Love Finds You in Sundance, Wyoming Page 16

  Angel answered before Libby had the chance to open her lips. “No. Thank you. This will be just fine.” She snatched the package from his hands and headed for the door. “I think we’ve done enough damage for one day.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  The next morning Libby finished buttoning the emerald-green dress for Angel and gently pushed her into a chair. “Do you mind if I fix your hair?”

  Angel touched her plait. “Not at all, but what’s wrong with it?”

  Libby bit her lip to keep a smile from peeking out. Angel didn’t have a vain bone in her body. The longer she knew this young woman, the more she liked her—and to think she hadn’t wanted Travis to hire her when she’d first arrived. “Your hair is lovely, but I thought we might do something a bit different.”

  Angel shrugged. “If you want to.” She fingered the lace at her throat and raised a quizzical face.

  “As soon as I finish, I’ll turn you around so you can take a look.” The mirror hanging above her vanity covered nearly half of the wall and was the one thing she’d insisted on bringing with her. Mama had surprised her with it before her coming-out party, and she wouldn’t leave it behind.

  “I feel funny having you do so much for me. I could have worn my best pants and shirt.”

  “It’s no bother. I loved playing dress-up with my friends when I was little, and while you aren’t young enough to be my daughter, I can still have fun if you’ll allow me to.” Libby loosened the ends of the braid and unwound the tresses, running her fingers through the black hair and marveling at the thickness. She’d never met a woman before who truly didn’t know her own beauty. The women she knew in San Francisco would’ve jumped at the chance to wear this satin gown trimmed in lace. Not Angel.

  Silence reigned while Libby brushed Angel’s hair. She’d never had a daughter, and she’d always wanted a sister. She could only hope the bride Travis chose would be as unassuming as Angel.

  Her hand froze as the idea penetrated deeper. What a grand notion! Angel had agreed to attend church with them, so surely she was open and interested in the gospel. Her eyes narrowed. Had Travis shown any interest in Angel since she’d arrived? Libby thought back over the past weeks and began to smile. When Angel was injured, her brother had insisted he care for her when Libby needed sleep.

  Then her shoulders slumped. Who else would he have asked? She’d need to study on this when she had a bit more time.

  Libby plucked a large ivory comb from the top of the vanity behind her. It would’ve been much easier to have Angel turned around, but she didn’t want her looking in the mirror until she’d finished. A couple of deft twists and she’d secured a portion of hair from both sides of Angel’s face and pulled it to the back of her head. She left one tiny ringlet in front of each ear.

  “There. All done. Look in the mirror and tell me what you think.” Libby held her breath while Angel stood and hesitated a moment before turning. “Angel?”

  Angel bit her bottom lip. “I’m nervous. I haven’t worn a dress since before Mama died.”

  “You haven’t worn a dress? I had no idea.”

  Before she could comment further Angel swung around, her hands clasped in front of her waist. She peered into the mirror. “Oh my. Is that really me?” She touched her curls. “I look—like a lady.”

  Libby released a peal of laughter, her heart swelling with pleasure. “You do at that, my dear. A real, true lady. In fact, you’re beautiful. The lace collar and pearl buttons give the right feminine touch. I don’t think I could’ve done better, if I do say so myself.” She grasped Angel’s hand and tugged. “Now we’d better get out there before breakfast is over.”

  “Breakfast?” Angel shrank back. “I have to wear this getup to breakfast? In front of all the cowboys, and Travis and everybody?”

  “Why of course, silly girl. You have to eat. Besides, you’re going to church and a lot of people will be there.”

  Angel shook her head. “I can’t do it. I won’t do it.” She fumbled behind her neck and started to unbutton the gown.

  Libby sprang forward and wrapped her hand around Angel’s fingers. “Hush, now. Of course you can. I’ll walk out with you, and we’ll sit together at the table. The men are there to eat breakfast, not you.”

  Angel’s cheeks flamed bright red at her words. “They might.”

  Angel’s heart pounded, and her hands shook. Why hadn’t she thought this through? How foolish to think she could step into a frilly gown and become something she wasn’t. She’d been raised like a boy and trained to think like a man. Right now all she wanted was to slip back into her jeans and hide in a corner. Libby meant well, but this new look didn’t suit her.

