“No, listen, Gabe.” Jeremy’s voice was filled with excitement, and Gabriel stood a little taller as the hair on the back of his neck stood up. “I’m looking at Eleanor, and she’s holding Little Colin in her lap.”
All the breath in Gabriel’s lungs whooshed out of him at once, and he fell to his knees. The telephone cord was barely long enough to reach, and he clung to the phone as he attempted to make sense of what Jeremy said. “What?” he gasped.
“We have Little Colin here with us, and we’ll be home soon. He’s well, if a little hungry and needing a bath.” He paused. “Gabe?”
“Jer?” Gabriel croaked out, then heaved himself to his feet and swayed like a drunken sailor. His hand gripped the doorjamb so tight his fingers were white. “You have him?”
“Yes, and I swear to you that he is well. I promise you that we will keep him safe and well. Give Rissa a hug for me.” His brother hung up, and Gabriel stared at the receiver a long moment before replacing it on the wall.
After taking a few deep breaths, he walked with dazed steps into his dining room and then the living room, where his family awaited him. He ignored everyone but Clarissa. A tear coursed down his cheek, and he saw Clarissa watching him closely, before bending over herself and bursting into a sob. “No!” he rasped, racing to her. “No, my love,” he said, as he pulled her into his arms, his hands running over her back, while he attempted to soothe whatever harm he had unwittingly inflicted.
She shook and cried and seemed incapable of hearing him.
“Listen to me, Rissa, please,” he implored. “Please, my darling.” He waited as she took deep gulping breaths and then raised her ravaged face to look at him. “Little Colin is safe.” He nodded as she stared at him with incredulity. “That was Jeremy, and I don’t know how, but he said he and Eleanor had Little Colin and were bringing him home.” He absently smiled at the whoops of joy from his family at the news but remained focused on his wife. He kissed her head and swiped at her cheeks as tears continued to course out. “And Jeremy would never fabricate something like this.”
Clarissa shook her head. “No, Jeremy doesn’t lie.” Hope filled her gaze. “Truly? He has our baby?”
Gabriel nodded, his gaze filled with unshed tears. “Yes.” He sighed as she collapsed into his arms, shaking and crying with relief.
* * *
Clarissa waited on the porch as night fell. She shivered in the cool evening breeze, ignoring Gabriel’s attempt to wrap her in a sweater. Her gaze roamed up and down her street, ever attentive of people walking past or an automobile driving by. None of the cars had stopped, and she had ceased holding her breath at each passing vehicle an hour earlier. Jeremy had called three hours ago, and she felt her hope beginning to fray.
“Why doesn’t he come?” she whispered aloud.
“He’ll be here, love,” Gabriel said. “You can trust Jeremy as you would trust me.” He held her hand, pulling her against his side and keeping her warm, while he cast a vigilant gaze down his block. “There,” he murmured, pointing to a car turning the corner. “That has to be Jer.”
The car careened to a stop, and the door flung open. Jeremy waved at them as they raced down the steps.
“Jer!” Gabriel called out.
“My baby!” Clarissa gasped, unable to scream any louder around her tear-thickened throat. She ran to Eleanor, holding Little Colin, and pulled her boy into her arms. She fell to the ground, holding her son in her arms, kissing his head, his cheeks, his hands. “Oh, my boy, you’re home. You’re home at last.”
“Mama,” Little Colin said as he patted her face, staring at her with concern when she cried, as he had trouble reading her lips.
Clarissa laughed and held him close again. She sighed with relief as Gabriel knelt beside them, enfolding them in his embrace and holding them tight. “He’s home, Gabe. He’s home.”
“Yes,” Gabriel said, his voice low as he shook while embracing them. “Come. Let’s go inside. Little Colin needs a bath and food and then bed.” He eased Little Colin from Clarissa’s arms, holding his son close and kissing his head. A shudder ran through him at having his son, healthy and safe, in his arms again.
He motioned for Jeremy and Eleanor to follow them into the house. His brother and sister-in-law were greeted with a hero’s welcome by the family members waiting inside, and he motioned for them to make themselves comfortable as he and Clarissa fussed over Little Colin.
