She kissed the side of his head. “Dallas, did you ask the Lord for forgiveness?”
He nodded. “Almost every day for eight years, but I never felt peace... until now.” He lifted his head and dropped his gaze to her tempting mouth. “Thank you for understanding.”
She slowly ran her palm down the side of his face. “I do, believe me. And now...” She licked her lips. “It’s time for me to confess something to you, and I pray you will have the same understanding.”
He shook his head. “Nothing you say will change the way I feel about you right now.” He didn’t know if he could hold back the words in his heart. But was now the time to tell her he was falling in love with her?
“After my mother died,” she began, “and I had decided to become a mail-order bride—”
The clicking of a pistol ripped through the night, disturbing the peaceful atmosphere. Angered that someone would dare to interrupt him and his wife, he swung toward the noise. In the shadows, the figure of a man walked toward the porch. In the man’s hand was a gun pointing right at them.
Dallas quickly pushed Addie behind him as he blocked her from the crazed stranger. “Who are you, and what do you want?”
The man was tall and sported a long, bushy beard. His clothes were terribly worn, and when he smiled, Dallas could see several rotten teeth.
The man laughed and nodded toward Addie. “I’ve come to collect what’s owed to me.”
Addie gasped and clung to Dallas’s suit jacket.
Dallas’s breath stilled briefly. What was this man talking about? “What exactly do you think is owed to you?”
“Well, since ya have what’s mine, I thought we could make a deal. Ya have my daughters, and I want payment for them.”
Behind him, Addie’s deep groan shook through Dallas, wrenching his heart. He heard her whisper, oh, no... and she repeated it over and over.
Confused, Dallas shook his head. “Daughters? I don’t have your daughters.”
“Yeah, ya do. Addie and Charity are my daughters.”
TEN
Adelaine couldn’t believe her bad luck. The moment she was going to tell Dallas her secret, her father showed up. Why? Why couldn’t she get a break from the unfortunate things that had happened in her life?
Through her breaking heart, she must make the best out of this and try to convince her insane father to put the gun away... and also convince Dallas that she was going to tell him the truth – before her father showed up.
She started to move around Dallas, but he stepped in front of her, still trying to protect her.
“Listen, sir,” Dallas said in a commanding voice, “I don’t know what you think to gain, but you need to get off my property now. You were not invited here.”
The man scratched his chin. “Now, ya see... I think differently. Since ya married my oldest daughter, I have every right to be here since I’m now yer father-in-law.”
“Dallas,” she whispered to him, “please let me talk to him.”
“No,” he whispered back to her.
“And,” her father continued, “since I’ve caught ya red-handed kissin’ another woman, I suppose I should be seekin’ some kind of justice for my daughter.”
Adelaine sucked in a quick breath. Didn’t he recognize her? Of course, he didn’t. She hadn’t seen him since he dropped Charity off at their doorstep, expecting her mother to raise his illegitimate child.
“What?” Dallas’s voice lifted in anger. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, sir, but I assure you, I was kissing my wife, Adelaine.”
Finally, she was able to push past Dallas and move closer to her father. Hatred for this man boiled in her blood and made her want to vomit. “I don’t know why you’re here, Father, but I wish you’d leave. You are not wanted. You left me when I was just a child, and you were the one to disown your illegitimate daughter, Charity, leaving her for my mother and me to raise. So, from all standpoints, you gave up your right to claim anything in regard to your daughters.”
Dallas moved beside her, rubbing his head. His focus wasn’t on the strange man on his porch, but on his wife, instead. Her chest clenched. If only she had told him the truth before now, she wouldn’t be looking into his wary eyes right now.
“Are you saying,” his words were for her and not her father, “that Charity is his daughter? Not yours?”
She nodded as tears burned her eyes. “Charity is my half-sister.” She took in a shaky breath. “Pearl knew when she met me at the train depot, but she asked me to lie and say that Charity was my daughter.”
