Chapter 14

Megan

Megan held Jake's head in her lap, trying to make him as comfortable as possible while Dallas applied pressure on his wound. "Hold on, Jake. We're almost there," she cooed, stroking the hair away from his face. Although he was still unconscious, she felt that he could still hear her.

Soon, they arrived at the doorstep of Doc Morgan's office and Charles jumped down and rushed in, while Milo opened the carriage door. "We're here, Jake. Hold on."

Luckily, Doc Morgan was in and climbed into the carriage and gave Jake a quick assessment. "Bring him in and I'll take care of him."

"Will he live?" Butch asked as he and Dallas pulled Jake from the carriage.

Doc Morgan nodded. "It's a clean wound, but he's lost a lot of blood. He just needs plenty of rest and he'll be fine."

Megan leaned back against the seat, relief spreading over her.

Dallas glanced over in her direction. "I'll be right back."

She nodded, wiping the blood off the seat with her shawl the best she could.

"Take care of her," Dallas ordered.

"Yes, boss," Bill replied, and then Dallas, Butch, and Charles carried Jake inside.

A wave of fatigue washed over Megan as she waited. "I'll just close my eyes for a second," she mumbled to herself. The next thing she knew, Dallas was shaking her awake.

"Megan?" Dallas cooed, climbing into the carriage. Charles slid onto the seat across from them.

She snapped awake. "Sorry. I must have dozed off. How is he?" She looked around, trying to orient herself.

Dallas smiled as he pulled her to his side. But she sat up and looked out the window. Streaks of orange, red, and pink raced across the sky, chasing the blue away, reflecting off the white snow.

"Madame, you were really brave today," Charles mused, a smile curled his lips.

Dallas chuckled under his breath. "Did you see the way she reloaded for us? When she started patting me down for a gun, I almost had a heart attack."

"Yes... well... I couldn't just stand there and watch, now could I?"

"I figured that if I didn't give you a job to do, you might have taken the gun I was using!" Dallas laughed at the memory.

Megan smiled, feeling a bit groggy. "At that point, I figured ye could use all the help ye could get. But knowing my shooting skills, I was probably more help reloading fer ye both."

Dallas and Charles laughed.

"Dallas, you have yourself a brave one there. I'll give you that!" Charles laughed. "Man! I was about to give her a gun myself!"

A moment later, they pulled in front of the sheriff's office and Dallas gave her hand a squeeze. "I'll be right back."

"Don't worry. I'll stay with her," Charles interjected.

Dallas nodded once, and then disappeared into the sheriff's office. He was in there for a few minutes, and then came out with the sheriff and Colton.

"Don't worry. I'm headed over there right now to question them." Sheriff Clark nodded toward the hotel. "We'll take care of it. They'll be lucky if I don't arrest them all."

Butch slid off his horse and tied it to the carriage. "I'll go with you." Bloodstains still covered his shirt.

"Now, we can't go over there hotheaded," Sheriff Clark warned. "We're going over there to question and to warn them."

"I'll go with you, too," Charles replied as he stepped out of the carriage and turned to Dallas. "You go ahead and take Megan home."

Dallas nodded. "Are you sure you won't need me?"

Charles shook his head. "The four of us can handle it. I'll see you back at the ranch."

Reluctantly, Dallas climbed into the carriage and sat beside Megan. "Bill, to the ranch."

"Yes, sir," Bill replied, and a second later the carriage was moving again.

Dallas didn't say much for a bit. They both watched the sunset, content with each other's company.

"Megan." Dallas stroked a strand of hair away from her face. "I don't know what I would have done if something would have happened to you today."

Megan sighed. "Dallas, I don't know what I would have done if I had lost ye, too." She sighed, absentmindedly shaking her head. "No, I couldn't have lost ye that way."

He placed a hand on her cheek, forcing her to look at him. "Megan, I'm in love with you."

Megan shook her head. "Dallas, I—"

Dallas gently pressed a finger to her lips. "I know you married me out of necessity, and you don't have to say anything in return. I just wanted you to know." He turned sideways so he could take her hand into his. "I love you, darling."

She nodded. "Dallas, please understand. I've lost everyone I've ever loved. If I lost ye, too, I don't know if I could take it." Her eyes filled with tears, unable to say more.

Dallas pulled her to his chest and stroked her hair, but didn't say another word.

Megan turned her gaze toward the darkening sky, fearing that he was angry with her, and she wanted to make it right. "Dallas, I—"

"Shh…." He gently brushed the hair away from her face. "You don't have to say anything."

When they arrived at the ranch, Dallas opened the door and climbed out, lowered the step, and held Megan's hand as she stepped down. "Let's go inside. You need to eat something. I don't want you to go into shock."

Megan smiled, and looked down at her dress, but only a few spots of blood were evident. "I'll hurry upstairs and change. I don't want to give Mrs. Daly a heart attack when she sees me. But I ate so much earlier, I don't think I'll be able to eat much now."

Dallas pulled her to a stop when they reached the door and placed his hand on her cheek. "Megan, I don't want you to have to live in fear. It's my job to protect you. I want you to stay close to the ranch. Please, don't venture off—"

"I'll be fine." Megan reached up and kissed his cheek. "Ye do protect me, but I can protect meself, too."

