City Girl Read online

  City Girl (The Yellow Rose Trilogy #3)

  Lori Wick

  3

  Love-at-first-sight had no meaning before I saw you.

  I've never been crazy about surprises, but then I met you.

  Always the same. Always different.

  Thank you for being my Webster.

  I love you more man words can say.

  If the best is yet to come, I can hardly Wait

  Bob Hawkins Jr. If s a delight to work with you and be a recipient

  of your warm, wonderful humor. My Bob and I love

  laughing with you. We treasure both you and Beth more than we

  can say.

  Kathi MacKenzie-Foster, Nina Stianson, O.J. Acton, Walt Seward,

  Mike Bailey, Vince Attardi, John Hurley, Phil Fleming, Marion Smith,

  and Bob Boyne. I always enjoy any time we can spend visiting at

  CB A. Your hard work does not go unnoticed.

  Vivian Danz. So many people fill my life with joy, and you are

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  one of them. Thank you for your precious friendship, joyful

  spirit and also your words of wisdom.

  Jayne Vfiese. Your quiet, gentle spirit is beyond precious to me.

  I learn something from you every time we visit Thank you for

  keeping on and for helping me do the same.

  Todd Barsness. We are often blessed by your words, hard work,

  and laughter. The coaching is just an added bonus. Thank you

  for hours of compassion and creativity, and for putting God first

  My Bob. Well, we made it! The Texas trilogy is complete.

  Thanks for cheering me on along the way. I tried recently to

  imagine doing a book without you and decided it can't be done.

  Fun as it is to write a romance about another couple, you're still

  title only romance I want. If s funny, but even when I'm furious

  with you, I'm still head-over-heels in love. Thank you for 20

  years of patience, love, laughter, and especially your guidance.

  New York, New York

  5

  December 1882

  reagan sullivan pedaled her bicycle down the busy

  neighborhood street, calling greetings to everyone who

  spoke to her and trying successfully not to run over

  anyone's dog or child. She was tired after her day in the

  factory but jubilant over the news she'd received at the

  beginning of the week.

  "You'd better watch yourself," a familiar voice called as

  she passed old man Cannon's house.

  "I will, Mr. Cannon. How's your wife?"

  "Pretty as the day I married her."

  It was their standard exchange, and with a wave and a

  smile, Reagan moved on. She was almost home and sighed

  when she saw the sign for Mrs. Banner's Boardinghouse

  for Girls come into view. She hoped Mrs. Banner had a

  good meal for the night, one that included chocolate cake.

  Pulling along the curb and swinging her leg over the bar

  to hop down, Reagan had the bike stopped and parked in

  the blink of an eye. She laid it against the stone steps that

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  led up to the boardinghouse, and with the usual jog in her

  step, started to ascend,

  A hand grabbed her arm suddenly as a voice called her

  name, but she wasn't too surprised.

  6 lori wick

  'Just hold on now, Reagan," Tommy said, the usual

  smile in his voice. "You can just talk to me before the lady

  of the house catches you and says dinner is hot,"

  Reagan turned with a smile and looked up at Tommy

  Amhurst. He lived two doors down the block, and they

  had been friends for years.

  "But dinner might be hot," Reagan returned in her normally

  straightforward way, "and I'm hungry."

  "Never mind your stomach," he chided. "Tell me it isn't

  true. Tell me right now."

  Reagan's smile grew by inches.

  "But it is true," she replied, not feigning ignorance or

  able to conceal her excitement. "I'm leaving New York after

  the first of the year."

  7

  'Tor where?"

  'Texas!"

  "Texas? What in the world will you do there?"

  Reagan nearly danced in her excitement

  "You happen to be looking at the newest nanny in

  town."

  Tommy couldn't stop his mouth from dropping open.

  "Nanny? Did you say nanny? As in a person who takes

  care of children?"

  "Thaf sright"

  "But Reagan, you don't know anything about children."

  The dark-haired, dark-eyed, petite woman only smiled.

  "I'll just have to learn then, won't 11"

  Tommy's finger came up to wag in her face. It almost

  touched her nose.

  "You have had some mad schemes in your day, but this

  tops them all. What has come over you?"

  "Nothing," she told him sincerely. "I just saw a way to

  get out and experience life a little, and I'm going to take it.

  I answered an ad, and the man even sent half my fare. I

  8

  may never get an opportunity like this again." She suddenly

  smiled. "Not to mention, he's a widower. Maybe I'll

  find love."

  City Girl 7

  Knowing Reagan as he did, Tommy's head fell back

  with his laughter.

  "Reagan, are you out there?" a motherly voice called

  from the window. "Dinner's hot."

  "Thank you, Mrs. Banner," Reagan called in return. She

  turned back to Tommy. "I've got to go in."

  The man on the step below her only shook his head.

  "You're really going to go?"

