Edwina's Husband Read online

  But there had been a wedding night. A wonderful wedding night. A night he would have stretched into a few more nights with her if he hadn’t had to go west the next morning. The shy little lady was filled with passion and Wyatt had thought about it off and on in the time since. He just hadn’t remembered her name or given a thought as to how she had handled his not coming back. He certainly never dreamed it would bring the woman to him with a child on her hip.

  “Here it is.” She pulled a paper from her drawstring purse and handed it to him. “See, we’re married.”

  “But—”

  “I know it was quick and we were together only one night, but I thought you’d come back for us eventually. You did say you would see us later. I kept waiting, but finally, to save my son, I had to come find you myself. After all, we did create our son on our wedding night, Mr. Singleton.”

  “Are you sure?” he asked, and almost stammered out the words.

  “Of course I’m sure. Look at him. You can’t deny he’s your son. He looks just like you. He has dark hair and your dark eyes. I’m sure he’ll grow just as tall and handsome as his father.”

  Wyatt looked at the little boy. He was just as the woman described and he couldn’t help feeling a little bit of pride. Maybe he did have a son. Something some men never had. Thourgood Reeson for one. He’d only been able to produce Cora Sue. The daughter the rancher was hoping to marry off to Wyatt. Of course, there was no reason he couldn’t marry Cora Sue or anyone else he wanted to. His marriage to this woman wasn’t a marriage at all. The best thing to do was tell her nothing legal happened. She was as single as she was when they walked into the church.

  He glanced at the boy again and decided to wait a while to confess. “He does look like me,” he muttered.

  The woman beamed. “I knew you’d like him. That’s why no matter how much Uncle Hezekiah badgered me, I refused to divorce you for desertion. I knew when I found you you’d want your son. No real man would desert his child, even if he did walk out on his baby’s mother.”

  Wyatt swallowed as he glanced down at the paper she’d handed him. Edwina Thorn Singleton. So that was her name, and she was seventeen when this farce of a marriage took place.

  He glanced at her and knew he couldn’t let this go on. She had a right to know there had been no legal marriage. “Edwina, there’s something—”

  “Oh, thank the Lord. You remembered my name. I was sure you’d forgotten, but I should have known an intelligent man like you would remember the details. I guess you were just surprised to see us.” She laughed. “Why have you been kidding me about not remembering our marriage? I’m sure you have a sense of humor, but Adam and I have traveled across the country to find you and we’re tired and a little hungry. I’m sure I will later, but I can’t appreciate your kidding right now.”

  “I’m sorry. Let me have a tray sent in here.”

  “Could we clean up a little first? That train was awfully hot and sooty and the ride in the wagon to your ranch was dusty and tiring.” She took hold of one of her long blonde curls. “Even my hair came down when my hat blew off. The Wagon ran over it, so I didn’t bother to have the driver pick it up.”

  Wyatt couldn’t help it. He smiled at her. He could imagine her trying to retrieve her hat and losing her hairpins in the process. “I’ll have Rosalinda show you to a room and have some warm water sent up.”

  “Oh thank you.” She reached down and touched Adam’s shoulder. “See, Adam. I told you your daddy was a nice man, no matter what Uncle Hezekiah said. Now you won’t have to go to…never mind. Say hello to your daddy.”

  Wyatt reached out and started to touch the child. He hesitated, but before he could withdraw his hand, the little boy reached up and grabbed his finger. “Da,” he said.

  Edwina’s hands flew to her cheeks. “Would you listen to that? I’ve taken care of him all his life and he’s been saying a few words, but he’s never called me Mama. Now the first time he sees you, he calls you Da. That should please you at least.”

  Wyatt gently pulled his finger from the chubby little hand. He didn’t want to feel the emotions that were pulsing through him. “I’ll send Rosalinda to show you to a room.”

