"My ma used to swim with us," Emma said softly.
Caroline glanced over. The girl's eyes had suddenly gone sad as they focused on the rock in the middle of the creek. "But since Pa died, she hardly ever laughs. I like the Reverend Symes's laugh," she declared suddenly.
"And I like the way his eyes crinkle at the corners when he laughs."
It occurred to Caroline that the preacher spent a good deal of time around Sara Waverly and her children lately. He was a man with a great deal of love in his heart. And they were a family in need of such love.
"What does your mother think about the reverend's laughter?" Caroline asked softly.
Emma shrugged.
"I don't think she's taken the time to notice. Ma says there's no time for anything anymore. Especially no time to have fun with us."
"Your mother probably needs your help, Emma. It would be hard to be mother and father to two children. I'll bet there are times when she's afraid for all of you."
"Do grownups get afraid?" The child turned to study her teacher.
"Of course. Everyone's afraid at some time in their lives."
"Not my Uncle Thad," Lisbeth said proudly.
"My ma says he's the most fearless man she's ever known."
"But that's different," Emma said matter-of factly. "He's a gunfighter."
"He is not."
"Is, too. My ma told me."
Lisbeth stood up indignantly.
"You take that back."
Emma jumped up to face her.
"Everybody knows he's killed hundreds of men."
"Emma," Caroline gently chided her,
"I think that's only a silly rumor."
"Maybe," the girl replied, "but everybody knows he killed a man when he was only seven."
Stunned by the words, Caroline went very still. Were there no secrets in this small town? She glanced at Lisbeth, whose face had turned pale.
Lisbeth lowered her head and said softly,
"My ma said he didn't have any choice. She said he saved her life."
In the shocked silence that followed, Caroline scrambled down from the rock and splashed through the shallows to Lisbeth's side. Drawing her arms around the little girl, she held her for a moment.
' "Has your mother ever talked about it?"
Lisbeth shook her head.
"All I know is most of the people around here think my uncle is a gunfighter.
And I guess" -- she sniffed and wiped her tears with the back of her hand " --maybe he is. But I don't care. I love him. "
"I know," Caroline whispered against the little girl's temple.
"And you keep right on loving him."
Lisbeth lifted her gaze to her teacher's and said with all the wisdom and innocence of a child,
"You understand, don't you. Miss Adams? You know why I love Uncle Thad?"
Caroline swallowed, refusing to meet the girl's eyes. But in her heart she knew. And struggled to deny it.
The stillness was shattered by the sounds of whistling and shouting.
Emma's head came up.
"That's the boys heading back to town. That means the races are starting.
We'd better get dressed. "
' "Will you come and watch us race. Miss Adams?" Kate asked.
"Of course I will. I wouldn't miss it. How about you, Lisbeth?"
The little girl swallowed back her tears.
"I guess I wouldn't miss it, either."
"Good girl."
The three children hurriedly pulled on their dresses, which were nearly dry.
' "Go ahead," Caroline called.
"I'll be right behind you."
She watched as the girls took off at a run. Giving a last glance around the creek, she started to walk away, then, almost against her will, she was drawn back.
It was so hot. The water looked so tempting. And all the while that the girls had been swimming, she had wanted to join them.
She wondered what Harvey Hattinger's rule would be for such an occasion.
She supposed a teacher ought to be ever vigilant about preserving her image.
But right now she yearned to be rid of these heavy boots and skirts and feel cool water against her warm, sticky skin.
Furtively she glanced around. The place was completely isolated. The brush was so thick it was impossible to see or be seen. An impish smile touched her lips.
"Only for a minute," she whispered to herself.
She removed her heavy boots and wiggled her toes. Oh, it was heavenly to be rid of them. Carefully stepping out of her gown, she hung it on the branch of a tree, taking pains to see that it didn't snag. She removed her petticoats and carefully folded them atop a sun-warmed rock.
Wearing only a modest chemise, she started toward the water. Catching sight of herself in the clear surface, she burst into gales of laughter.
Her hat was still perched atop her head. Removing the pins, she slipped it from her hair and set it on top of her folded petticoats.
Then she stepped into the water. It was marvelously cool against her skin.
With a shiver she waded deeper, then deeper still, until the water lapped against her breasts.
She really shouldn't get her hair wet, she thought. But giving in to yet another temptation, she dipped beneath the waves and came up sputtering.
With slow, lazy strokes she navigated the creek, occasionally rolling over onto her back and closing her eyes against the noonday sun.
Several pins had pulled loose from her hair. Removing the rest, she shook her head, allowing her hair to fall free of the neat knot and fan out on the water like a dark veil.
She lifted her face to the sun and gave a deep sigh of pleasure. This was probably the most foolish thing she had done since her arrival, but she wasn't sorry. She felt more alive than she had in years.
Still smiling, she swam toward shore, then stopped abruptly.
Thad was standing beside the boulder. In his hand was one of her petticoats.
On his lips was a teasing smile.
"Well, Teacher, I'd heard that I would find the town social very entertaining, but I had no idea you would be the entertainment."
