Shiloh felt familiar hands at her waist that pulled her backwards. Will was no longer looking at her, but rather at Adam, who was glaring back at him. Both men stood still, two dapper, imposing figures creating such an air of dislike and anger that a hush began to move across the lobby as patrons and employees slowly became aware of the standoff near the lift.
The manager hurried over to them. “Mr. Cartwright, is there a problem?”
Continuing to glare at Will with an almost imperceptible snarl, Adam answered. “No, but I’ve left something in our suite. We’ll be leaving in a few minutes.” With a hand on Shiloh’s shoulder, and holding her other hand, he guided her back to the lift and boarded, continuing to glare at Will until the lift disappeared above the ceiling.
While Adam looked angrily straight ahead, Shiloh’s eyes were moving back and forth with her thoughts. Why isn’t he in Boston? Why is he here with Natalie? Why is he here at this hotel?
When they entered their hotel room, Shiloh walked to the fireplace. Adam stood in the middle of the room glaring at her back, waiting to speak until he could calm his anger. She could feel his eyes boring into her and asked without turning, “Why are you angry with me?”
“You didn’t wait for me.”
She turned to face him. “I didn’t leave the hotel. Am I a prisoner in this suite?”
“I can’t protect you if I’m not with you.”
“What is it that you’re protecting me from?” Her eyebrows arched with sudden clarity. “You knew he was here,” she accused, glaring back at him. She waited for an acknowledgement that didn’t come, nor did she get a denial. “Keeping secrets from me is not the best way to start a life together,” she snapped, walking past him toward the bedroom.
When he caught her by the arm, she looked defiantly at him. He relaxed his stance and his grip. “It wasn’t a secret. I didn’t know until Edwin sent you the package the day of our wedding. He sent a letter to me with it. He said Will resigned his seat in the Senate and was starting a law practice here. By that time, all the plans had been made, and I didn’t see any reason to change them or to worry you. There was no reason to believe that we’d run into Will…or Natalie.”
“What about this other thing you’re keeping from me?”
He turned her to face him, and answered calmly. “That’s not a secret. It’s a surprise.”
Holding her as she tried to walk away, he looked coolly at her, waiting for the turbulent blue squalls in her eyes to settle to the stillness of a mountain lake. She breathed in and exhaled slowly, letting her anger flow away on her breath. “What do we do now?”
“We do what we planned to do,” he answered, walking toward the bedroom. “I’m sure if I’m with you, neither Will nor Natalie will come near you,” he finished, talking loudly as he moved around in the bedroom. He came back out, swinging his gun belt around his waist.
She slumped. “Adam, do you really need to wear that?”
“I’m not taking any chances. Will obviously knew you were here. Clemens didn’t put in the announcement that we were coming to San Francisco. The hotel is known for their ability to be discreet, and I specifically asked Jim, Tom and the Slaters to keep it to themselves. There’s no reason to think that they didn’t.” He looked away in thought after he had buckled his belt. “Though the mayor knew we’d be here for…never mind.”
“The ground breaking of the new courthouse? Though I really have no idea what that would have to do with you because you’re keeping secrets from me.”
He chuckled at the sight of her rising up on her toes as the volume of her voice rose, then dropping back down off her toes with the drop of her voice. He walked to her and kissed her. “Surprises. Now let’s go for that walk, shall we? If they’re still here ignore them,” said Adam as they waited for the lift to light on the first floor.
“What if they follow us?”
“Then they’ll see us walking and having a good time while we peruse the city.”
Stepping out of the lift, they both stopped and looked around. Both of them spotted Will just outside the men’s smoking parlor as they continued toward the door. While Adam kept an eye on Will, Shiloh continued to look around, expecting to see Natalie, but instead she saw a man she was sure she had seen in the hotel before, which wasn’t unusual in itself, but this man didn’t belong there. That was why she had noticed him the first time. He wore dusty tan trousers, a pale blue shirt, and a dark blue jacket. His hat matched his trousers, and his boots were weather-worn like they belonged to a cowboy. But what convinced her that he didn’t belong there was the way he wore his gun; comfortably with the holster perfectly positioned for his hand. She looked back at Adam. It was same way Adam wore his gun. Shaking her head, she decided she was reading too much into him. But when he saw her watching he turned in the opposite direction. Despite that, she knew he had a mustache, a beard, and shoulder length, dark brown hair.
Adam stopped and pulled her hand to catch her up to him as she looked in the opposite direction they were walking. “What is it?” he asked, taking her arm and drawing her close to him.
“It’s nothing, Adam. I was just looking for Natalie.”
