He'd prepared his horse earlier. Tying the saddle bag onto the horse, Tyler came to Grace and took her in his arms. When he kissed her this time, she sensed emotion in him. She felt an urgency in his tender affections.
"I love you, Grace," Tyler whispered.
His words took hold of her heart, warming it. "I love you, Tyler. Hurry back."
Tyler nodded and then mounted his horse. With a touch to the brim of his Stetson, Tyler smiled. Then he tugged on the reins of his horse and rode across the yard, heading out along the trail.
Grace lifted a hand and waved. Tyler glanced back and lifted a gloved hand. And when she heard the pounding hoofbeats of his horse, the sound matched perfectly the thundering of her aching heart.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Tyler made it to the town of Austin by midday. He'd ridden fast, but made necessary stops so his horse could take water and rest. He didn't believe in riding his horses into the ground. They needed care and attention. It didn't matter that Tyler was anxious to get to Austin as soon as he could. He'd need the horse to be fresh for the most important part of the journey. The ride home to Grace and the children.
Tyler rode into Austin. It was a bigger town than Testament Creek. He found his way to the court building and tied his horse up outside. Hanging the saddle bag with the documents across his shoulder, Tyler made his way to the front office of the court house.
From behind a desk, a thin, middle-aged man in a dark suit eyed Tyler suspiciously through thick-rimmed glasses. Tyler realized he must be quite a sight, seeing as how he was covered in dust from the long journey across the Texas Hill Country.
"Yes?" the man asked in a weary tone of voice.
"I'd like to see the judge," Tyler declared.
"You would," the man said with a hint of sarcasm. "He's busy with someone else." The man pointed toward a door which Tyler assumed led to Judge Morland's office.
"Can you at least tell him that Sheriff Tyler Smith has come to see him."
The man's brows rose in surprise. " Sheriff?" he asked sharply.
Tyler nodded. "I'm the sheriff over at Testament Creek. You know it?"
The man shook his head. "I can't say I've ever been there," he admitted.
Impatience seized Tyler. He didn't think much of the possibility of waiting around all day to see Judge Morland. "I only have to see him for a short while," Tyler said. He tossed the saddlebag down onto the man's desk. "I have some papers for him to see. It won't take long."
The man eyed the dust-covered bag with obvious disdain. He sighed and laid his pen down on the desk. Tyler could see that he was getting through to the man. "Well. I suppose I could tell him you're here," the man said. "Then it'll be up to the judge."
Tyler gave the man his best smile. "I'd be much obliged if you would do that, sir," Tyler said cheerfully.
The man stood and went to the door. He knocked and a voice which Tyler recognized came from behind the door. "What do you want, Robert?" the judge demanded.
Robert opened the door and spoke in a low voice. Then Tyler heard the judge's voice call out loudly. "Tyler Smith. Come on in."
Tyler went to the door and pushed carefully past Robert. Tyler smiled appreciatively at the man and then the door was closed. Tyler turned expecting to see the judge coming out from behind his desk. Instead, Tyler saw the judge remain seated and peering with apparent curiosity at him.
There was another man in the room. Seated in front of the judge's desk, the tall, broad-shouldered man was dressed in a dark suit and gray hat.
Tyler lifted a hand. "If you're busy, I don't want to disturb you," he said apologetically.
Tyler grasped the door handle with the intention of making his way back out so he could wait a while longer. But he halted when he heard Judge Morland call out: "This is quite something, Tyler. Don't leave. Stay. I'll introduce you to this gentleman here."
Tyler turned and frowned at Judge Morland. The other man peered at Tyler from beneath dark brows. The man's gaze burned with obvious interest as he stared at Tyler. He was a complete stranger, but the man seemed to look at Tyler as if they were already acquainted.
Judge Morland rose to his feet and came out from behind his desk. He pointed to a seat next to the other man. "Sit down, Tyler. You look like you've been riding for a while. Do you need a drink?"
Tyler sat down on the seat, clutched his saddle bag, and squinted up at the judge. "No, judge. Thank you," Tyler said. He glanced at the other man who was still regarding Tyler with a stern expression.