She felt her cheeks growing pink.
"How long have you been hiding there?"
"Hiding?" He set aside the petticoat and took a step closer to the water, standing with feet apart, hands on hips.
It was a stance she was very familiar with.
"I've made no attempt to hide myself. I was on my way to town.
Teacher, when I just happened upon you." She glowered at him.
"Here in a dense thicket?"
"The brush offers shade from the sweltering sun."
"Do you always travel so close to the water's edge?"
"It's a hot day." His smile grew.
"I was thinking about taking a swim. And I knew this spot would be secluded enough to shield me from the prying eyes of others. How could I know that someone else would discover my secret place?"
She was beginning to tire of treading water. Moving closer to shore, she was relieved when her feet touched bottom.
"Well, now that I'm here first, I hope you'll have the decency to leave."
"Leave? Why should I leave? This creek's big enough for both of us."
He unbuckled his gun belt and began to unbutton his shirt.
Caroline was horrified.
"What are you doing?"
"What does it look like. Teacher? I'm preparing to join you for a swim."
"But ... you can't."
Enjoying her discomfort, he stifled the urge to laugh.
"I don't see how you can stop me."
Her tone became pleading.
"Thad, if anyone from town should come upon us, my reputation would be ruined."
"Ah." He dropped his shirt on a rock beside her folded gown.
"You're probably right. Teacher. Maybe you'd better step out of the creek and get yourself dressed."
"I will." As she took a step closer, she saw
the way his gaze fastened on the water lapping at her breasts. Heat stained her cheeks.
"Turn around and give me time to cover myself."
He leaned a hip against the sun-warmed rock and crossed his arms over his naked chest.
"And if I won't?"
She blinked.
"But you must. I--I can't parade around in my wet chemise."
"Why not? I can't think of a lovelier sight, unless, of course, you'd like to remove it and parade around as nature intended."
Her voice chilled.
"I don't find this amusing, Thad Con- way. Now turn away and let me get out of here."
"How can I refuse such a command?"
She could see his shoulders shaking with laughter as he turned around.
Stepping quickly from the water, she shimmied into her petticoats and was just reaching for her gown when he turned. His smile faded as he studied her. On his face was a look that made her heart stop.
His hand closed over hers holding the gown. Taking it from her he tossed it aside.
"Do you have any idea how lovely you are? It's a shame to hide all this beauty under such a plain cover."
"Don't, Thad." Her voice was little more than a frightened whisper.
"Tell me how to stop. Teacher." He lifted both hands to her hair and buried his fingers in the wet tangles.
"Every time I'm near you I want to touch you like this."
She closed her eyes, steeling herself against the pleasure that rippled through her at his simple touch.
Framing her face with his hands, he allowed his gaze to roam her lips, her cheeks, her eyes, as if memorizing every line, every curve.
"I've walked away so many times when I've really wanted to stay. I've turned away rather than touch you. Because I knew," he muttered thickly against her temple, "that if I ever started, I'd never be able to stop."
His arms came around her, pulling her roughly against him. She could feel the tension pulsing through him as his hands stroked her back.
Somewhere in a distant part of her mind she heard the warning, but it was already too late. Her hands slid along his arms, across his shoulders, seduced by the warmth of his naked flesh.
"I want you, Caroline. I want you as I've never wanted anyone or anything in my life."
She waited, feeling her breath catch in her throat as he lowered his face to hers. His lips covered hers in a searing kiss.
As he took the kiss deeper, she felt her bones soften and melt.
Something deep within her soul seemed to flicker to life, then begin to flame.
He wanted her. The thought thrilled her even while it frightened her.
If the truth be told, she wanted him, too. Desperately.
His hands were no longer gentle as he dragged her closer and savaged her mouth with kisses. His breath was coming faster now, and she felt it hot against her cheek.
"Sweet Jesus, Caroline." His words were muffled against her throat.
"How I want you."
Arching herself in his arms, she shivered as he ran hot kisses across her shoulder and buried his lips in the hollow of her neck.
He'd never known such need. A hard, driving need that threatened to shatter the last of his control.
"Stay with me here," he muttered, "and let me love you. It's what you want, too, Caroline. You know it is."
How could she allow herself to listen to the soft words, the whispered promises? Unless she found the strength to resist, she would be lost.
Pushing free of his arms she drew in deep drafts of air to steady her breathing. Her voice was strained as she whispered,
"Wanting is not the same as needing. I don't need you in my life, Thad Con way. And you don't need me."
With as much control as she could manage, she turned away from him and pulled her dress over her head, then smoothed it over her hips. With quick, deft movements she twisted her wet hair into a neat knot and secured her hat with pins.
When she turned back, he was standing very still, watching her through narrowed eyes.
"God in heaven, Caroline, what's been done to you?" There had been terror in her eyes. Stark terror.
He waited for her response, but she said nothing.
A gunshot exploded the summer stillness, causing both of them to lift their heads.
Seeing the way her eyes widened, Thad said soothingly, "It's only the start of the races."
When she turned away he said,
"Don't run away again, Caroline. Tell me what's wrong."