  * * * *

  Wyatt sat at his desk and stared at the false marriage certificate. He knew it wasn’t legal, but Edwina had no idea he’d duped her only because he lusted for her beautiful body. Damn, what a cad he was. He was as bad as Roxy. No wonder he had a rift with his father and went to Richmond. He used the excuse that he wanted to spend time with his old college cronies, but he really wanted to get away from the old man’s preaching responsibility and family pride while being manipulated by that bitch, Roxy. Hell, didn’t the old man have any pride when he married the whore and moved her in here to run this house? If he had married her. Thank God, Wyatt had never told his father how Roxy had tried to seduce him after Ben Singleton had the accident. Instead he’d written her a five thousand dollar check and told her if she ever used the name Singleton or showed up at their ranch again, he’d hire a gunslinger to kill her. She must have believed him, because she hadn’t come back and as far as he knew she left town as Roxy Lamont. It hurt him every time his father asked if he knew why the woman left.

  Now Edwina had shown up, but he didn’t think she was anything like Roxy. She seemed to truly believe she was married to him. Or was she a good actress? She wasn’t the first woman to try to extort money from the Singletons, but she hadn’t mentioned money. She’d been sweet and kind to everyone. Rosalinda was already taken in and he figured Juan would soon follow. Dena hadn’t met her yet, because food had been sent to the guest suite where Edwina and Adam were to sleep.

  Wyatt poured another brandy form the crystal decanter on his desk. He knew he’d had enough, but after the scene with Thourgood and Cora Sue he felt he deserved it.

  The sheriff and his wife had left while he had been in the study with Edwina, but the Reesons had waited to get a lowdown on what was happening and who this woman was who claimed to be his wife.

  When he’d returned to the dining room, Wyatt had every intention of telling them the marriage claim was false, then Cora Sue screamed that he’d tried to trick her into marrying him although he already had a wife. Thourgood swore he would repay him for stringing his daughter along if this woman was actually his wife.

  Wyatt finally ended their shrieking and yelling by telling them if he was available, he’d marry a used-up saloon whore before he’d marry Cora Sue Reeson, even if she was one of the prettiest women in New Mexico Territory. Then he went on to say that even with her beauty she couldn’t hold a candle to his wife, Edwina.

  He was now still reeling from the fact that as Mildred Reeson went out the door behind her family, she had whispered in his ear she didn’t blame him for anything he said.

  A knock at his study door brought him out of his thoughts. “Yes.”

  Juan came into the room. “Rosalinda says Miz Singleton and her son are settled and are probably already asleep. They were pretty worn out.”

  Wyatt wanted to say the woman wasn’t really Mrs. Singleton, but he only nodded. “Has Mr. Walker settled my father?”

  “Yes, Mr. Wyatt. He was grinning from ear to ear when he heard he had a grandson.”

  Wyatt frowned. “Who told him about Edwina and the boy?”

  “I’m not sure. I guess he heard all the commotion in the dining room. He was sitting on his balcony when the Reesons were making such a fuss.”

  “I suppose he wants to meet the boy.”

  “He does, but I think it would be best if you took them in and introduced them to him tomorrow.”

  “I’ll think about it.”

  “If there’s nothing else, Rosalinda and I will head home.”

  “Good night, Juan.”

  Juan turned at the door. “I must say, Mr. Wyatt. Little Mr. Adam is so much like you were at that age it’s scary. Rosalinda says it’s like having you little again.”

  When Wyatt only nodded, Juan
added, “Good night, sir.”

  Chapter 3

  “Well, Mr. Singleton, I can sure understand why Wyatt was so anxious to get back here to take over the ranch for you. It took me a while to accept the fact he left me the day after our wedding, but after meeting you, I forgive him.”

  “Now, young lady, don’t let him off too easy. He shouldn’t have left you without an explanation. He could’ve brought you home with him.”

  “I guess he was so concerned about you it didn’t occur to him, Mr. Singleton.” Edwina smiled at the older version of Wyatt.

  “Now that’s enough of that Mr. Singleton stuff. My name is Ben. If you don’t want to call me Dad like Wyatt does, I’d be pleased if you’d use my first name.”

  “I’ll do that, Ben. And of course you’ll call me Edwina.”

