut with a knife, Doc. I didn't wait around to see how bad it was."

Cameron removed the cloth so he could examine her wound. "Well," he said, poking and gently prodding. "It's not that deep, but you're going to have a slight scar."

Thomas swore. Cameron hadn't thought that far ahead. She touched her cheek, casting the doctor a worried look.

"It's a straight cut at least. I can bandage it so that it will end up healing into a scar slightly wider than a strand of thread. It's about three inches long, it's not horrid." He was kind enough to reassure, "You'll still be just as beautiful as you are now."

She was surprised to have any more tears left—she never considered herself to be vain, but was troubled at the thought of having a three inch scar in the middle of her cheek. Anger rose up in her towards Charlotte. This is what an undeserved hate and jealousy did. It had been easier to feel sorry for her.

"I need to bandage it up right away. The lighting is not good here. I need you in my office."

They both looked at Thomas, whose jaw was clenched, looking ready to kill.

# Chapter Twenty-Six

Cameron brought herself to Spillman's Creek, lingering there with its good and bad memories. It being one place she could find solace and oddly enough, comfort. She pulled up her knees to her chest and sat in the dewy grass. She thought about her last visit to this place of treasure. She might not feel as lost and destitute as that long ago and cold winter's day, but she had yet to feel whole and satisfied with her life.

A squirrel stopped in front of her for one brief second before scurrying away, causing a warm smile to grace Cameron's lips. Joy and happiness filled her spirit where Thomas was concerned. He was learning how not only to be a brother, but guardian and protector as well, making her proud of his efforts. She appreciated the attempts he made at making her part of his life, at his endeavors to create a family between them. But still, she was not content and her heart was unsettled. There was nothing else in her life that needed her attention. She had Thomas, Jake remained her friend, she and Lacey were closer than ever. That left Andrew.

Andrew. When had her adoration for him grown beyond caring friendship? When had the stirrings of her heart begun to think of him more often than she should? He was an example of kindness, love and a non-threatening resource for people who wanted to know of his God—the God he claimed loves all, sinners included; sinners such as herself.

A splashing sound came from the flowing creek and broke Cameron out of her reverie. She got up to stretch her legs, going in the direction of the water's edge. As she walked she felt her insides tremble slightly. Cameron had a strange feeling as the urgent, unexplainable and intense sensation escalated. She was about to experience something beyond her understanding. But how? Why?

She stooped to touch the water. It was running cold and fast. Suddenly all her past, the loneliness, the years of anger, and the self-doubt erupted in a flood of tears. She sobbed deeply, painfully. Why was she crying? Questions tumbled through her mind.

This God Andrew speaks of...could He really love her so unconditionally, so completely? Would _He_ want the girl who had been deserted by all the significant people in her life?

Knowing she was alone, Cameron risked looking foolish and followed her heart. "God," she cried aloud **,** her first weak attempt at prayer. "Oh, God, I do want your love... the same love Andrew speaks of. Could you give me the peace I've been searching for? I hardly know how to love you back, but I want to learn. Please, give me a faith like Andrew's."

Cameron opened her eyes to see sunshine dancing off the sparkling water in the creek. In that instant, a sensing, a knowing came to her as crystal clear as the water she let run through her fingers. God heard her prayer. New tears came. This time they were tears of inexpressible confidence that she, someone such as herself, was received and loved. She was deeply amazed at how clean she felt, as if the water at her feet washed her filth away, only it wasn't the flowing creek, it was God.

# Chapter Twenty-Seven

Andrew watched Cameron serve customers at supper. He admired the way she touched their shoulders in kindness, listened tenderly to chatty women, flashing them genuine smiles. She was a selfless, giving person. It was like she was made to love and take care of anyone who crossed her path, it came so naturally. Despite all the trouble that had come her way, Cameron was strong and bounced back even stronger.

She saw him and smiled, then finished her conversation with a family, tickling the youngin' under his chin with the crook of her slender finger before coming over to his table.

His face lit up like a schoolboy. "These are for you." He handed her three yellow tulips.

"Already?" she asked, blushing at his attention.

"Can you believe it? They seemed to just pop up over night at the side of my house." He was thrilled when the flowers bloomed early—as if they did it just for this moment.

"I love them!" She inhaled their delicate scent and pivoted away, saying something about a vase.