Dallas pulled her into his arms and his lips descended upon hers as she ran her fingers through his blond hair. This kiss was filled not only with passion, but with desperation and pain. He pulled back, leaving her breathless. "Megan, promise me you'll stay safe. Those men in town are dangerous."

She nodded as a smile lit her lips. "I promise. Now, let's go inside and get something to eat. We can discuss this later."

Dallas gazed into her eyes for a long while and then gave her one last sweet kiss. "One more thing: Be sure not to hurt Mrs. Daly or one of my men, thinking they're an intruder," Dallas teased, remembering her with the knife at the restaurant as he walked with her up the front steps to the porch.

Megan burst out laughing. "Don't worry. If I attack anyone, it'll be in self-defense or… because I meant to."

Dallas laughed. "I don't doubt that!" He opened the door for her, and she rushed upstairs to change her clothes before anyone saw her.

***

The next day was Saturday. Megan cleaned up and changed into a lavender dress and combed her hair into place. She laced up her black shoes, and then headed down the stairs.

"Good morning, missus!" Mrs. Daly greeted her when she walked down the stairs. "My, my! Don't ye look nice today!"

"Thank ye," Megan replied, smoothing a hand over her dress. "Where's Mr. King?"

She let out a deep breath. "He went to the bank. He said he wouldn't be long."

Megan smiled. "Mrs. Daly, do ye have a minute?"

"Yes, of course." A crease formed between her eyes. "What's wrong?"

Megan shook her head. "Nothing at all. It's just that Christmas is coming soon. Why don't we have some tea and make plans?"

A broad smile spread across Mrs. Daly's face. "Yes, of course. I'll be right back with the tea."

She started to walk away, but Megan stopped her. "Mrs. Daly, I'm not keeping ye from anything, am I?"

The older woman shook her head. "No, not at all. I was just finishing up me chores."

"Well, if there's ever anything I kin do—"

"Nonsense!" Mrs. Daly cut her off. "You're the lady of the house. I'll be right back."

Megan sat at the dining room table and waited. Megan still felt a bit strange having people wait on her. She didn't want to become complacent and take it for granted, either. As she waited, she thought about what Dallas had said… that he loved her. She was very fond of him, but could she allow herself to love him? No, after what she had been through, it was better to marry for stability and she had that with Dallas. But if she gave him her heart and something happened to him, she feared it would crush her.

"Here we go!" Mrs. Daly burst into the room carrying a tray with a pretty teapot and matching cups, along with a plate of sandwiches. She placed it on the table and began setting everything out. "Since ye haven't eaten anything yet today, I thought ye might be a wee bit hungry."

Megan smiled. "Yes, thank ye. But please join me. I hate to dine alone."

"I hope ye don't mind…." Mrs. Daly lowered her voice conspiratorially, "but I was planning on it."

"Good!" Megan laughed, glad she had the company of Mrs. Daly. Although they didn't talk about anything personal, it was good to have the camaraderie of another woman. "Now, about Christmas…." Megan leaned forward at the edge of the table as Mrs. Daly poured the tea.

Together, they ate sandwiches with bacon that was probably left over from breakfast and freshly baked bread. The scent was heavenly. By the time they finished their lunch, the Christmas plans were arranged. Megan didn't know if Dallas wanted to have other people over or not, so they made two plans: One, for a quiet Christmas with just the two of them, and another plan that included guests.

After their meal, Megan stood and pushed in her chair. "I think I'll go Christmas shopping in town. Would you like me to help you with these?" She gestured toward the dishes.

"No, of course not." A crease formed between Mrs. Daly's eyes. "But with those brutes in town, I really don' think ye should go. In fact, I haven't been to town since they arrived. If I need anything, Mr. Daly goes for me."

Mr. Daly spent his time caring for the horses or in their little cottage behind the bunkhouse, staying to himself. In fact, Megan only met him once or twice.

"I'll be fine. Besides, Mr. King is in town. I'd like to surprise him." She hurried to the stairs, but Mrs. Daly stopped her.

"Do ye think that's wise? I really think ye should reconsider."

Megan sighed. "One of Dallas's men will escort me, so I should be safe."

Mrs. Daly nodded. "Just be careful. From what I've heard, those men in town are dangerous."

"Do you know why they're here?" Megan couldn't wait until the men left. Then, maybe everything could go back to normal… whatever normal was. She hadn't lived in Whiskey River long enough to see what "normal" was before they arrived.

Mrs. Daly shook her head. "No, but I'm sure they're up to no good."

Megan went upstairs and slipped on a hat and grabbed her coat, suddenly excited to see Dallas.

When she walked outside, Milo came around the corner of the house and tipped his hat when she stepped out onto the porch. "Good morning, ma'am."

She smiled. "Yes, it is. Would you mind taking me into town this morning?"

He narrowed his eyes. "I don't think that's wise."

"Don't worry. I'll be careful. I'd just like to go to the General Store to go Christmas shopping."

"Are you sure you wouldn't rather wait for Mr. King?"