The judge went back to his seat. "Well. This is really something."
Tyler furrowed his brows and peered at the judge. "What is, judge?"
Judge Morland gestured to the other man. "I'd like to introduce you to Mr Clyde Barker. He's visiting Austin for the day. Just like you, Tyler." Then the judge laughed quietly and shook his head.
Tyler reached across and shook Barker's hand. "Pleased to meet you, sir." Tyler still couldn't figure out why the judge would be so pleased.
"You and Mr Barker have a mutual acquaintance," the judge announced.
Tyler peered at Barker. "We do?"
Barker nodded. When he spoke his voice was low and deep. "Nathaniel Morgan."
Tyler felt like he'd been hit by a plank of wood. He stared at Barker for a long moment. "Morgan? How do you know him?"
Barker looked at the judge, as if he wanted Morland to continue. "You and Mr Barker have something in common, sheriff," Morland stated.
"And what's that?" Tyler asked.
"Jack and Katie," Barker said in a flat voice.
Tyler's eyes widened. "You know the children?"
Barker nodded. "You could say that. I arranged for them to be sent to Wyoming with a companion. Miss Mary Hardesty."
"You?" Tyler snapped. He recalled what Morgan had told him back at Testament Creek. How someone had used money to persuade Morgan to send Jack and Katie to Wyoming. Tyler stared at Barker. This was the man who was responsible for tearing the children away from Texas and sending them off into the wilderness where they'd face an uncertain future. Tyler's mind filled with questions he wanted to ask Barker. Tyler kept his lips tight shut.
"Mr Barker came here for a very particular reason, today," Judge Morland said.
Tyler glanced at Barker. He wanted to say what was on his mind. Wanted to declare that the children weren't going to Wyoming. That they were going to stay with him and Grace at the Circle T. But he decided to remain silent for the moment. Only one person had real authority. And that was Judge Morland.
"Morgan has told me, by telegram, that the children are at some kind of ranch," Barker said, almost dismissively. "And that he believes it is the best place for them. He suggested a change to the adoption arrangement." Barker shook his head. "I disagree. And that is why I came by train to see the judge."
"You've come to contest the adoption?" Tyler demanded. He felt a combination of fear and indignation sweep through him.
Barker frowned. "I wasn't aware there is anything to contest. The arrangement I agreed with Mr Morgan's Benevolent Society still stands." Barker peered across at the judge. "Is that not so?" he added. "Once another companion has been found to replace Miss Hardesty, the children should continue on to Wyoming."
The judge drew in a deep breath and sat forward. He leaned his elbows on the desk and looked from Tyler to Barker. Then the judge's gaze settled on Tyler.
"I heard you got married, Tyler," the judge said. "To Grace Murray?"
In spite of the tension he felt, Tyler grinned proudly at the judge. "We got married yesterday."
"So I heard. Mr Warner sent me a telegram," the judge stated. Tyler was glad Lyle had taken upon himself to help out. Tyler wondered how much Lyle had communicated to the judge. There was only so much he could have put in a telegram.
"Congratulations," the judge said.
"Thank you, judge," Tyler replied. He glanced at Barker and saw the man's puzzled expression.
"What have you got in t
hat bag?" Judge Morland asked.
Tyler opened the saddle bag and drew out the papers he'd brought. They were tied with a red ribbon in a neat bundle. He handed them to the judge. "It's all there."
The judge untied the ribbon and, for the next few minutes, read what was written on the papers. The wait felt interminable to Tyler. Twice he glanced at Barker. Each time, the ridges of the man's brows furrowed deeper.
Finally, the judge set the papers down on the table and looked across at Tyler and Barker. "Gentlemen. This is a difficult situation. We have two children who need a home. Who need all the certainty that comes with a loving family."
Tyler wondered what the judge was going to say about the fact that there was a perfect place in the form of the Circle T and a godly community in Testament Creek.
The judge pointed at Barker. "Mr Barker has told me that he wanted to help out the orphaned children and his brother and sister-in-law. He figured his brother could provide a perfect home for the children who were so tragically orphaned by that terrible hurricane, last year."