It was hard for him to see the scar branding her cheek, though Doc Colvin had been right. It had healed nicely in its threadlike appearance. As refreshing as it was to know Cameron held no ill-will towards the one who did this horrid thing to her, he had to deal with his own thoughts about Charlotte.

Andrew had also been working diligently, with God's help, on dealing with thoughts of Jake and Cameron. He watched them carefully when they were together. Cameron treated Jake the same as she did everyone else. What he saw in Jake's eyes was quite different, however. Andrew almost felt sorry for his wayward friend. It was ironic though that neither one seemed to have the woman's affections. This did make it easier to deal with anger and distrust whenever they tried to fog his mind.

Cameron had grown and changed in the past months and he would not, he told himself, _would not_ interfere with her happiness. He didn't care for her living back at the ranch, but the one thing he could be thankful for was that now her brother would protect her integrity. He didn't like to admit that he had thought about that young dandy, Jesse, a time or two. It was thoughts like that he wished God would swoop down and destroy before entering his mind. But He didn't comply, so Andrew was left learning to take his love for Cameron one day at a time.

"Here's your supper." Patsy delivered a steaming bowl of stew and a mini loaf of hot bread. His eyes looked passed her. "She's putting her flowers in a vase, humming," she said with a smirk. "She didn't want your supper to get cold and asked me to bring it out to you."

Sheepishly, he said, "Forgive my lack of manners. Thank you, it smells wonderful."

"I didn't make it, I'm just bringin' it," she said dryly.

He took longer than necessary to eat, slowly pulling apart his bread until it was all gone. He had a mind to stay until the restaurant was empty. A minute alone with Cameron would help him go another day.

True to his wishes, after the last table departed, Cameron brought out a tray of coffee and dessert. He felt foolish for staying so long, but it didn't matter. If foolishness was the price he needed to pay, he had a lot of it to spend, and every cent was worth it.

"How's your mother doing, Andrew?"

"I received a letter only yesterday. She's doing just fine. She'll be visiting in a couple of months when the new church is completed." Andrew cautiously sipped the hot brew.

"Did you hear about Miss Evah?" Cameron asked.

"I did. I can't believe she would sign up to be a mail order bride."

"I can't believe she's heading out West. It seems so dangerous there."

"It can't be more dangerous than living here."

She giggled. "Isn't that the truth!"

After a bit of silence he said, "Come riding with me."

"I would love to."

"Be sure to bundle up. I know the sun's been shining but it's deceiving. It's colder than you think."

Andrew restrained himself from showing excessive excitement. After all, Cameron looked upon him as a friend, nothing more. Still, it didn't steal the joy he felt knowing he would have her all to himself.

*** *** ***

Andrew rode alongside Cameron. Her eyes scanned the glorious landscape. He held onto the silence between them because she appeared to be contemplating something.

Minutes later she spoke.

"I've done it, Andrew. Last month." She looked at him. "I've invited Him into my life."

It took a minute to perceive and digest what she said...last month? And she didn't tell him? He realized then that she'd needed Him to herself, to heal her heart, to reveal His unconditional love towards her, to do the many wonderful things He does for His children.

Andrew jumped from his horse and pulled her down and into his arms. Swinging her around he shouted, "Yeah-Whoo!" In his excitement he squeezed her in his rough embrace.

"Andrew...I can't...breathe," she stammered.

"I'm just so happy!"

They stopped suddenly.  He gently cupped her face and kissed her mouth soundly but swiftly. Apologetically he took her in. "I shouldn't have done that. I won't do it again."

She, too, appeared contrite.

He lifted her chin with his gloved hand. "I should say I won't ever do that again, unless you are my wife."

Tears filled her eyes until they spilled out. "I've done so many wrong things. You can't possibly want me."

"I mean no disrespect, but you have no idea what I want. And don't tell me that I don't want you for my wife."

She turned away. "You don't understand. If you did, you would take back everything you just said to me."

He closed his eyes and gained his bearings on the most difficult thing he's ever had to say. Andrew gently grasped Cameron's shoulders and turned her back towards him. This thing needed to be said, for both of them.

"I know about you and Jake. I was there when Charlotte announced it to the world, remember?" He slid the back of his hand over her scar and searched her face. "I can't say that I wasn't heartbroken about it, because I've loved you for a long time."

She surrendered herself to be held in his embrace. Her body shook with sobs until she was spent, weak from emotion and drained from tears.

"I must look a sight!" Her hands went to fix her hat gone askew.