Evading his look, she muttered,
"I promised the children I'd watch their races."
Pushing through the brush, she nearly ran in her eagerness to escape his probing look.
He took a long time to roll a cigarette and strike a match across the rock.
As he drew the smoke into his lungs, he considered all that he'd said to her and her strange reaction to his words.
When he pulled on his shirt he realized that his hands were none too steady.
The taste of her was still on his lips. And the wanting was stronger than ever. But she'd been right about one thing, he thought angrily. He didn't need her. He'd be damned if he'd need anyone.
From behind a cover of thick brush, where he'd watched and listened, the stranger closed his hands around his rifle.
An evil smile curled his lips. He could drop Thad Con way where he stood.
But he had a better fate in store for The Texan. A much better fate.
Let the fool fall in love. He'd never have her. Not when he learned the truth about Caroline Adams.
Chapter Fifteen
Roughly flustered and shaken, Caroline smoothed down her skirts and patted her wet hair, praying no one would call attention to her state of dishevelment.
Pushing free of the brush and vines that snagged at her skirts, she scanned the crowd and had no trouble locating the children's races.
Almost everyone, it seemed, had a child competing for blue ribbons and prizes.
Parents and friends clustered around as the sheriff announced the rules for the next race.
"It's the three-legged race. Two boys, two girls or a boy and a girl."
As the children lined up in pairs, Jessie and Sara Waverly began tying bandannas around the contestants' legs.
Caroline watched as Emma and her brother, Ethan, stood beside Jack and Runs With The Wind. Eight-year-old Lisbeth and her cousin Kate were busy good-naturedly taunting Frank and his cousin Danny.
Suddenly a wagon rolled up and everyone turned to see who was arriving so late. The children let out a cheer when they spotted Ben Meadows lying in the back of the wagon, cushioned on a layer of quilts. Ab Meadows lifted a chair from the wagon and placed his son in it, then began pushing the chair closer.
"A chair with wheels," Sheriff Horn called out.
"Ab, where'd you come up with something so clever?"
As the children gathered happily around their friend, his mother said,
"Thad Con way made it."
"The Texan?" came an incredulous voice from the crowd.
Cora nodded.
"Can you imagine? He brought it over this morning."
"I'm not surprised," Jessie said in answer to the murmurs from the crowd.
"My brother makes beautiful furniture. He made my dining room table and chairs and several pieces in my home."
"He ought to make coffins," came another voice.
"He's filled enough of 'em."
Ignoring the jeers, Ben flashed a brilliant smile.
"Now I don't have to lie in bed all day. Pa says I can go just about anywhere I please."
Spotting his teacher, he called,
"Look, Miss Adams. Pa says he might even be able to bring me to school sometimes."
"That's wonderful, Ben." She walked over to admire his gift. In the boy's eyes was a bright light of happiness that seemed to touch all his features with radiance.
At a sudden thought she turned to the sheriff.
"Maybe Ben could be th
e judge for the children's races."
"Why, I think that's a fine idea." Sheriff Horn turned to the boy.
"How about it, Ben? Want to be the judge this year?"
"Yes, sir." Ben shot a grin at his father and mother. "I'd like that."
"Come on, then." Sheriff Horn led the way while Ab Meadows pushed his son's chair to the finish line. Cora walked proudly beside them.
Turning to the crowd of contestants, the sheriff shouted, "You know the rules. You can walk, run or crawl. First team over the finish line wins blue ribbons. And two of Bel va Spears's peach tarts." He patted his ample stomach. "I can attest that they're the finest in all of Texas."
He added with a chuckle,
"Had to taste a couple, just to make sure."
He pointed his pistol to the sky and called,
"Ready. Get set." With a loud report, the gunshot signaled the start of the race.
With one leg free and one leg tied to their partner, the children started off hopping and within a few steps were hopelessly tangled around each other. As quickly as they managed to stand, they would fall again, often tripping two or more of the other contestants as they landed in a tangle of arms and legs.
Parents and friends stood on the sidelines shouting out words of encouragement, all the while laughing at the scene of confusion.
Caroline looked around at all the happy, smiling faces and wondered when she'd ever felt so content. This town, these people, made her forget all the evil in the world. Maybe, just maybe, she had found her own little piece of heaven right here in Hope, Texas.
On the fringe of the crowd she caught sight of Thad, standing alone.
Their gazes met and held. And like every other time, she felt his touch, as intimate as a caress. She shivered and turned away, breaking contact.
Ben shouted encouragement to his friends. Lisbeth, catching sight of her beloved uncle, broke into a wide smile and wrapped her arm around her cousin's shoulder. Suddenly finding their rhythm, Lisbeth and Kate made a final dash toward the finish line, racing past the boys, who stumbled and fell.
"Looks like we have our winners," the sheriff called. "What do you think, Ben?"
The little boy nodded and declared them the victors.
Lisbeth looked as if she would burst with happiness as the sheriff presented her with a blue ribbon as well as one for Kate. When the two girls received their peach tarts, they made a great show of eating them in front of the boys, who watched jealously from the sidelines.