  "Yes, I am, Tommy. I've run out of room for adventures

  in New York. I need the wide open spaces. On top of that,

  I'm not getting any younger."

  Tommy knew he would miss her terribly, but in a way

  he envied her. He didn't know anyone half as gutsy or

  hardworking.

  9

  "I've got to go in," Reagan repeated as she started to

  turn away.

  "You'll tell me the exact date?"

  "As soon as I know for sure." Reagan turned with one

  more saucy smile. "And besides, if I don't tell you a date,

  you won't be able to put together a big send-off party in

  my honor."

  Reagan slipped inside just as her stomach started to

  growl, still managing a smile at the sound of Tommy's

  laughter.

  & 'Sr &

  On&Month Later

  "Youll send my bike? I'm too rattled to bring it right

  now."

  "I said I would," Tommy assured her again.

  "But you didn't promise."

  "I promise."

  10

  "You have the address?"

  "In my pocket."

  "All right. Do it right away."

  8 lori wick

  "I will. Have you got everything?"

  "Yes. I'm fine."

  The two stared at each other before both smiled.

  "I envy you a little," Tommy admitted and then added,

  "but not enough to join you."

  Reagan laughed and hugged him.

  "You've been a good friend, Tommy. Write me if you get

  married pr something big happens."

  "You do the same," h
e said, knowing she never would.

  She hated letters and anything else that made her feel sentimental.

  The two hugged once more, this time to the accompaniment

  of the train whistle. Reagan boarded, and Tommy

  turned away. He didn't want to watch her go. He almost

  stayed on the busy platform, thinking she might want to

  wave to him one more time but then remembered that it

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  was Reagan. She would want no such thing.

  And he was right. That westbound, determined woman

  had already found her seat and sat with eyes straight

  ahead, only occasionally glancing out the window. She was

  off to new sights and adventures. And tempted though she

  was, she reminded herself that there was no room in-her

  heart for looking back

  //2#

  St Louis, Missouri

  January 1883

  slater rawlings came quietly into the room where he

  hoped his wife, Liberty, would still be sleeping, but as soon

  as he neared the bed, he could see that her eyes were open.

  She lay flat on her back, staring at the ceiling.

  "How are you?" he asked quietly.

  "The nausea was supposed to go away after three

  months."

  12

  Slater sat on the edge of the mattress, bent over, and

  kissed her cheek. He knew she wouldn't actually be sick-- it might be better if she could be--but at this particular

  time in her life, mornings were not very fun.

  "How about some juice? My mother always has some."

  "Fruit juice?"

  "Yes."

  "That sounds good."

  "Coming right up."

  Liberty lay still and listened to the sound of her husband's

  footsteps. They were muffled on the thick carpets

  that lined all the hallways of Slater's parents' home.

  Charles Sr. and Virginia Rawlings had a wonderful two-story

  home in a fine neighborhood of town. Liberty had

  only visited one other time since marrying Slater nine

  months before. The first time she hadn't been expecting.

  9

  10 lori wick

  13

  She had hoped this visit would be as enjoyable as the last,

  especially since they had come for such a special occasion,

  but right now she was having her doubts.

  Working at not being discouraged, she thought of the

  family that was gathered. The oldest brother, Charles

  Rawlings Jr., better known as Cash, had come from

  Kinkade, Texas. The middle brother, Dakota, was present;

  he had just resigned from his position as a Texas Ranger to

  take a sheriff's job in the small town of Jessup, Texas. And

  their grandmother, Gretchen Rawlings, from Hilldale,

  Texas, had also made the trip. Liberty reminisced over the

  time they had all gathered in Shotgun, Texas, for her wedding

  to the youngest brother. Slater.

  "Here you go," Slater said, coming into the room with a

  large glass of juice in his hand. "How does orange juice

  sound?"

  "Wonderful/' Liberty said Sincerely, scooting up against

  the headboard to drink. The first sip was just what she

  needed, and already feeling better, she drank more than

  half the contents.

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  "Thank you," she finally said, setting the glass aside and

  looking into her husband's eyes.

  "I'm still asking myself if we should have come," Slater

  admitted.,

  Liberty opened her mouth, but Slater cut her off.

  "And before you say anything about what Duffy had to

  say, you can let me have a second thought or two."

  Liberty shut her mouth but still smiled a little.

  Duffy was her stepfather. He was also her doctor. When

  word had come that there was to be a wedding after the

  first of the year, Liberty's heart had sunk, thinking it would

  be too close to her due date to travel, but then a second

  letter had come, saying the wedding would be in January.

  Liberty assumed they would go. Slater had other ideas.

  Liberty smiled as she remembered the conversation.

  "Oft, Duffy and Slate, I was hoping I'd find you together/'

  Liberty said as she entered Duffy's office with a letter in her hand.

  City Girl 11

  15

  "What's up?" her husband asked.

  She waved a letter. "It's about the wedding; he's getting married

  in January. Isn't that good news?"