After they had put Little Colin to bed, and Billy had kissed his little brother ten times and had sworn that no one would get past him as he brandished his toy sword, the adults left the boys’ room. Upon entering their living room, they saw Jeremy and Eleanor snuggling on one sofa, while Richard and Florence were on another, and Aidan paced in front of the fireplace. Delia and Sophronia spoke in hushed tones, while sitting in their comfortable rocking chairs.
“Who’s watching the children?” Gabriel asked.
“Zee, Rowena, and Genevieve,” Richard said. “It’s helpful to have so many of us here together. We can share the responsibilities.”
Gabriel pulled a chair over for Clarissa and ensured she was comfortable before focusing on his youngest brother. “Jer?”
Jeremy smiled. “I can’t say this was planned, Gabe. You know I wanted time alone with Ellie, and I sure as hell didn’t want a chivaree.” He smiled at his wife. “One day you were out running an errand, and the lumber baron visited. Said he’d heard I was to be married and that, if I had any sense, I’d accept his offer of a place to spend the first few days of my marriage, sequestered away on his private ranch a little ways out of town.” Jeremy mimicked the way the man spoke, provoking Gabriel to grin.
“I wasn’t about to pass up a place where Ellie and I could be alone, so I took him up on it, and it was a wonderful little cabin, fully stocked with everything we needed. We could have spent another week there and been happy.” He grinned at his wife as he squeezed her hand. “Except we found Little Colin.” He sobered as he told them about the events of the day. “I’m sorry it took us so long to return to Missoula. The police were slow to arrive and then doubtful of my story.”
Eleanor spoke up. “They seemed more inclined to believe that conniving, evil woman than us,” Eleanor said with a frown. “They almost arrested me for assault after Mrs. Smythe played the weeping widow, saying I’d attacked her and stolen her precious child.”
Gabriel gaped at them. “How could they be so obtuse? They knew of our missing child report.”
Jeremy shrugged. “I don’t know. Thankfully, when one of the men called in to clarify what I said, a man in Missoula verified that Little Colin had been reported missing. It also helped that every time Mrs. Smythe tried to go near him, he’d scream and yell, ‘Bad Woman.’”
A tear coursed down Clarissa’s cheek. “I hate to think what he suffered with her.”
Jeremy reached forward and squeezed her hand. “I think all he suffered was a lack of love and food. She was so focused on herself, she couldn’t even be bothered with the effort to abuse him.”
Eleanor looked at Gabriel. “They have sent a message to the Butte Police, asking them to question your cousin, as it appears he left on a train today from Missoula bound for Butte. I’m certain he will not appreciate the inquiry.”
Gabriel sighed. “No, but I hope they will remember the accusations from a few years ago, where Henry and Mrs. Smythe attempted to kidnap Patrick’s daughter, Rose. Perhaps that will make the Butte police less friendly toward Henry. And I’m certain that Bartholomew Bouchard will aid us, which will help discredit my cousin.” Gabriel gazed at his brother and sister-in-law. “I—we—can never thank you enough for finding our boy. For ensuring he was safe.”
Jeremy shook his head. “There’s no need for thanks. I know you would have done the same for Breandan.”
Eleanor smiled with a delighted glint in her eye. “I rather enjoyed having the opportunity to bash Mrs. Smythe over the head.”
Gabriel chuckled, whereas Clarissa ga
ve a wistful sigh. “Oh, I wish that could have been me.”
* * *
Later that evening Eleanor rested in Jeremy’s arms in his small bedroom in his house. He had wanted to take her to the Florence Hotel, but she had argued that they should return home, so he could see Breandan and could spend time with the family before they departed for their real honeymoon.
“Are you sure you are all right?” he whispered, then kissed her head.
She pushed herself up to stare into his eyes. “I first thought it was because you wanted more time alone with me. Now I’m beginning to believe it’s because you don’t want me here in this house with you.”
“No!” His hold on her tightened. “That’s not it at all.” He sighed, closing his eyes a moment. “I love my family. I love that they are visiting. I just want a little more time alone with you. Without prying eyes and sharp ears.” He saw her flush a rosy red. “It never bothered me before that the springs on this bed squeaked.” At her giggle, he relaxed.