  She peeked in the mirror one more time and caught her breath. Was that really her wearing the green creation that clung to every curve and shouted her femininity? The braid that usually hung down her back had been replaced with soft curls piled high on her head. Angel raised her hand and touched a strand. She’d had no idea it could look like this. “It is kind of nice, isn’t it?”

  “It’s beautiful. You are beautiful. Accept that, and don’t let it scare you.”

  “I never thought—“ She sighed. “Thank you, Libby. For everything.” Libby’s eyes misted with tears and she shook her head. “I’m the one who should thank you.”

  Angel raised her brows. “For what?”

  “I was so lonely before you arrived. I’ll admit I didn’t think we’d have anything in common when we met, but I’m so glad you came. I’d like to think we might become friends.”

  Joy surged through Angel’s heart and a newfound confidence filled her. “I’d like that.”

  Libby slipped her arm around Angel’s waist. “Come on. It’s time to show those men what a real woman looks like.”

  Angel swallowed. She could do this, with Libby beside her. Nothing was too hard when you had a friend who believed in you.

  Travis glanced around the table. The men were restless. What was taking Libby and Angel so long? Libby had never been late to breakfast on a Sunday morning, and she typically helped Smokey. If they waited much longer he’d have to lasso and hogtie a few of his cowboys to keep them from rushing the food.

  Charlie took a swig of his coffee, the only thing Smokey allowed them to touch, then thumped his cup on the table. “I’m starving, Boss. When do we eat?”

  Nate elbowed the man. “Pipe down. Miss Angel and Libby will be here soon enough. You aren’t going to die.”

  Wren growled low in his throat. “Don’t bet on it. My stomach thinks my throat’s been cut and ain’t never gettin’ food again.”

  Arizona glared at his partner. “Ah, shut your big bazoo. Miss Angel and the boss’s sister are worth waiting for. It’s not gonna help to keep bellyaching.”

  Travis grunted. “I agree.” A door shut upstairs and he heard two sets of shoes walking down the steps. “Here they come now. Mind your manners, men. No more grousing.”

  He wondered if Libby lent Angel a skirt of some sort, or maybe a blouse to go with her trousers. From what he’d seen, the girl was only comfortable in men’s garb, and he doubted she could be convinced to wear anything else.

  Libby stepped into the room and Angel hovered behind her. Travis caught a flash of deep green color and dark curls peeking from behind Libby. Finally, his sister stepped to the side and all movement at the table halted. A spell seemed to weave itself over the men and turned them into carved statues rather than ravenous cowboys.

  Every eye focused on the lovely vision standing a few feet away. Travis gulped a mouthful of coffee and tried not to choke. Could this possibly be the dusty, boot-clad woman he’d mistaken for a boy? The rich green of her dress set off her dusky skin and black hair to perfection. His gaze strayed to the fitted bodice hugging her tiny waist, and he had to quell the urge to tear at the collar tightening around his throat. The word beautiful didn’t do her justice. Breathtaking came closer.

  Arizona pushed away from the table and stood, giving a galla
nt bow. “Good morning, lovely lady.” He gripped the back of her chair and slid it out. “Allow me?” He waited until she was seated and gently moved it forward until she was perfectly positioned at her place. Turning, he did the same for Libby.

  Travis ground his teeth, chastising himself for sitting like a dolt and allowing his cowboy to do the honors. By Arizona’s smug expression the cowboy believed he’d scored a win.

  “Thank you, Arizona, you’re very kind.” Angel’s lilting voice broke the cowboys’ restraint.

  Wren sat up straight and grinned. “I never seen nothin’ as bee-oo-tiful as you, Miss Angel.” His smile suddenly faded. He flushed and turned to Libby. “Exceptin’ present company, of course, ma’am.”

  Libby gave a solemn nod. “Thank you, Wren, but you’re quite right. Angel is exquisite.”

  Charlie leaned forward, his homely face alight. “Purty as a picture, I declare.”

  Each of the cowboys added their consensus until Travis wanted to shout at them to stop. Did they have to slobber all over the woman?