His breath was different this time, and the look of doubt was on his expression. Hesitantly, Adelaine touched his arm. “Dallas, that was the confession I was going to tell you. Please forgive me for lying to you.”
Her father’s loud laugh made her cringe, and she spun around to glare at him. “It’s time you left, Father. You are not wanted here.”
“Actually, dear daughter, by the look of betrayal on yer husband’s face, I’d think that neither of my daughters are wanted here any longer.”
Adelaine’s heart broke from her father’s words. He was right. Dallas didn’t want her any longer, and if he didn’t want her, he wouldn’t want Charity, either.
“Then I suppose you won’t get any money, will you?” she snapped. “Your plan has failed again. But that doesn’t surprise me. You have never made wise decisions. You’re a failure, and you will always be a poor, pathetic man in my eyes.”
Growling, her father’s hand flew through the air, connecting with her cheek. She stumbled back from the blow as pain exploded in her face. As she bumped against Dallas, his arms wrapped around her, keeping her from falling.
“That was uncalled for,” Dallas shouted. “Get off my land, Mr. Campbell, before I make you sorry you were ever born.”
That man wasn’t good enough to be given the title of Father, and she vowed from that moment forward, she’d never give it to him again. “Just go, Mavin,” she said with a tearful voice. “Charity and I don’t need you, and we definitely don’t want you in our lives.”
“Oh, I’ll leave, but not without a bunch of money.” He lifted the gun toward Dallas as evil flashed in his eyes. “So, if’n ye were smart, ye’d get me my money mighty fast.”
Dallas moved Adelaine aside and stepped closer to Mavin. Her heart cried out for her husband, and she prayed that the Lord would protect him. Loving, kindhearted men like Dallas should never have to die because of greedy men like Mavin.
“You aren’t getting one penny from me.” Dallas folded his arms in defiance. “You have to the count of three to get off my porch and high-tail it off my land.”
“Or what?” Mavin laughed smugly. “I’m the one holdin’ the gun.”
“Actually,” a man’s deep voice came from the shadows behind Mavin as he rushed to him, shoving the end of his rifle in Mavin’s back, “I’m the one who will shoot you dead if you don’t do as Mr. Remington demands.” He paused briefly. “Oh, and just so you know, I’m a Bounty Hunter. I’m a very quick gunslinger, and I don’t have a moment of regret when I have to shoot bad people. One way or another, you are going lose, but it’s your decision how you leave – in the undertaker’s wagon, or on your horse, leaving this ranch and never returning.”
Adelaine tried not to feel too relieved that Denton Reed was the one coming to hers and Dallas’s rescue. She prayed Mavin would realize what was best for him and never return.
“Um, Mr. Denton?” Dallas asked. “Since you work closely with lawmen, I’m wondering if I could pay you to take this lowlife creature to the sheriff. Let the sheriff know that this man entered my property with the intent of stealing from me. Oh, and also mention kidnapping, since he had originally come to collect his daughters.” He glanced at her and to her cheek. “Also, add that Mr. Campbell abused my wife.”
Adelaine’s chest restricted. She really wished she hadn’t been burdened with a father like Mavin Campbell. But now it was over. She’d never have to think of him again.
“Sure thing, Mr. Remington.” Denton pushed his rifle into Mavin a little harder, making him stumble. “You heard the man, Campbell. Drop your gun, or I’ll be tempted to put a bullet right through your heart.”
Mavin grumbled and tossed his weapon to the ground. Denton pushed the man against the porch’s railing and pulled his arms behind him, slapping handcuffs on his wrists. Finally, she could breathe a sigh of relief. At least this part of her life was over. Now... she needed to make it right with Dallas. But her breaking heart was doubtful that he’d forgive her.
ADELAINE SAT ON THE single cushioned chair in her room, holding a cold cloth of homemade poultice to her throbbing cheek. The poultice was to help with the bruising and swelling. Mrs. Simone had come to her rescue by creating this mixture that would help Adelaine. She’d never had anyone hit her before, and she prayed it would never happen again.