"Wyoming is a long way from Texas, judge," Tyler pointed out.
For the first time since Tyler had arrived, the judge looked sternly at him. "I am aware of the distances involved, Sheriff Smith."
Tyler sat back in his chair, feeling like he'd been scolded by a kindly uncle. He suddenly had a sense of the urgency of the situation. Barker had come to Austin seeking the judge's approval to maintain the existing adoption arrangements. Tyler was glad he'd decided not to wait before coming to see the judge. If he hadn't come today, Barker might well have won permission to send the children on to Wyoming.
"Judge Morland," Tyler said. "I'm here to ask that myself and Grace be allowed to adopt the children."
Barker gasped. "But, my agreement with Morgan surely hasn't been set aside."
"The children were in great danger, Mr Barker," the judge said. "There was a robbery on the train. And their companion was abducted." Judge Morland peered at Tyler. "The sheriff acted professionally and responsibly. He managed to rescue the children's companion. And he brought the robbers to justice. They'll be facing trial next week."
This time, when Barker glanced at Tyler there was a hint of grudging admiration in the man's eyes. At least that was some kind of progress, Tyler reflected.
Judge Morland leaned back in his chair and examined both men. "Surely we can come to some kind of a compromise here. I believe the interests of the children are paramount," the judge said. He lifted a brow and looked at Barker and Tyler. "I take it we are agreed on that."
Tyler nodded and saw Barker do the same. Judge Morland tapped his fingers on the papers Tyler had brought. "The testimony of Mr Morgan from the Benevolent Society leads me to believe that he will be able to provide a meaningful alternative to the two children. There are many orphans seeking a new life. Jack and Katie are special, but they are not unique in needing a loving home and family."
Tyler felt a growing sense of hope rising in him. He watched as the judge deliberated. Judge Morland's gaze was steady and thoughtful. In his dealing with the judge during the summer, Tyler had learned that Judge Morland possessed a deep sense of fairness and a strong desire to make decisions based on the priorities of each individual case. He wasn't one to simply pass a judgment in a casual manner. He was a thoughtful man, and Tyler was glad about that.
After a minute's silence which seemed to Tyler to last an eternity, the judge gazed across at Barker. "Sir. I understand why you felt the need to come and ask me to intervene. But, I am convinced that the best interests of the children will be served if they are adopted formally by Sheriff Tyler Smith and his new wife, Grace."
Barker drew in a deep breath and seemed about to complain, but the judge lifted a hand. "Hear me out, sir. I base my judgment on the fact that the children's care can be provided here in Texas. This is my home state. And, whenever possible, orphaned children of this state should be placed with local families. The fact that the sheriff's wife has sufficient means to support Jack and Katie goes a long way to convince me that the ranch is where they belong."
Tyler felt joy sweep through him. He just about managed to stop himself from leaping to his feet and letting out a howl of delight.
"The sheriff and his wife are known to me," the judge concluded. He smiled at Tyler. "I can vouch for the fact that they are people of good character."
Tyler wanted to reach out and shake the judge's hand but this wasn't the time. Tyler turned to Barker. "I'm sorry you had to come all this way for nothing. But I hope you agree this is the best for the children."
Barker looked disappointed. He sighed and then nodded. "I did what I could. Maybe Mr Morgan will honor his promise. My brother and his wife would sure like to adopt some little ones."
"And I'm sure that can happen," the judge said. He lifted one brow and gave Barker a stern look. "This time, without the need for financial inducements," he said sharply.
Now Barker looked sheepish. "I understand judge. Maybe I just didn't know how things were done. I didn't mean to do anything unlawful."
Judge Morland grunted and then nodded his head. "I believe you've learned a useful lesson, Mr Barker."
Judge Morland didn't like any attempt to bend the rules. Barker had tried bribes to get what he wanted. Tyler figured the man wouldn't try that again.
The judge and Tyler bid Barker farewell. Tyler hung back at the judge's request. Once they were alone in the office, Judge Morland smiled at Tyler and shook his hand. "You've got a family now, Tyler. I have no doubt you and Grace will make fine parents."