Once out of the door on the sidewalk, they turned down Montgomery Street and walked arm in arm, looking in one shop after another from glass shops to exotic imports to book stores. They stopped at a small sidewalk café, and sat sipping coffee as they watched clipper ships and steamers come in and set out from the harbor. Taking her hand, Adam asked, “How would you like to experience a clipper ship?” Her eyes suddenly sparkled as brightly as her smile. “Good, because before we leave for home, you will.”
“What else do you have planned for me?”
“When I made plans for this trip, I knew it would be difficult to get you to stop being the ranch lady, the horse lady and the singing lady. I have many plans for you, but I have no intention of revealing my entire arsenal.” She pouted. “That won’t work either.” He took a quick look around then leaned in to kiss her poked out bottom lip. “Did you see anything you wanted today?”
She laughed. “I am a woman; granted, not typical, but female. I saw some lovely china and some beautiful jade carvings. But they can wait because we have no room for them right now.” She had made arrangements to have a model clipper ship delivered to the ranch for Adam’s birthday, but wasn’t about to tell him. “You bought something at the book store?”
“Solitude by Zimmerman. They’re delivering it to the hotel.”
She smiled adoringly at him, but her face changed slowly into a distressed frown as she looked past him. Sitting up straight, Adam’s face changed with hers. “What’s wrong?”
“There’s a man behind you that I’ve seen at the hotel several times. I think he’s following us.”
“Describe him,” he said without turning around.
“Tan trousers, dark blue jacket, long brown hair, beard, mustache. He’s wearing a gun.”
Adam stood, knowing exactly the man to whom she was referring. Taking her hand, he led her into the café. “Stay here and wait for me.” Stepping back out on the sidewalk, he walked casually toward the man, knowing he wouldn’t get very close before the man realized he’d been spotted. After only a few steps down the sidewalk, the man stood from his leaning position against a lamppost and quickly walked in the other direction. The man walked as fast as Adam until both men broke into a run, dodging through the crowded sidewalk. Adam followed him into an alley and stopped. His quarry seemed to have disappeared. Walking slowly down the alley with his gun drawn, Adam looked behind trash piles and boxes. He had walked almost to the end when he was pulled into the shadows and thrown against a building, his gun clattering on the ground. He turned and was greeted by a fist that knocked him back into the building, and when the other man tried to run, Adam scrambled after him, bringing him to the ground. They wrestled, turning over and over until they heard the whistle of a police officer. The other man got to his feet and kicked Adam in the side, then ran and disappeared around the corner. Adam stayed down on his hands and knees, catching his breath, holding his side where the kick landed until hands grabbed him and brought him to his feet.
“Sir, are you alright?” asked the officer. Adam nodded and wiped blood from his lip with the back of his hand. “What’s your name?”
“Cartwright. Adam Cartwright.”
“Do you know who that man was?”
“I have no idea. I didn’t get a good look at his face.”
Another officer came up behind him. “Is this your gun?”
“Yes, it is,” said Adam, taking the gun and holstering it.
“Mr. Cartwright, most gentlemen in the city don’t wear a gun.”
Adam looked at the ground, then stuck his thumbs in his belt and leaned on one leg. “My wife and I are visiting from Virginia City.”
“Maybe you should come with us,” said the officer, putting his hand on Adam’s back. “We’ll have someone take a look at you.”
Standing up straight and adjusting his jacket, Adam replied, “Officer, I’m alright. I left my wife in a café down the street. I need to get to her.”
“We should take a report, Mr. Cartwright.”
“There’s nothing to report. I can’t even tell you what the man looked like. Now, please, I need to get back to my wife.”
The officers walked him out of the alley and reluctantly let him walk away. When he got back to the café, Shiloh rushed out the door. “Adam?”
“I’m alright, Sweetheart. It looks worse than it is.”
“What did the other fellow look like?” she asked, dabbing the corner of his mouth with her handkerchief.
“I don’t know other than he has a fat lip.” Putting his arm around her, he turned her up the sidewalk toward the hotel. “I could use a good, hot soak about now.”
You know, some people thought this one is the worst of them all…kind of a fantasy that never would have happened. I don’t know about that. All these places really did exist back then. The Lick House was real and accurately described, the Cliff House and the beach, too. And Santa Cruz in the mid-1800s was the way I described it. The Meders were real, and so was their dairy. In fact a couple of those buildings are still there. Thomas Maquire and his opera house in San Francisco and VC were real. Even the San Francisco mayors I have in the stories were all real. This one’s a story back, but Eliza Biscaciante was real and her story was real. She eventually regained her popularity in South America (from Adam’s encouragement, of course!), but she was singing in Gentlemen’s Clubs in San Francisco for drinks at one point. I love working history into my stories.