  He raised his voice above the hubbub. “All right, men. We’d better eat before the food gets cold, and some of us are late for church.” He reached for the platter of fried potatoes.

  Nate cleared his throat and gave him a look, but Travis had no idea what he was trying to convey. He scooped up a serving, and Nate coughed. Travis glared. “What is it, man? I’d have thought you were as hungry as the rest of these geezers.”

  “Just had a notion you’d want to bless the food like you usually do, Boss. Unless you’re too hungry to wait.”

  Travis’s hand halted in midair. “Yeah. Right. Sorry.” He felt too flustered to pray. When had he ever forgotten to say a blessing before a meal? “Nate, maybe you’d do the honors?”

  He tried to calm his mind while Nate uttered a short prayer. Afterward, the clanking of glasses and silverware filled the room. Travis noticed more than one man stealing a glance at Angel, but she didn’t seem to notice. If he thought his ranch was in the midst of upheaval since this woman arrived, what in the world would it be after today?

  Angel stood beside the family buggy, hesitant about where she should sit. The elegant carriage had a covered top with a roomy front and back seat; each could comfortably fit two people, and three in a pinch. She grasped the handle and lifted her foot, thankful for the black laced-up shoes Libby lent her. Someone touched her arm.

  Libby stood beside her. “Would you mind sitting with Travis on the way to church?”

  Angel frowned, not sure how to respond. Sit next to Travis? He was Libby’s brother. “Why? I can ride in the back with James.”

  “I’d like to, if you don’t mind. I haven’t had much time with my son the past few days, and I’d appreciate being able to chat with him.”

  “How about Grandmother? She should sit up front, not me. I can stay home and go in a couple of weeks when the reverend comes back to town—“ Her voice broke on the last note.

  “Maria told me she’s tired and decided to spend the morning resting.”

  “Tired?” Alarm surged through Angel’s heart. “Is she ill?”

  Libby shook her head. “She’s fine. She didn’t sleep well last night. Even if you stayed home, she’d probably doze for the next couple of hours. Smokey will keep an eye on her.” She gripped Angel’s arm and urged her forward. “Come now, climb up. Travis will be out any minute.”

  At that moment James and Travis exited the house, their boots clomping on the wood planks as they made their way toward the steps. “Hey, Ma!” James waved at his mother and grinned. “Can I sit with Miss Angel?”

  Libby waited until they approached before she answered. “No, Son. You can sit in the back and visit with your mother. Miss Angel is sitting up front with your uncle.”

  Angel glanced at Travis, wondering what he might think, but only a brief flash of surprise crossed his features. He quickly masked the emotion and nodded, reached out a hand, and took her arm. “Here, let me help you up.”

  Angel felt a rush of relief. She’d never tried to navigate in a skirt with so much material before—or any type of dress, for that matter— and had no idea how she’d keep from stepping on the hem and falling. She settled onto the padded cushion with a sigh. “What a nice buggy.”

  Libby answered from her place in the back where she’d climbed without assistance. “Yes. Travis purchased it right after I arrived at the ranch. All he had before was a rickety buckboard that jarred your teeth on every little bump in the road. And this isn’t a bit hard to drive, either.”

  James piped up from beside his mother. “Yeah. Uncle Travis is going to teach me to drive soon. Can I ride up front with you on the way back and try?”

  Travis picked up the reins and glanced over his shoulder. “We’ll see how it goes, but I’m not sure it’s a good idea to have your first lesson with other people onboard.”

  “Ah, tarnation. I gotta learn sometime!”

  “James!” Libby’s tone was shocked. “I will not have you using that kind of language. Do I need to send you to your room without supper when we return home?”

  “No.”

  “No, what?”

  “No, ma’am. I’m sorry.” James’s words barely connected with Angel’s ears.

  The next mile or so rolled by in silence. Occasionally Travis’s arm brushed hers as he tugged on the reins, creating a deep sense of awareness in Angel. He looked handsome in his gray trousers and white shirt partly covered by a buttoned-up vest. The light scent of cologne wafted from his clean-shaven face. He gazed straight ahead and the muscles in his forearms rippled beneath the fabric of his shirt. Her hands grew moist. She rubbed them on her skirt, then yanked them away, realizing what she’d done. Why hadn’t she insisted on sitting in the back with Libby? The nearness of this man disturbed her more than she could account for.

