Caroline's Quilt (Brides 0f Pelican Rapids Book 2)

by Rachel Skatvold

  Footsteps came around the side of the coach and the shadow of a man in a cowboy hat loomed behind the curtain. Caroline cocked the weapon and aimed, prepared to defend both herself and her injured husband using any means necessary.

  The man pulled the curtain aside, revealing a bandana over his mouth. She fired without hesitation, hitting him in the right shoulder. He fell to the ground with a thump. Then with a pounding heart, she inched toward the door, opened it and stepped out. The man on the ground was unconscious but still breathing. Caroline saw the second man nearby, hiding behind a large oak tree.

  She aimed Emmett’s gun in his direction and cocked it a second time. “Come out with your hands up where I can see them,” she demanded. “Don’t try anything foolish or you won’t live long enough to regret it. My daddy is a preacher, but I assure you, he taught me how to defend myself. I shoot as well as any man in Georgia.” She threw the envelope with a wad of cash onto the ground—the fare from Lee for her return trip to Atlanta. “If it’s money you want, take it, but leave us to go on our way in peace or I promise you, I will shoot!”

  Chapter Eleven

  “I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.”

  Psalms 121:1-2 NKJV

  Caroline watched the bandit carefully as he slowly came out from behind the tree with his hands up. He inched forward and knelt to retrieve the envelope of money on the ground.

  While the man was distracted, one of the drivers managed to make a wide berth around the coach and through the surrounding trees, coming up behind him. At the sound of a cocking gun, the bandit froze. “Don’t move a muscle,” the driver demanded. “The only place you’ll be going today is the Lebanon Jail, along with your buddy here.”

  Caroline watched as the other driver approached, favoring a small wound on his arm. Working together, they tied both of the bandits’ hands behind their backs. She only lowered her weapon when she was certain both criminals were immobilized. The drivers looked over the hill for the other two bandits, but they had escaped, including the one Emmett had shot.

  “Thank you, ma’am,” one of the drivers said, tipping his hat. “If it hadn’t been for the actions of you and your husband, this could have ended very differently.”

  Caroline nodded, still trembling from the ordeal. Then she let out a strangled gasp before scrambling inside the coach. She found her husband still laying on the floorboards, unconscious. “Emmett? Can you hear me?” Her heart pounded as she leaned her ear close to his mouth, praying he still lived. “Praise the Lord!” she cried out when she heard a breath.

  One of the drivers jumped into the coach with her and checked his wound. “Your husband should live if we get him to a doctor fast. There’s one in Lebanon, half an hour away. The bullet appears to have missed anything life-threatening and the bandage is preventing further bleeding. You did a fine job of tending to your husband and helping us apprehend the bandits. We are indebted to you, Mrs. Riley.”

  “Thank you,” she said while positioning herself so Emmett’s head rested in her lap. As they traveled the remainder of the way to Lebanon, Caroline held his hand, alternating between praying and singing quietly to comfort herself and her husband if he could hear her. “Please heal Emmett, God. I put my trust in You.”

  When she opened her eyes from praying, Emmett began to stir. He blinked several times before focusing on her face and managing a weak smile. “Your voice is so angelic, I thought I’d woken up in heaven.”

  She smiled through her tears and smoothed back his blond hair. “You’re not leaving me any time soon, Emmett Riley. We haven’t even had our first disagreement as a married couple.”

  “Yes, I wouldn’t want to miss that.” He chuckled and then groaned in pain. “Oh, don’t make me laugh.”

  “I’m sorry.” Caroline leaned down and kissed his forehead. “Try to rest. We’ll be in Lebanon soon.”

  He obeyed, but a few moments later his eyes filled with curiosity. “Did you really challenge those bandits all by yourself?”

  She stared down at him in surprise. “I thought you were unconscious.”

  “I was for most of it, but I did catch that witty remark you aimed at the bandit.” He paused for a moment as an amused grin spread across his lips. “Something about your daddy teaching you to shoot as well as any man in Georgia?”

  She nodded, attempting to suppress a giggle. “I may have exaggerated a bit in the heat of the moment, but I am a pretty good shot.”

  “I wouldn’t doubt it.” He squeezed her hand and his eyes gazed into hers with admiration. “You are an amazing woman, Caroline Riley.”

  Emmett spent two days under the care of the doctor in Lebanon before feeling strong enough to continue their journey to Niangua. Caroline protested at first, saying he needed one more day of rest, but he won their first disagreement in the end, saying he would recover much better in his own bed.