Megan smiled. "I wouldn't be able to buy him a present when he's with me, now could I?"

"I guess not." Milo thought for a moment and then replied, "But stay with me, ma'am, and I'll keep you safe."

Megan smiled appreciatively. She wasn't used to such attention and having to have a guard all the time. She hoped that things would be different once the gang was out of town. As she stepped into the buggy, she wondered if Dallas would have armed guards with her constantly. She hoped not, but she figured it was just until the men in town left. Megan wasn't one to live her life in fear.

As they were riding along, she thought of what Dallas had said the night before, that he loved her. But could she give him her love in return? No, it was better to marry for security, not for love. Then again, Dallas was generous and caring, but he was domineering at times, too. But no one was perfect… and neither was she.

***

They rode into town a short time later. Milo pulled the buggy down to the corner, careful not to stop in front of the hotel and restaurant. When they passed by, she noticed that not as many men were perched out front, only one this time. Maybe they got the hint and left town, but she knew that was too much to hope for.

"You can go ahead," Megan instructed Milo when he helped her out of the buggy. "I'll be fine."

Milo frowned as he turned his hat in his hand. "Actually, Mr. King said I was to stay with you today and not let you out of my sight."

She sighed. "Very well, then. I'll be in the General Store, and then I'm going to The Ladies' Dress Emporium to visit Miss Baker."

Milo nodded. "I'll wait outside for you, ma'am."

"Thank you." Megan headed into the General Store, excited to buy Dallas a gift.

"Why, Mrs. King! ‘Tis a great pleasure to have your unexpected company today!" Mrs. Carson slid a bolt of fabric away and then pulled out another. "Could I interest you in some of our finest fabric today?"

Off to the side, Mr. Carson scoffed as he slid a can onto a shelf.

"No, not today. Christmas is coming, so I thought I'd just browse and perhaps get a Christmas gift for Mr. King." Meagan walked around the store, enjoying the freedom of being out alone for a change. She stopped to admire the Christmas ornaments and decorations on a table sitting front and center of the store. She walked over and there were also ribbons and plain wooden and glass ornaments.

"Oh, Mrs. King!" Mrs. Carson interrupted. "A fine woman such as yourself shouldn't think of buying those." She scoffed, turning up her nose at the table containing the items to make your own ornaments. "What you want is over here." Mrs. Carson crossed the room to a table containing expensive glass ornaments.

Megan shook her head. "No, I'd really prefer to make them myself." She gathered some ribbon and some wooden ornaments, along with small containers of paint. She had never painted before, but it looked like fun. Then she picked up a roll of wide red ribbon that she planned to use to decorate the house.

Then, she browsed the store, trying to think of something she could get Dallas for Christmas. It was difficult to think about a gift for a man who had everything. Since she couldn't think of anything right off the bat, she decided to think about it and come back later. She felt bad for buying Dallas's gift with his money. But since they were married, she guessed it was hers, too.

"Mrs. King, a woman such as yourself—"

"Mrs. Carson," Megan addressed her in a kind but firm way. "I may be Mr. King's wife, and he may be one of the richest men in town, but I would appreciate it if you would treat me like any normal person."

Mr. Carson coughed to cover a laugh. "I think I'll go to the back for more supplies." He quickly disappeared into the back room.

Mrs. Carson's mouth was still open, but she quickly recovered herself. "Well! I never!" She walked off, and then bit out over her shoulder, "If you need any help, Mrs. King, just let me know." Then she went on with her work.

Megan ended up buying some potatoes, carrots, some cranberries, and some other vegetables. She also bought some beef to make stew, and then more flour, just in case, not sure what they had at home.

When she was about to leave, Mr. Carson rang up her purchases. "It was a pleasure to see you today, indeed. Please, come back again soon." He gave her a warm smile. Megan thought that he had enjoyed her telling off his wife a bit too much.

When she walked out, Milo was waiting. "Here, Mrs. King. Let me get those for you," he offered, taking her bags from her. "I'll put them in the buggy."

"Thank you, Milo," she replied, and then added, "I'm going over to see Miss Baker at the dress shop for a while."

"I'll be here." Milo pulled the buggy in front of the dress shop and stood guard.

"Milo, this really isn't necessary. I can go to the bank once I finish."

He shrugged. "No, orders are orders."

Megan sighed, knowing she wasn't going to win that battle, so she headed into the dress shop.

"Well, hello!" Kenzie Baker smiled, looking up from helping another customer. "I'll be right with you."

"Take yer time," Megan replied, smiling as she browsed through the shop. "I just stepped in to say hello."

Kenzie nodded, and then turned back to her customer.

Megan was glad to see that Kenzie treated her like any other person and didn't fall at her feet because she was married to Dallas King. As Megan looked around the shop, she thought about Dallas. She wondered if he would expect her to act a certain way, as a lady of leisure, at all times. But that just wasn't her. Megan had always had an independent spirit.

She just wanted to live a normal life with a husband who would provide for her and their children. She would never consider letting a nanny raise their children, and if that was what Dallas had in mind, then he would have a fight on his hands. As she walked around the shop thinking about Dallas, it appeared that they still had a lot to discuss.