"I can't thank you enough, judge. You don't know how much this means. To all of us," Tyler said.
Judge Morland shook his head. "I think I do. I have three children of my own. I can't imagine life without them." He rested a hand on Tyler's arm. "You and Grace have got plenty of good times to look forward to, son."
'You must come and visit us next time you're in Testament Creek," Tyler said.
The judge nodded. "I'll do that. Now. You go on and get home. I'll get the clerk to draw up the adoption papers and we'll send them to you. In the meantime, you get going."
Tyler shook the judge's hand one last time and left the office. He had a long ride ahead of him.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
"He's late," Grace said to Hope as her friend emerged from inside the house and came to sit on the porch seat. The sun was sinking behind the distant hills. It would be dark soon.
Hope leaned back against the back of the bench. "Don't worry, Grace. He'll be here soon."
Grace wrapped her arms around herself. This had felt like one of the longest days of her life. Somehow, she'd managed to get through it by keeping busy around the ranch. She'd spent most of the day with the children, tending to the horses, working in the barn and generally helping some of the ranch hands. But, during every moment of the day, her mind had been filled with thoughts of what might be happening with Tyler.
Hope laid a hand against Grace's arm. "Have faith, Grace," Hope told her. "Tyler does."
Grace smiled at her friend. "You're right. If there's one thing Tyler has shown me, it is to have faith in the Lord."
Hope nodded. "I've seen how you and Tyler spend more time at church."
Grace smiled softly. "I drifted away from my faith," she said. "But I realize now that I can't live without the Lord."
Hope, who was a regular churchgoer, nodded. "I'm glad," she said in a quiet voice. "That's going to be a great help when you and Tyler start bringing up those two sweet children."
Grace knew Hope's judgment was correct. "Tyler thinks they've been brought into our life by the Lord." She sighed contentedly. "I agree." Grace lifted her head and gazed out across the rangeland. Darkness was settling across the wide landscape. "I just feel so grateful."
Grace saw Hope nod her head. "Me too."
"Isn't it wonderful that you, me and Prudence have been given this chance to build new lives for ourselves? And to bring love into the lives of
the people we've met?" Grace asked.
"It's like a miracle," Hope agreed. "Just think. If you and Tyler hadn't have been there that day when you came across the train, Jack and Katie wouldn't be looking forward to a new life here on the ranch. And Miss Hardesty might not have been saved."
Grace sighed. She felt humbled by the enormity of what Hope had just said. Grace's jaw tightened as she felt a familiar determination grow inside her. "I'm not going to let those children down, Hope," she said. "Nor Tyler. He's my husband, and I'll do whatever it takes to make us all happy."
Hope laughed quietly. "That's the Grace I know and love," she said. "When we all came to this ranch, I learned, pretty quickly, that you have a strong spirit inside you." She smiled. "And I think that spirit of yours is even stronger than it was."
Grace shook her head. "I'm a new woman."
Hope nodded. "You're a wife. And once Tyler rides up to this ranch house with the good news from the judge, you'll be a mother."
Grace felt herself choke up as she listened to Hope's wise and true words. Grace shifted on the bench and hugged Hope. She'd never felt closer to her friend than she did right now.
Hope leaned back, wiping a tear from beneath her eye. She cleared her throat. "I here someone has bought Rafael Largo's old ranch."
"Who?"
Hope shook her head. "I don't know. One of the ranch hands told me Largo's old house has been knocked down and a brand new ranch house has been built. Whoever it is seems determined to make a fresh start as a Texas rancher."
"The house needed to be demolished. After that fire, it was no use to anyone. Especially now that Largo is locked up in jail for the rest of his life," Grace observed.
Hope looked thoughtfully at Grace. "Maybe you and Tyler aren't the only ones making a fresh start."
"What about Miss Hardesty?" Grace asked.
Hope looked suddenly serious. "She's going to stay in Testament Creek. She's figuring on finding work and settling down here."
The Texas Sheriff's Family Blessing (Testament Creek Book 2) Page 17