“We can always make a pallet on the floor,” she whispered. When he stilled underneath her, she watched him with wide eyes as he stared at her with an unfathomable expression. “I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“Offend me?” He ran a shaking hand over her cheek and down her neck. “To know my wife desires me as I do her? How could that ever offend me?”
She shrugged. “I know that it is frowned upon for women to have desires.”
He growled, rolling her over and then freezing as the bed made a loud screeching noise. “Bloody hell,” he muttered. When she giggled, he dropped his head forward, chuckling. Jeremy rose, careful not to make any rapid movements, so the creaking bed wouldn’t wake the entire house, and moved to his closet. He pulled out two blankets and a quilt. “Grab the pillows, love.”
She slipped soundlessly from the bed and joined him on the floor near the open window, left ajar on this beautiful August night. She curled up beside him, murmuring, “Heaven.”
“Thank you,” he whispered. “Thank you for bringing light and love and joy to my life again. For caring enough about Little Colin to cut short our first honeymoon.” He kissed her hand. “When I saw you swing that stick and take down Mrs. Smythe, I thought I’d burst with pride for you.”
She trembled in his hold. “I would have done anything to protect you, Jeremy. I just found you, and to know she was crazy enough to consider brandishing a pistol?” She pushed herself into his arms and then kissed his neck and cheek. Soon she’d crawled over him so that she straddled his waist. “Love me, Jeremy. Banish my fear that you will be taken from me.”
“Oh, my love,” he murmured, pulling her close as his hands roamed under her nightgown. He kissed her wet cheeks and then her mouth, deepening their kiss. His passionate caresses elicited shivers, and she cried out, this time with passion rather than fear. Soon they had forgotten the day’s terror, lost to a shared passion.
Chapter 30
On the afternoon of the eighteenth, the extended McLeod, Sullivan, and Russell clan invaded Jeremy’s house. Although many of the members of the extended family were already staying with Jeremy, everyone was here, moving freely in and out of the house. However, most were in the large backyard, enjoying the warm August afternoon as a soft breeze blew, while shade from the large trees provided relief from the heat. Tables had been set up—one with snacks, one with main meals, one with drinks, and finally one with desserts. Sophronia sat near the table for desserts, her cane at the ready to ward off any children too eager to eat only sweets.
She smiled at Clarissa as she made her way to sit beside her in the shade, while they watched the children cavort on the lawn. Little Colin played with his cousins, and he seemed healthy and content after his misadventure with Mrs. Smythe. “The boy is well, Rissa. Stop fretting,” Sophie said with affection.
“I know. It’s hard not to,” she whispered, as her gaze roved over her youngest son. “After losing Rory, I hoped to never know such agony again. Those two days, when we didn’t know where Little Colin was …” She broke off as she shook her head, as though attempting to dispel the tears that threatened.
“This wasn’t like last time, Clarissa,” Sophie said in a voice that brooked no argument. “This time, you had the full support of your family, and you had Gabriel by your side.” She looked into her friend’s eyes, meeting Clarissa’s gaze. “This time, you allowed those who care for you the most to support you as you waited for news.”
Clarissa nodded. “I can’t imagine having to face such difficulties alone. I don’t know if I would survive.”
Sophie gripped her hand. “You would, but you wouldn’t come through it unscathed.” She tapped Clarissa’s hand. “Now, what was this nonsense I heard about you visiting that woman in jail?”
Clarissa shrugged. “I wanted to confront her. To let her know that we would have a marvelous life, while she spent the foreseeable future behind bars.” She let out a pent-up breath. “But I was refused admittance. She wouldn’t see me, and they can’t—or won’t—force someone in jail to accept a visitor they don’t want.”
“Let her go, my dear,” Sophie said. “She isn’t worth another moment of your time or consideration.” She waved at the family, laughing, talking, and playing games around them. “This is your future. This is your happiness. Relish it.”
Clarissa smiled at her friend. “I can’t tell you how glad I am that you are here, Sophie. I’ve missed you.”