  The sheriff told them the bandits were part of the Sanders Gang who had been causing disorder in Kansas and had recently moved over into Missouri. The drivers of the coach had killed one and the two members she aided in apprehending would be kept in the local jail for trial. However, the sheriff was still searching for two others, one of whom Emmett had shot in the leg. They discovered him to be the leader of the gang. It made him uneasy knowing he still roamed free, but he reasoned since he was injured and without most of his gang members, he wouldn’t be causing any more trouble for a while.

  The doctor offered transportation to the coach station and then Caroline helped Emmett the rest of the way. He had to wear his right arm in a sling so he wouldn’t move it and irritate his wound. It still caused discomfort, but wasn’t as sharp as the previous days. He felt confident he was on the mend. It helped even more to have a doting wife at his side. Caroline was truly a gift from God. He had never met anyone so brave, selfless and devoted. He thanked God for her at every opportunity.

  The trip to Niangua took most of the day and he slept off and on against his wife’s shoulder. As the terrain became more treacherous, he awakened and held his wound, grimacing.

  He felt Caroline’s eyes on him. “Do we need to stop for a break?”

  He shook his head and pulled back the curtain, revealing the banks of the Niangua River. A smile spread across his face, seeing the familiar sight. “No, we’ll be there within the hour now.”

  She craned her neck to look out and then smiled at him. “It’s so beautiful, Emmett. I can see why you love living here so much.”

  He nodded as pride filled his heart for his hometown. “Just wait until we reach my land. The log cabin overlooks a valley with a perfect view of the river below. There are bald eagles and red-tailed hawks flying above and an abundance of deer and wild turkey in the surrounding woods. We even hear an occasional whip-poor-will in the trees or screech owls at night. All the sounds of God’s creation fill my heart with joy. Soon I’ll have the privilege of sharing it all with you, my lovely Caroline.”

  She leaned her head against his shoulder and released a happy sigh. “I can hardly wait.”

  They traveled along the river for a while, until it meandered away from the road. Then about ten minutes later they reached the town of Niangua. After Emmett paid the driver a little extra to take them all the way to his homestead, he pointed out the small general store, the livery, a blacksmith’s shop, sawmill and a small boarding house with a diner underneath. “It’s not as big as Pelican Rapids and the general store only has a few basic necessities. We usually make a run to Lebanon or Springfield for major purchases twice a year. The church is just down 3rd Street. I hope you don’t mind it’s Baptist. I know your father is a Lutheran Minister, but it’s the only church close by.”

  Caroline patted his arm with a smile. “I don’t mind at all. As Christians, we may worship a little differently, but in heaven there will no longer be any denominations. We may as well learn how to get along.”

  Emmett released
a light chuckle and winced from the movement. “I couldn’t agree more.” He paused as they turned off the main road and headed east. “Niangua isn’t much to look at, but it’s home. Does it measure up to your expectations, Caroline?”

  She smiled and kissed his cheek. “I adore it.”

  Chapter Twelve

  “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.”

  Psalm 19:1 NLT

  Caroline stared in awe as the coach pulled in front of Emmett’s property. It was everything she imagined from his vivid descriptions and more. There were tall oak and maple trees bordering the spacious property on top of a huge, grassy plateau. Two large barns stood next to each other, the first with fenced in portions attached for the animals. After a brief glance, she noticed pigs, goats and chickens wandering around the barn yard. The second barn had a breezeway in the center, with a few carvings displayed outside. She guessed one side was his shop and the other, a storage area for finished projects. Emmett had told her one of his assistants operated a printing press to make catalogs. They sent them out to nearby towns and travelled quite a bit to deliver orders and always kept certain popular items in stock.

  She held onto Emmett’s arm as he stepped down from the coach and then walked with him across the property. After passing the barns, the log cabin came into view with smoke rising from the brick chimney. Caroline was rendered speechless at the beauty of the valley and the trees displaying their rich autumn colors. The river cut a long winding path between the trees and the sky looked so blue with white puffy clouds like a painting from an art gallery she’d visited in Atlanta.

  He pointed to a cleared area marked off with wood and string near the cabin while they continued walking. “I’m going to build the new cabin over there. It’s going to include at least four bedrooms, large kitchen, formal dining room and a nice-sized loft.”

  Caroline smiled, imagining all he had described. “It sounds amazing. I can’t wait to see it take shape.”

  He nodded. “When the inheritance from my grandfather comes in, I’ll have enough money to start on it. The small two-bedroom cabin will have to do for now.”

  “I’ll be happy anywhere as long as I’m with you.”

  Emmett turned and caressed her cheek with his fingers. “Welcome home, Mrs. Riley.”

  “You too, Mr. Riley.”

  He wrapped his left arm around her since his other was still in a sling. “I would carry you over the threshold again if I could.”