  She turned her attention to her surroundings, working to rein in her physical response to Travis. The vast grassy fields disappeared, and they entered a more rugged, heavily treed area. Ridges and rock outcroppings grew more frequent as they drove parallel to a line of mountains.

  “How long since you’ve been to a church service?” Travis asked, then clucked to his team as they entered a straight stretch of road.

  Angel tipped her head toward him. “I’ve never been to church before. Or I guess I should say, not that I can remember. I think my parents took me when I was very young.”

  Travis cocked his head toward her. “I had no idea. I just assumed—“

  She shrugged. “We lived a long ways from town, and there was no church nearby.” Angel bit her lip—that much was true. He didn’t need to know that church wasn’t something anyone in the outlaw camp thought of. A couple of the Mexican women had a Catholic background, but they weren’t devout. No one else had seemed to care.

  “So, where exactly did you grow up?” His tone was curious.

  Angel hesitated, gripping the side rail as the buggy rattled over a rough patch of ground. A hard jolt threw her against Travis and he reached out to steady her, clasping her arm. A pleasant shock traveled through her body. She liked the feel of his strong grip, and she stifled disappointment when he moved away.

  Travis slowed the team from a trot back to a walk. “Sorry. I don’t usually rush through here. Guess I wasn’t paying enough attention.”

  Angel nodded. “Speaking of growing up, have you lived in the West all your life? I know your sister is from San Francisco.” She spoke in a rush, hoping he’d forget his own question and move on to hers.

  He opened his mouth, then scowled. They traveled a few minutes without speaking. “I was raised in St. Louis, as was Libby. She moved to San Francisco after she married. I left home when I was seventeen.”

  “Do you still have family there?”

  “Yes. My father.” His answer was curt and didn’t invite anything more.

  Angel settled against the seat, wishing she were sitting in the back with Libby. This man disturbed her too much. She’d ma
ke sure James got his wish to ride up front on the way home, whatever it took.

  Travis gripped the reins and mentally kicked himself. Sure he’d been a little miffed when Angel evaded his question and pointed it back at him, but that was no reason to be short. He’d felt her stiffen and withdraw, and he couldn’t say he blamed her. Why was it that the very thought of his father set his teeth on edge? It shouldn’t bother him so much. He was a grown man with his own life now, and if Father wouldn’t acknowledge that fact, there was nothing Travis could do.

  He’d hoped to draw Angel out about her past—find a clue as to why she had no religious background. How could she grow up and never attend church? For that matter, why hadn’t she known her grandparents were living? If Maria and her husband hadn’t sent letters to practically every sheriff from Texas to Wyoming asking for word of a woman named Maria de Luca or her husband, Carlo Ramirez, Angel still wouldn’t know her grandmother existed. It was a good thing Angel had chosen to use her mother’s last name while riding as a man.

  Libby’s soft voice caught his ear, but he couldn’t decipher the words. Hopefully she was discussing the sheriff’s concerns with James, since Travis hadn’t made time to follow through on that chore. He heaved a sigh. There was so much that he didn’t seem to get right in this life. He’d have to apologize to Libby for not spending more time with James and setting a better example. The boy needed a strong man to shape his life now that his father was dead. Not that Travis had a lot of positive input in his life from his own father.

  Angel shifted her position beside him, and he turned his head. “Comfortable? We’re almost to town.”

  “I’m fine. Thank you.” Her tone didn’t invite conversation.

  If the return trip was anything like this, it would be a long ride home. Maybe he’d allow James a few minutes at the reins, after all.

  Angel stood beside the buggy after the church service, gazing at the beautiful Church of the Good Shepherd. Faint memories of attending a Catholic church with her parents niggled her mind, and gratitude flooded her that this Episcopal service hadn’t been too far different from what she recalled. She tipped her head back, noting the beauty of multiple windows above the peaked front entrance to the soaring, steepled bell tower above.