A few times just before her mother died, the woman talked about her marriage to Mavin and how his temper would have her cowering in the corner. Mother hinted a few times of him striking her. Thankfully, the man left when she was a young girl because she wouldn’t have tolerated that kind of abuse to her mother.
Dallas hadn’t said a word to her about the secret she’d withheld from him, but once Denton had taken Mavin away, Dallas took her up to her room and had Mrs. Simone help her. He didn’t say where he was going, but he left her to be alone with her miserable thoughts and heartbreak.
This had been the best birthday of her life – and was now on the list of being the worst.
Dallas wouldn’t kick her and Charity out of the house tonight, but she was certain he’d wait until tomorrow morning to do it. Adelaine should start packing now. She didn’t want to live in a home where she wasn’t wanted. She’d never forget her short time with Dallas and his adorable children. For a moment, she was given a taste of her dream, and just like that – it was gone.
Someone knocked on her bedroom door before it opened. Mrs. Simone bustled inside, pushing the door closed with her hip since her hands were full of bottles and creams. The older woman placed everything on the table before bringing one of the bottles over.
“My mother,” the woman began, “was famous for her poultices. People in the community would come to her for help all the time. But do you know what’s funny?”
Adelaine’s heartache doubled. Did Mrs. Simone really think this was something humorous? Regardless, Adelaine managed a small smile. “No, what is funny?”
“My mother learned about how to heal people from her mother, and then she taught it to me. One of my daughters, Jessica, went on to become a nurse, in fact. She graduated with a nursing degree nine years ago.”
“You kept it in the family. How nice.” Adelaine felt bad that there was no enthusiasm in her voice, but her heart just wasn’t into it.
“We did. Although I know how to heal, my love is cooking, which is why I became Mr. Remington’s cook’s assistant. Of course, now that husband is gone, it’s easier for me to stay in this house and help wherever I’m needed.”
Mrs. Simone gently dabbed her herb-coated finger on Adelaine’s sore cheek. Slowly, the woman’s smile faded. “I will have to have my daughter come for a visit. You will really like her. She, too, was in love and had gotten her heartbroken.”
Adelaine shrugged. “I’m sure many women have experienced this crushing emotion.”
“True. However, Jessica’s story will make you believe in miracles. She’s now married to the man of her dreams.”
“How very fortunate for her.” Adelaine wasn’t used to being impolite, but she really wished Mrs. Simone would just leave the room. Adelaine wanted to have her own little pity-party.
Finally, the woman grew silent as she applied a few more herb leaves and then some creams. When she was finished, she lifted the poultice back to Adelaine’s cheek and told her to hold it.
“That’s all I can do.” Mrs. Simone said, standing and collecting her jars and bottles. “By morning, you’ll look – and feel – so much better, I promise.”
“Thank you,” Adelaine said with a cracked voice. “I really do appreciate all you have done to help Charity and me.”
The woman nodded and winked. “And for what it’s worth, I had a feeling Charity wasn’t your daughter. Although you are a wonderful mother to the children, I could tell this was your first time being a mother to Tobias and Susan.”
“It was, but I had helped my mother raise Charity.”
“I know.” She patted Adelaine’s arm before turning and walking out of the room.
Once the door was closed, she peered out the window and into the night. Right now, she didn’t know if she had the strength to get undressed for bed. Then again, would she even be able to sleep? What she wanted to do was talk to Dallas, but he needed time to sort through the shocking information he’d discovered tonight. She didn’t want to talk to him while he was upset.
If only she could have more birthday wishes, she’d wish that Dallas would understand why she had lied and forgive her. If he wanted her to return to being the children’s teacher, she would, but her heart would never be the same.
ELEVEN
Dallas rode his horse beside Clark the next morning. He’d been awake before the sun had. Of course, it helped to be awake that early when he hadn’t gotten much sleep, anyway. All night long, he thought of Adelaine. He thought of her kind heart when she understood his guilt. He thought of that earth-moving kiss that had him dreaming of their future together and having more children. But hearing about her lie had been the cannon that had blasted away his dreams.