"You couldn't be more beautiful. Red marks and freckles," he commented with a smile. "Who knew?"

"Andrew. About what you said, a minute ago..." She shifted nervously.

He put his finger to her lips. "I don't want you to respond to that. Not yet, anyway."

*** *** ***

The next morning, Andrew was interrupted while getting dressed as someone began to pound on his door. Thinking it an emergency he didn't bother buttoning his shirt.

He flung the door open and Thomas Engel barged into his home. Andrew had a sick feeling creep into his belly. "Has something happened to Cameron?" Panic raised the level of his voice.

Thomas swung around. "You! That's what's apparently happened."

Andrew looked baffled, but sensing nothing was truly wrong, he slowly closed the door.

"Have a seat." He gestured towards a chair.

"I'll have no such thing. I hear a rumor that you are courting my sister!"

_ _ "It's no rumor," Andrew said matter-of-factly and began buttoning his shirt. "Though I was going to make my way over to your home and ask for your blessing."

"My blessing? What for?" Thomas bellowed.

Andrew let out a short laugh then cleared his throat. "I find it hard to understand where your concern is." He finished the last button and reached for his shoes.

"My concern is for my sister—be it late, I know. She's only nineteen years old."

 "She's nearly twenty."

"How old are you?" Thomas demanded. He crossed his arms, spread his feet apart and took on an intimidating stance.

Andrew barely cast him a glance. "Twenty-eight."

"And a preacher to boot. Does she know how old you are?"

"Of course she does. She also knows I'm a preacher, by the way."

Wordlessly, Thomas sat down.

Andrew felt compassion for the man. He pulled his shoes on and joined him. "Thomas, if you want to be a part of her life, and you're trying to make up for everything, you can't go attacking those she's close to. Have you talked to her?"

Thomas looked at him blankly.

"I won't take her from you. She wouldn't let me anyway. I've never seen her so happy. She loves you, you're her family."

Thomas hung his head and stared at the floor. "I just got her, and I figured on having her around for a while."

# Chapter Twenty-Eight

As Cameron rode up the dusty street she noticed Jake with a bag across his shoulder. She observed him for a moment. Something was different. He had his gun belt on and she took note of the horse tied loosely to the rail, fully loaded with a pack, blanket and rifles. An unwanted sensation gnawed in the pit of her stomach. He was leaving. She dismounted, keeping her eyes on him as she tied up her own horse.

"Jake," she spoke softly.  "Where are you going?" She placed a hand on his arm. "Don't leave," she pleaded.

"I'm going bounty hunting."

"Why?"

"Because there are bad guys out there."

"But you don't have to go get them."

Her heart was breaking over him.

 He removed himself from beneath her touch. "I can't pretend anymore. I can't give you what you deserve and yet I want you so bad it hurts to see you and not touch you, or kiss you."

He looked at her lips and she panicked.

"If you go, I'll know it's my fault. I don't want to be the reason for you to leave your home. Please. Stay."

*** *** ***

Roughly, and by the curve of her sweet neck, Jake pulled her into an embrace. He didn't know what to say to her plea. He'd tried for months to ignore the furtive glances between her and Andrew. He needed time to get over feeling betrayed. He couldn't stay, not even for her.

He loosened his hold and nearly caved when she said, "Promise you'll be back soon?"

"I promise I'll be back, that's as far as I go." Steadily, he placed his hands on her shoulders, and after a moment's hesitation, leaned in to peck her scarred cheek, savoring the salty taste of her glistening tears. Holding her at arm's length, he forced himself away.

He swung upon his horse and rode off.

# Coming April – 2013

**_A Challenge of the Heart by Sarah Jae Foster_**

**Chapter One**

Reverend Andrew Jackson had waited in the foyer of Lacey's Place far too long. If they didn't get to the train station soon, it would leave without them. One would think his bride-to-be preferred to stay put rather than go back East and marry him.

His doubts dashed away the moment Cameron Engel's lovely face emerged at the top of the stairs. Even from the distance that separated them, he could see red blotches patched like raspberries on her forehead and chin—a given when she cried. He could only hope her tears were due to being apart from his cousin, her best friend, rather than traveling off with him. If she had second thoughts, he wouldn't know what to do.

She appeared shy, embarrassed for her appearance.

So he said what was true. "You look beautiful."