  “I certainly will.” Ben shifted in his wheelchair. “Now where did Rosalinda run off to with that grandson of mine? I want to spend more time with the boy.”

  “I’ll bring him back for a visit with you after his nap. He’s still young enough to sleep an hour or so in the morning.”

  “Why don’t you and him come and have dinner with me? They usually let me eat on the balcony when the weather is good and Adam might like it out there.”

  “That would be nice, but why don’t you come downstairs and eat with us? If you like it outside, we could eat on the veranda. Adam likes it out there, but I have to watch him. He wants to pick the beautiful flowers.”

  Ben laughed. “I can’t tell you how many times Rosalinda caught Wyatt out there picking her flowers when he was little. Rosalinda loves those flowers.”

  “She told me about Wyatt picking her flowers when Adam toddled up with a big red bloom in his hand this morning.”

  Ben laughed again. “Yes, sir-ree, things are going to get lively around here. I can tell already, Adam has a mind of his own even if he is still a baby. He’s going to be just the kind of grandson I’ve always wanted.”

  “I’m so glad you like him. Some people think little boys are a bother. My aunt might have tolerated him, but my uncle could hardly stand to be in the room with him. He planned that when he reached eighteen months he’d be sent…never mind.”

  “I don’t know this uncle of yours, Edwina, but I’m sure I wouldn’t like him. People who don’t like children are not to be bothered with.”

  “Oh, Ben, you’re a wonderful man. I’m so glad Adam and I found our family.” She stood up. “Now, I’m going to find the fellow who looks after you and tell him to bring you downstairs for dinner.”

  Ben chuckled. “I’m sure Mr. Walker is going to put up a fuss when he hears he has to get me down those stairs.”

  Edwina raised an eyebrow and said, “You don’t work for him, he works for you, doesn’t he?”

  “My dear girl, I’m sure this household is going to be exciting with you around here.”

  Edwina only smiled at him and went out the door.

  * * * *

  Wyatt had eaten breakfast and left the house before Edwina and Adam came downstairs. He wasn’t sure what he was going to say to her and he didn’t want to face her yet. He needed to think. And he did his best thinking when he was out on the range.

  As he’d rode fences this morning he’d come up with a plan. First he decided he’d keep Edwina and the boy away from his father until he could talk with him about them. There was no need to let the old man get involved with them and then send them away.

  At first he thought he’d try to get Edwina to accept a sum of money and move away, leaving the boy with him. Then he remembered how she acted with her baby last night. He didn’t think there was any way she would let her child go. Not for any amount. He had to think of something else.

  Finally he came up with what he thought would be the perfect plan. If she didn’t want to go back to Richmond, he’d convince Edwina to move to a nice home he’d buy her in Santa Fe. He’d see to it she had everything she needed to raise Adam and he’d visit them once in a while to see that the boy was getting the right kind of training. He’d even have the child come to the ranch now and then. At least enough times to let him see his future was in ranching. He felt it wouldn’t be long until his son would want to move away from Santa Fe and live at the ranch all the time. Edwina wouldn’t be able to stop him being taken from her then.

  Now, as he headed home for his midday meal, he felt good about his planning. As soon as he ate, he’d have Rosalinda take the boy out for a walk or something and he’d have a talk with his “wife.”

  Turning over his horse to Cleveland, his stable man, and heading toward the back door, he chuckled at the word “wife.” At twenty-nine, he knew he still had plenty of time to get one of those. At this point he didn’t think he’d met the woman who could settle him down, and he included the beautiful Miss Reeson. No woman was going to be invited into his house to stay. He’d visit them in a bed somewhere else from time to time, but not his house.

  Opening the door into the kitchen, he nodded to Rosalinda who was sitting at the round wooden table. “Something smells good,” he said.

  “Go on in the dining room, Mr. Wyatt. I’m getting ready to serve.” Rosalinda stood.

  He nodded and went through the door, but came to a surprised stop when he reached the dining room. “What…the?”

  “Hello, son. I guess you weren’t expecting to see me.” Ben’s eyes twinkled.

  “I thought it’d be nice to have Ben with us for dinner,” Edwina explained, and smiled at him.