“As I’ve missed you, my girl. Boston will seem even emptier when I return after living in such a full house.” She shook her head as though to ward off Clarissa’s question. “And, no, I am not moving here.”
Clarissa laughed at being so transparent and sat back to enjoy a few more moments with her stalwart friend.
* * *
Aidan approached his nephews, who lay in a patch of sun. They had lost a tug of war match with their children and then were soundly doused with buckets of water by their offspring. “Seems you’re fortunate that few clouds are in the sky today, so you can dry out.”
Gabriel chuckled. “The front of me is about dry. I’ll roll over soon.”
Aidan remained standing. “Get up, the lot of you, so we can chat. You’ll dry just as well on your feet.” He waited until his nephews had formed a small circle around him, and his eyes shone with pride at the sight of them. “Ian would be so proud of his boys,” he whispered, nearly overcome by strong emotions. He saw the answering emotions in each of the brothers’ gazes and nodded. “I have news.”
“News?” Jeremy asked. “I hope it’s good.” He held his arms out to the side, as though trying to more fully air-dry his shirt.
“If you twirl in a circle, Jer, you’ll dry faster,” Richard teased.
Jeremy punched him good-naturedly in the arm before focusing on his uncle. “Sorry,” he muttered with a chagrined smile, looking like a much younger man without a care in the world.
“I can see where your boys get their ideas,” Aidan said, then paused. “I’ve heard from that detective I hired.”
Gabriel stopped wringing out his shirt, his attention wholly focused on Aidan.
“He has news regarding your cousin.”
All three brothers stood taller, their focus solely on their uncle. “Is he in jail?” Richard asked.
“No, he’s in the hospital on the verge of death,” Aidan said. He watched his nephews for their reaction, but their expressions remained impassive. “The doctors believe he has mercury poisoning, and it appears the doctors can do little to save him.”
“Mercury?” Gabriel asked. “Is that why he appeared weak and off balance when we saw him earlier this summer?”
Aidan shrugged. “Perhaps.” He cleared his throat as he looked over their shoulders to see Patrick playing with his children. “I’m glad Patrick and Fiona left Butte, to spend time here, as it seems the Butte detectives spread a wide net in their search for the guilty party.” He flushed with anger. “After an initial consideration of you boys, the police in
Butte decided you were too far away for such nefarious undertakings.”
“Besides the fact we didn’t do it,” Jeremy said in a low, irate tone.
Aidan nodded. “It appears that Henry’s penchant for abusing his underlings continued, and they discovered that Henry’s secretary has been adding a mercury tincture to his coffee each day for the past few months. Enough to slowly kill him.”
Gabriel ran his hand through his hair and then looked at Richard and Jeremy. “I wish I could say I’m sorry. That I’ll mourn him. But I won’t. I never will. Not after everything he’s done to our family.”
Aidan nodded. “I thought you should know. Within a day or two, we should hear news of his demise.” Aidan patted each of their shoulders and left them to discuss their cousin.
* * *
Ian raced toward Zylphia as she stood beside Teddy. “Zee! Zee!” he called out as he and his brothers soon swarmed around her. “Remember when we played baseball in Newport?”
She laughed and nodded as she ran a hand over Gideon’s head. “Of course I do. I remember a certain someone broke a window.”
Teddy held up his hands. “It’s not my fault if the pitcher was subpar.” He chuckled at the gleam in his wife’s eyes. “I believe we are due a rematch.” He smiled at the boys he considered nephews. “If I recall, Calvin, Ian, Zee, and Gideon were on the losing team last time.” He laughed as Zylphia belted him on his shoulder.
“No, you, Thomas, and Victor lost,” she said. She laughed as she studied her large family. “We have plenty of players this time.”
Teddy whistled and the boys, plus Myrtle, Geraldine, and Nickie approached. “As I see it, Billy and Calvin should be on the same team, since they will cheat if they’re not.” He winked at Billy, who shrugged as though that were obvious. Soon they had formed their teams, with Gabriel, Richard, Jeremy, Lucas, Patrick, Colin, Amelia, Eleanor, and Perry joining in, while Sebastian acted as catcher and Uncle Aidan as umpire.
Triumphant Love: Banished Saga, Book Nine Page 45