He stepped forward to intercept her and noticed his cousin standing in the background, looking ready to call him out. He'd had enough of her petulance. "Really, Lacey. We'll be gone for two months. We'll come back and be with you for Christmas." He was going to marry Cameron with or without Lacey's blessing.

She speared him with an accusation, saying what no one else would dare. "You won't even wait until Jake comes home."

He attempted to shield Cameron from Lacey's bitterness and pulled her close. Lacey blamed him for being the reason Jake Collins had been gone so long, but he would not allow her to speak unfairly. His cousin was rebellious and uncompromising, and looked condemningly at the both of them.

Cameron initiated the peace before he could respond. "We don't know when Jake's coming home, but when he returns we will all be together again. It won't feel as if anything has changed except my name, all right?"

Andrew couldn't help but wonder if Cameron was trying to reassure herself as well. Too much had happened the past year, and nothing would ever be the same again no matter how much they all claimed it would be. Not with Jake and Andrew being childhood friends. Not with Cameron choosing to be with the reverend over the bounty hunter.

At last, Lacey raised her chin and relented. "I will miss you both."

The women held onto each other and another attack of impatience grabbed hold of Andrew. It was all he could do to not pull them apart. He opted to clear his throat instead. They could not miss this train.

Cameron righted herself and hooked her arm through his. "I get to come back as Mrs. Jackson!"

Her countenance came short of matching her tone and Andrew's heart ached momentarily. Were they rushing to make this happen? He knew she loved him so why the misgiving thought? He took her in with all sincerity and wanted to offer her more time before marrying him.  But he couldn't say the words and instead squelched them down deep. He couldn't risk releasing her.

"Come home to me real soon," said Lacey.

Andrew tipped his hat. "Stay out of trouble."

Cameron giggled as if his statement was made in vain and a smile came to him as well. She was probably right. Lacey had a way of finding unpleasant difficulties to deal with. As he searched his future wife's expression, he saw no doubt, no hesitation, nothing but happiness radiating from her. All feelings of insecurity fell at his feet as they made their way to the train depot.

*** *** ***

From his place on the bed, Jake looked around his room until he felt its familiarity. He realized the booming whistle from the train was what woke him. He wondered if the iron horse was coming or going. He hoped it was departing. There were already too many people in his town. He rubbed at tired eyes, remembering he'd barely made it to the mattress before succumbing to sleep. He'd slept nearly two days and wasn't sorry for it. Several weeks on the trail, tracking down outlaws in the blistering heat had been no picnic. He owed himself a few slothful days. After shaving, bathing and putting on fresh clothes, he saddled up Hunter. He had yet to decide if he would stay on a while or find another criminal to hunt down—that depended on what the outcome of his trip to town would be.

The moment he stepped foot inside Lacey's Place, Lacey ran into his arms and cried, "I missed you so. Don't you ever leave me again!"

He peeled her off. "Now don't start. I ain't promising you anything and you know it. Don't go ruining my supper or crying all over it either. I'm starving and want to eat." He set her from him, dismissing her. "I just want some grub."

"Honestly! You're getting meaner every time I see you."

"Do I get some food or do I gotta go down to Harry's?"

She studied him a moment, so he decided to take his leave. He didn't need no woman causing a fuss.

"Since you aren't here for my company, you can do whatever you want Jake Collins!"

Sheriff Ed Randall appeared next to Lacey in time to spare him from the guilt she tried to pin on him. Jake heaved a sigh of relief, as he didn't want to eat at Harry's.

"Good to see you." Ed smacked him hard on the back. "And in one piece at that."

He smirked. "I've had a close call or two."

"Seems to me you've been doing just fine. Even making a name for yourself."

Jake became somber. "Just doing what I'm hired to do."

"You've become successful. I'm getting telegrams as far as Montana for your services."

Uncomfortable at the undue praise, Jake scanned the restaurant.

Ed and Lacey exchanged glances, which set off his temper.

Sharply he asked, "Where is she?"

Lacey looked upon him and Jake recognized pity when he saw it. He was greatly annoyed.

 "Cameron and Andrew went back East, to his mother's home in Philadelphia...to get married. You only just missed them."

The trio stood in awkward silence.

"Isn't that how it should be?" Jake mumbled. It wasn't really a question to be answered, simply a statement for his own ears to hear and pay heed to. Forgetting about food, he headed across the foyer to Liam's saloon where he planned to drown his lot in life with a bottle of strong whiskey.