I suppose my favorite part of all of this was their time on the beach. I’ve been to that very beach, but it’s not a little hideaway any longer…it’s got quite a surfing crowd these days. But the description of the creek coming off the bluff down through the woods is true as well as the small pool of water on the beach. And you can get stuck on that beach at high tide. The cliffs are so high, you can’t climb out. You either have to swim around the points or you have to wait for the tide to go back out. A lot did happen in this one, but as I said, I think this one is my favorite of them all.
Thanks so much, Marie. I think you have just a little ways to go to the end of this one.
I was in a lot of pain last weekend so I didn’t get to finish it. I’ve been busy all week so I’m looking forward to figuring out where I left off. I love this story. I’m loving the entire series! I love long long stories and a series to boot? What more could I ask for! Okay, off to figure out where I left off before I hurt my back last weekend. 🙂
~ A great way to start a new beginning! I look forward to reading each chapter and commenting about them as I read them. 🙂 I just love this couple!
~ Poor Shiloh, she doesn’t do well on those stage coaches. I don’t think I would have either! I just can’t imagine having to travel via a stage coach to get anywhere. I’m glad they arrived at Sacramento safe and sound…Who is this mysterious man?
~ What an opulent hotel, Adam. Presidential Suite? Very impressive indeed! Who was the gent inquiring about them that didn’t want to identify himself? Hmmmm
~ Adam was very adamant about not letting Shiloh sing even if it was for just one night. I can’t blame him though, they’re on their honeymoon! Somehow I don’t think Shiloh will be in that beautiful nightgown and robe too long after breakfast is over. 😉
~ Oh snap! That witch, Natalie Peterson and Will! I just knew he was the “mystery man”. Those two…ooooooh, this is going to get GOOD! LOL
~ Who is this mysterious thug? No doubt a hinchman for Will. I was hoping Adam would get him and show him a thing or two. I’m sure we haven’t seen the last of him, Will, or that nasty Natalie.
~ I sure would have loved to been at dinner! The food sounded divine. Is Adam and Shiloh moving to SFO? I must keep reading! 🙂
~ I don’t like this Daniel guy. Not respecting the institution of marriage. I think he has a thing for Shiloh. He’s trouble indeed!
~ What is that no good Daniel up to? It seems the whole world is after poor Shiloh. First it’s Will, Natalie and the mystery man, now Daniel. Somehow I think their honeymoon is going to be a firestorm!
~ It’s almost like she saw a ghost! Who…or what did she see? The plot thickens. 😮
~ Shiloh is so good to go along with Adam, even though these types of events are what she despises the most. She’s such a trooper. The mayor’s wife was so excited to see they had a celebrity in the house, however, she was quite rude to drag her around like a rag doll. Poor Shiloh. Oh boy, the well just got deep! Will is going to make it tough for Adam and his new firm. I know Adam will work it out. Don’t mess with a Cartwright, buddy! That darn Peterson woman…I can just see her body language now; like she’s got the upper hand and she’s going to make Shiloh’s life a living hell. rrrrr
~ Well, the mayor’s reception went well….Cartwrights 1, Will and Natalie, 0. ROTFL
~ What a powerful chapter. How stupid is Will? I mean to come to the hotel where Adam and Shiloh are staying and make such a scene. Did he think it would end well for him? Now the hotel has his face and he will be escorted out if he tries to step in again. I can’t wait to see what Natalie has up here sleeve. I almost feel sorry for her, though…Natalie, that is…She’s just a pawn in this scheme. I’m not sure if she wants Will or if she wants Adam, but she’s a sad lost soul; I pity her.
~ How cute was this chapter. I loved the “escort” Shiloh had for the banquet hall and the “password”. Pretty clever of shiloh to come up with something only Adam would know. I loved their banter at the breakfast table. Too cute!
~ How sweet are Mary and Harold? The seawall thing was so fun! I don’t think I would want to do it in the dead of winter but it might be something fun to share with your beloved in the summer! I loved this chapter!
~ The Alta California is nothing but a sleazy rag paper. On the front page no doubt. I wonder how much money Will paid them to run that article. He’s such a sleaze bag. I sure hope Shiloh does not find out about this; she’ll be heartbroken thinking she’s caused all of this drama for Adam. What she doesn’t know is if you mess with the Cartwrights, you’re messing with a mighty empire nobody can defend against.
~ What a lighthearted chapter. It was so good to see Shiloh smile and be childlike again. I was so sorry Adam couldn’t fully enjoy it with her. 🙁 I hope she is able to get him to feel the inner child he never got to experience. I was just glad they were finally free of all the drama which had encapsulated them in SFO. I just wonder if there is not drama around the bend….