  Adam, who was propped in a chair on top of a stack of books and guarded by pillows, held out his chubby arms. “Da!”

  “I’ll be damned.” Ben grinned. “The boy already knows his daddy. I’ll be happy when he knows his grandpa.”

  Edwina reached over and patted his arm. “I’m sure it won’t be long, Ben. He already likes you. See how he smiles when you talk.” She turned toward Wyatt. “Please sit down. I don’t know how much longer I can keep Adam still without food. I think he’s ready to eat.”

  Without speaking, Wyatt slid into the chair at the head of the table. He was having a hard time taking in the picture of his father and this strange woman. They were acting as if they were friends and he didn’t even know they’d met. He was beginning to wonder again if she was running a con. She was certainly losing no time integrating herself into his household.

  The door to the kitchen opened and Rosalinda came in with a platter of beef surrounded with potatoes and carrots and sat it in front of Wyatt. She followed up with two bowls—one of peas and the other of corn. After setting them on the table, she brought a basket of homemade bread and served coffee to the adults and brought milk for Adam.

  When they were alone, Wyatt said, “Do you want to tell me why you came downstairs, Dad?”

  “Edwina suggested I join the rest of the family for dinner and I thought it was a good idea.” He chuckled. “Mr. Walker didn’t seem to mind bringing me down.”

  Wyatt turned to her. “So, you took it on yourself to change my father’s routine?”

  She didn’t seem to notice the irritation in his voice. “I didn’t see why he had to eat up there in his lonely room when he has a family.”

  “Dad’s never complained about it being lonely.”

  Why is this woman making me feel defensive?

  Edwina turned and held the glass of milk to Adam’s mouth, but spoke to Wyatt. “Of course he hasn’t. He’s too nice. Besides, he feels you think of him as a burden. I told him that was ridiculous and I was sure you loved him and only wanted to do what would make him happy.”

  Wyatt had no argument for that. He began slicing the beef and the others passed their plates to him.

  Ben cut into his meat. “This is nice. It’s been a long time since I had a meal in this dining room.”

  “We’ll have to see that you do it every so often, Dad.”

  Edwina looked at him. “Why can’t he take all his meals here?”

  Wyatt stared at her.

  Who is
she to come in my home and start changing things? She’s not my wife. Of course she doesn’t know that.

  “I don’t want Dad’s schedule to be interrupted.”

  “Don’t worry, son. I won’t interfere with you and your wife. I’ll take my meals in my room as always.” Ben’s face seemed to fall.

  “I don’t see why. I like having you here with us, Ben.” She mashed a potato and stuffed it in Adam’s mouth.

  “It’s really none of your business, Edwina,” Wyatt snapped before he could stop himself.

  She looked surprised at his attitude, then dropped her head. “I’m sorry. I thought you’d be pleased to have your father eating with us.”

  “It’s not that.” He softened his tone. “Things were fine before you arrived. I usually come in and have a quick meal before going back to work. Often, Dad and I eat at different times.”

  “Oh, I see. You would prefer your father had supper with us?” She raised her head and looked at him.

  “Well, I often have friends—”

  She frowned and he stopped talking.

  “Doesn’t your father know your friends?”

  “Damn it, Edwina!” Wyatt hit the table with his fist. “Why don’t you…”

  Adam began to cry.

  Edwina jumped up and snatched Adam from his seat. “Now look what you’ve done. You’ve scared him.”

  “I didn’t mean—”

  She hurried out of the dining room without pausing to listen to him.

  Rosalinda burst into the room. “What’s going on in here?”

  “Wyatt’s upset the baby, Rosalinda,” Ben said. “Please have Mr. Walker come and get me. I’ll finish my dinner in my room.”

  “Dad, you don’t have to go to your room.”

  “Why not, Son? The people who wanted me here are gone.” Ben turned and rolled his wheel chair to the door.

  “Mr. Wyatt, what have you done?”

  “Hell, Rosalinda, I haven’t done a damn thing.”

  “Watch your language, young man. You know better than to talk to me like that.”