Charlene Sands Read Free

have been sold, since the sign above the broad wooden doors, seemingly freshly painted, now read Cable Brothers Livery. The barbershop appeared the same, as did the telegraph office, but the floorboards beneath her feet squeaked with newness as she walked along the sidewalk.
    She stopped short, bracing her free hand on a post, when she saw the Silver Saddle Saloon just twenty paces away. A slight tremor passed through her. She closed her eyes, momentarily blocking out the image. She’d hoped it wouldn’t have looked so decrepit. She’d hoped it was just a young girl’s vivid image of destruction that had plagued her mind all these years, but as she reopened her eyes, reality hit her. What was left of the once fine saloon was boarded up. The rectangular planks covering up the ashen skeleton of the building didn’t hide the devastation. And it was clear as day that the Silver Saddle, as it stood, was the eyesore of this town.
    Kate recalled all the happy times she’d shared there with her mama. And the tales her mama had told of how Grandpa turned a small wooden shack serving only one brand of whiskey into the grand palace the Silver Saddle had become.
    Kate had always felt a sense of pride in the saloon, even though some of the townsfolk had scorned her and referred to her as “that saloon gal’s daughter.”
    But Kate was here now, with a purse full of money, ready to rebuild her family legacy. She wasn’t about to let melancholy feelings stop her. She turned and entered the lobby of the Crystal Hotel.
    “Well, I’ll be darned, if it ain’t Miss Mary Kathryn Malone,” Lou Bernard announced from behind the hotel lobby’s desk. “And you’re all grown-up, too.”
    She smiled, remembering the old friendly gent who ran the hotel. He’d been a regular at the Silver Saddle. “It’s Kate, Lou. And it’s good to see you.”
    “It’s been, how many years?” he asked, coming around the counter to relieve her of the valise.
    “Six years. I was fifteen when we left.”
    He nodded and set her valise down by the stairs. “You sure turned out pretty, Miss Kate. Image of your mama. Sorry to hear of her passing.”
    Kate had wired a few of Mama’s friends in town when she passed. She wasn’t surprised that people in Crystal Creek knew of her death. A sad smile pulled at the corners of her mouth, the loss too fresh and raw yet to speak of. “Thanks, Lou. I’ll need a room.”
    “’Course, you will. How long will you be staying on in Crystal Creek?”
    “I’ll only need a room for a few nights, but I’m here to stay. I’m letting the Browns’ house at the end of town.”
    “That place ain’t seen the light of day for some time. It’s gonna need a good polishing before it’s fit to live in.”
    “I know,” she said without regret, “but I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty.”
    Lou threw his head back and laughed. “You ain’t changed a bit now, have you? You may look the lady in your fancy traveling suit, Miss Kate, but I got a feeling them are true words.”
    Kate couldn’t keep a devilish smile hidden. “They are, Lou. And I hope you’ll be glad to know I plan on opening the Silver Saddle again. That’s why I’m here. And I’m inviting you in for the first drink.”
    Lou slapped his hand to his knee and let out a long, low whistle. “Well, I’ll be darned. Glad to hear it, gal. I’ll be there. This town’s been dry for too long.”
    Kate agreed. She couldn’t wait to get started.
    Sheriff Cole Bradshaw stared out the window of the jail, keeping his gaze focused on the auburn-haired woman making her way down the street. Old and familiar yearnings settled in his gut. Kate was six years older and six times more beautiful than when she’d left Crystal Creek.
    Cole winced at the pain he felt watching her movewith grace, head held high, those green eyes filled with determination. Same Kate he’d always known, just all grown-up.
    They’d been the best of friends. As a boy, he’d always