  "We knew he was getting married. Lib, so why is this good

  news?" Slater asked.

  "Now I can go with you/' Liberty stated what she thought

  was the obvious.

  "Itt's get one thing straight," Slater said firmly. "I'm not

  going to the wedding without you, and since you can't travel, I'm

  staying home."

  "But with the wedding in January, we don't need to stay

  home/'

  "It's still too close/'

  Liberty looked at her stepfather. "Will you please tell him?"

  "It's fine, Slater," Duffy said, his bedside-manner voice

  becoming rather matter-of-fact. "With her due date, it shouldn't

  be a problem."

  Slater's eyes grew suspicious. "Did she put you up to this?"

  Liberty laughed out loud over this, Duffy joining her.

  "Slater, Slater," Liberty said, her voice loving. "I'm fine, and

  16

  the baby's going to be fine." t

  "You feel sick every morning," he argued.

  "That's normal."

  "It is, Slater," Duffy put in. "The stage ride to Keyes would

  be the most stressful part, and that's only 17 miles. Taking the

  train makes it a very easy journey."

  "You did remember that we're talking about St. Louis, didn't

  you, Duffy? It's a long way."

  The older man only smiled. Slater's eyes swung to his wife to

  find her smiling too. At that moment his face told them he was giving in.

  "Whaf s that smile for?" Slater now asked, breaking into

  Liberty's thoughts,

  "I'm just remembering how panicked you were about

  my coming here."

  "I have good reason. If s a long way in your condition."

  Liberty could only grin.

  12 lori wick

  "You are impertinent/' Slater told her, but it was no use.

  17

  As poorly as she had felt a few minutes earlier, she was

  glad she'd come, her smile attesting to that fact. Slater

  could frown all he wanted, but Liberty was delighted to be

  here for Dakota Ra wlings' wedding.

  r S" Sr

  "You have that tense look again," Dakota said to Darvi

  Wingate, the woman who was scheduled to be his bride in

  less than a week. He had just arrived at her house, and they

  were sitting alone in the parlor.

  Darvi was from St Louis, and if the guest list was any

  indication, a boatload of family had come to wish her well.

  That along with the wedding paraphernalia that could be

  seen everywhere, indicated it was going to be quite the

  occasion.

  "I am tense," Darvi admitted. "The caterer informed us

  this morning that he didn't know we wanted candelabra."

  "Do we want candelabra?"

  "My mother does," came Darvi's standard reply.

  18

  Dakota couldn't stop his smile
as he teased her.

  "I'm not going to let you forget that it was my idea to

  elope."

  "And have my mother hunting us down for the rest of

  our lives?" Darvi reminded him with a theatrical shudder.

  "I know you'll forgive me. I'm not too sure about her."

  Dakota suddenly leaned forward and kissed her.

  "What was that for?"

  "Do I need a reason?"

  "This time, yes."

  He studied her. "You're fun, and I'm in love with you."

  Darvi gazed at him, her own heart in her eyes.

  "That was a nice reason. I'm glad I asked."

  "Oh, Dakota," Mrs. Wingate said from the doorway of

  the room; the couple had not even heard her approach.

  City Girl 13

  "I'm so glad you're here. Did you take care of the carriages?"

  "Yes, ma'am." Having come to his feet, Dakota

  answered politely, not bothering to remind her that she had

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  already checked with him on this subject. "They're all set."

  "Good. There's no problem with your suit or those of

  your brothers, is there?"

  "No, ma'am. Everything is in order."

  Clarisse Wingate stared blankly at Darvi and Dakota for

  a moment before giving a small gasp and hurrying on her

  way.

  "Is your mother going to make it?" Dakota asked compassionately

  when she had left.

  "I hope so. When you consider that she wasn't even

  speaking to me in the fall of last year, we've come a long

  way. Having me marry in style has always been important

  to her. I took the chance away from her once; she's not

  going to be denied again."

  "Well, if I have anything to say about it," Dakota said,

  sitting back with a smile, his eyes still on his fiancee, "she'll

  see you married."

  "Is that right?" Darvi's smile held a teasing glint "And

  what makes you so eager, Mr. Rawlings?"

  Dakota tried to look nonchalant. He studied the ceiling

  20

  with interest. "I'm just thinking that our trip to the gulf

  sounds nice. I've never been to the gulf."

  Darvi laughed. She wasn't fooled in the least. He was

  looking forward to being alone and on their honeymoon as

  much as she was.

  Dakota was reaching for her hand when Darvi had a

  sudden thought

  "Oh, Dakota, I just remembered something. Uncle

  Marty sent us a gift."

  "That was nice. What is it?"

  "I didn't open it. I wanted to wait for you."

  Dakota watched her move from the room, loving how

  graceful and feminine she was. The uncle she spoke of had

  14 lori wick

  dtyGirl 15

  been Dakota's superior in the Rangers. He hadn't been