He felt like a fool for believing her, even though he’d wondered why the two-year-old had called Adelaine by her first name instead of Mother. He had believed Addie’s excuse. He had also believed that she knew how to be a Mother, which was one of the reasons he’d accepted her into his home.
Pearl and Clark had played on Dallas’s sympathies when he’d tried to send Adelaine and Charity away that first day. And now... he was married to a liar. What also upset him was that Adelaine tried to blame Pearl for this deceit. He knew Pearl well enough to realize the woman wouldn’t be that calculating, even if she had been trying to play matchmaker.
“So...” Clark started the conversation in a lazy drawl. “Rumor has it that Mrs. R. isn’t Charity’s Mother.”
Dallas tightened his fingers on the reins. His foreman could have talked about anything, but he chose a topic that most women in sewing circles would chat about? “Clark, I don’t want to talk about it.”
Kicking his heels against the horse’s belly, he hurried the animal. It didn’t take long for Clark to catch up with him.
“You know, Pearl taught me that if something is on your mind, you talk to someone about it. Two people can work out a problem better than one.”
Dallas growled and yanked on the reins, stopping the horse. The moment Clark’s horse stopped, Dallas threw his friend a glare. “What part of I don’t want to talk about it, don’t you understand?”
Clark shrugged and gave him a sheepish look. “How long have I known you?”
Dallas rolled his eyes. “Since we were boys. You know that.”
“Exactly, which means I know you better than most people. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“All right, so you know me better. What does that have to do with anything?”
Clark held up his hand. “Keep your drawers on. I’m gettin’ to that point.” He straightened in the saddle. “I’ve known you long enough to see the women you’ve courted. I was with you when you married Sarah – God rest her soul. And in all of those times, I’ve never seen your eyes light up like stars against a midnight sky when you look at a woman. I’ve never seen you smilin’ like a fool and stare dreamily at a woman, either.”
“I couldn’t agree with you more.” Dallas shifted in his saddle, hoping his friend would get to the point.
“Until you married Addie.” Clark lifted his chin stubbornly. “Since you two returned from the old fore
man’s shack with Tobias, I’ve seen you lookin’ at Addie differently. Last night I saw the stars in your eyes, and I witnessed you stare dreamily at her when she was talkin’ at the dinner table.” He reached over and gently patted Dallas’s shoulder. “You’re in love with her. She has been the first woman you have ever loved. Are you really gonna block her out of your stubborn heart just because Charity isn’t her daughter?”
“Adelaine lied to me,” Dallas seethed. “Doesn’t a lying woman mean anything to you? Well, I can tell you, it means a great deal to me.”
Clark held up his hand again. “She lied to you because Pearl told her to.”
Dallas’s thoughts screeched to a halt. Adelaine had said something about that, but he hadn’t believed her. Of course, after her first lie, how could he believe her? “Pearl told her to lie to me?”
Clark nodded. “When Pearl met Addie at the train station, she noticed the woman had brought with her a little girl. Pearl’s ad for a mail-order bride had stated that the woman couldn’t have children. Once Pearl heard Addie’s story about her mother dying and the little girl not having a father who wanted to raise her, well... Pearl’s heart couldn’t take it, and she told Addie to tell you that Charity was Addie’s daughter. Pearl also figured that if you knew Addie was already a mother, that it would convince you to take her on as your bride.”
Dallas breathed slowly as he took in the information. His emotions were mixed between wanting to shake some sense into Pearl and Clark for keeping this from him... and hurry back home to Adelaine and apologize for his behavior. He could only imagine what she was going through right now, thinking he had abandoned her – as her father had.
Closing his eyes, he tampered his anger. His heart had broken for what Adelaine had done to him, and at the same time, he fought his feelings of love. Clark had been correct. Dallas had never felt this way with other women. As he’d gotten to know Charity, he wanted to be her father, knowing what her real father had done. All these emotions had crashed when he learned that Adelaine and Charity were sisters. And now... once again, there was some hope for a better life.
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