~ Will is a scoundrel! Thank goodness the mayor sees through his stupidness and told him to keep his personal life out of his professional one. I have a sneaking suspicion good ole Will is going to amp it up a notch to try and discredit Adam with not only SFO but with Shiloh, too! Spec, Spec, Spec…She’s a character! I love that girl! ROTFL
~ Sounds like they’re finally going to be able to have the honeymoon they were expecting. The little town they are going to visit sounds delightful. The thought of Shiloh getting kidnapped by Will…makes me shiver.
~ Okay, I don’t know if I was stone cold drunk would I try a fried grasshopper. LOL but wow, that was too funny! The food sounded fantastic, however, I don’t do any seafood or fish, but I do love empanadas! Loved seeing them having such a great time in Spanishtown, even if the jerk who’s following them showed up.
~ What is Daniel up to and what does he want with Will? Those two along with Natalie; a deadly combo. 🙁 Shiloh seeing Micah? What?? Oh poor thing. She wants so much for her brother to be alive. :'(
~ I feel so bad for them, they can’t seem to catch a break on the drama left behind at SFO. Hopefully their time in Santa Cruz will be more enjoyable. The clipper ship sounded lovely.
~ Shiloh’s so cute. She’s a feisty thing and Adam has her hands full. I can understand her frustration with Adam not being forthright about the accusations Will thrusted upon him trying to get the Mayor to take away the contract for the courthouse, but at the same time I see Adam’s point, why burden her with the nonsense when he knew there was no merit to it and the mayor dismissed Will’s claim? She has so much already on her plate and what purpose would it serve her for him to tell her about Will’s ridiculous attempts to try and hurt him and the new company he is with.
~ What a great chapter. It seems maybe they should have gone to Santa Cruz for their honeymoon instead and just let everyone think they were going to San Francisco. LOL Loved how she got a bit tipsy again. Very cute! “Liar,” she said. ROTFL Loved it!
~Somehow I don’t think Shiloh’s to keen on learning the ropes of a dairy farm. LOL She did seem to enjoy the trip to the Meder farm though. 🙂
~ Interesting on how they made cheese and butter back then. I don’t think I like the whole rennent thing though. 🙁 Thank goodness I wasn’t born back in the 19th century or on a farm. I’m too much of a city girl! LOL
~ Why do I feel something is going to happen while they’re camping? Sounds blissful though…If you like camping and fishing. Seems it’s right up Shiloh’s alley!
~ I think Adam may have trouble getting Shiloh to leave their little private slice of heaven. I loved this chapter. I’m glad everything is going so well…for now. 😉
~ Shame on you, Adam Cartwright, for making Shiloh…no forcing her to face her fear of the water the way you did. He needs to realize you have to slowly let someone adjust to a fear. Help them in a safe environment. He’s lucky it didn’t backfire on him and her fear become worse when she was knocked about by the wave that took her under. I’m a good swimmer and that’s happened to me on more than one occasion and it’s scary as heck! Oh, Adam, I’m not happy with you. 🙁 Thank goodness Shiloh is strong and is willing to try it again.
~ My heart stopped when Adam called for Shiloh and she didn’t answer. I thought I can only imagine the fear that set in to him as he called her and no answer came. I can breathe again.
~ Ick…I don’t know if I would want to wake up to raccoons, skunks, and rabbits in my camp. LOL
~ Awe, I wonder if she is pregnant. She’ll make a great mom. She just doesn’t know it yet. 🙂
~ I never thought Ben would be such a “traditionalist” not wanting to move The Ponderosa forward. I can see how that would frustrate Adam. He’ll have to use his ingenuity at the Flying W.
~ I hope she’s not going to have issues having children. They’ll both make great parents. I kind of hope she is with child. 🙂
~ This poor couple haven’t had much of a honeymoon when they’ve been in the city. I guess that’s why Shiloh enjoyed the beach and Santa Cruz so much. Nobody knew them and most of all, they were away from Will!
~ Wow! What a great ending! Such a great opportunity for both Adam, Shiloh, and both ranches to be involved with the railroad. I know it was hard for Shiloh to have Adam sign the contracts instead of her now that she was married to him. I’m glad those times have changed! While I still am somewhat of a traditionalist at heart, I believe a woman can stand firmly on her own and share equally in a marriage partnership. It seems Shiloh and I think a lot alike. 🙂
Looking forward to the next story in the series!
Thanks for such a sweet tender story. I hope we get to see Will and his sidekick again. I love seeing them make fools of themselves. LOL