  She giggled and stood on her tip-toes to kiss him. “After you recover, I might allow it.”

  At the sound of loud howling, he glanced to his left and grinned. “Brace yourself. Here they come.” She turned and held onto her husband’s good arm as two hound dogs bounded toward them with the children and Emmett’s mother trailing close behind. Soon the dogs reached them with happy wagging tails and joyous howls. Emmett patted both of their brown furry heads. “Hi Jack and Hunter. Sure is good to see you boys again.”

  “Uncle Emmett!” Felicia called, her brown pigtails flying out behind her as she ran to him, wearing a plaid shirt and boy’s trousers. “You’re finally home.”

  “Be careful, sweetheart,” his mother warned. “Remember he’s still recovering.”

  The young girl paused, staring at his sling and bandages in fear, but Emmett smiled and held out his left arm. “Come here, sweetheart. I’m never too hurt for a hug.”

  The girl embraced him in a timid manner. “We missed you.”

  He patted her back. “I missed you all, too. I don’t plan on leaving again for such a long period anytime soon.”

  Thomas approached with dark brown hair like his sister and downcast brown eyes. “I heard you were shot…like Pa.”

  “I’m going to be fine. In a few weeks with proper rest I’ll be good as new.” He reached out his arm for a hug.

  Thomas backed up, his eyes flashing. “You never should have gone. I knew something like this would happen.”

  “I’m sorry. I know what happened scared you, but things are going to get better now.” He motioned with his hand. “Now, please come here, boy. There’s someone I’d like to introduce you all to.”

  Thomas shook his head and dashed away to the safety of the barn as Caroline watched with tears clouding her eyes. The poor boy seemed to be in so much pain. She didn’t take it personally he didn’t want to meet her yet.

  “He’ll come around eventually,” Emmett’s mother reassured, embracing him. “I’m so glad you’re home. I was so worried and wanted to come to Lebanon, but your message said not to.”

  “I just didn’t want to trouble you, Ma. You already had so many responsibilities to look after. I’m fine, really. My new wife took very good care of me.” He motioned toward her standing next to him. “Speaking of my new wife, Ma, Felicia, I’d like to introduce you to Mrs. Caroline Rose Riley.”

  “Welcome, Caroline. It is an honor to meet you at last.” The older woman hugged her tight before leaning back and grasping her shoulders. “Thank you for taking care of my son. I have to admit, word of his marriage to you came as quite a shock, but he is blessed to have you in his life. We all are.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Riley. It is a pleasure to meet you as well.”

  “Oh, please, call me Ma Riley or just Ma from now on. I do hope we can be as close as a mother and daughter someday.” She turned to Felicia and smiled while nudging her toward Caroline. “Say hello to your uncle’s new bride.”

  The girl blushed and shook her hand. “Hello. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Felicia.”

  She leaned down to the girl’s level, offering a warm smile. “I’m glad to meet you, too. Felicia. Your uncle has told me so much about you and your brother. I hope we can be good friends.”

  A slow smile spread across Felicia’s face. “Do you like to fish?”

  Caroline nodded. “I love it. Perhaps in a few days if it’s warm enough, we can go down to the river and see what we can catch.”

  Felicia surprised her with a spontaneous hug. “Oh, thank you, Caroline. That would be wonderful.”

  With Felicia and Emmett’s mother leading the way, Caroline linked arms with Emmett again and they made the rest of their way to the cabin.

  Once inside, Emmett gave her a short tour of the home. He showed her the two bedrooms, explaining they had the master to themselves while his mother shared the other room with Felicia. Thomas preferred the loft.

  She took everything in as he led her into the country kitchen. There was a woodburning stove, water basin and plenty of finely crafted wooden cabinets. It was obvious Emmett had designed and utilized the space well.

  She smiled while running her fingers over a polished oak table with bench seats. “Did you make this, too?”

  He nodded. “Yes. This was one of the first tables I ever crafted as a young man. I’ve made finer tables since, but I don’t have the heart to be rid of this one.”

  She grinned, admiring it again. “Well, I’m glad you haven’t. I think it is magnificent.”

  “Thank you.” He walked around the edge of the table and linked arms with her again. “Would you like to see the inside of our master?”

  “Yes, I would.” She walked with him down the hallway and turned into the second bedroom on the left. Caroline noticed the rustic bedframe of the four-poster bed first. It was a fine and elegant work of art with arches and an engraved design.

  “I know you’ll need a vanity, dresser and wardrobe of your own. I’ll have one of my assistants bring those things in for you tomorrow after you select them. I have some in stock in the shop. For tonight, we will have to just bring in your trunk.” She nodded and crossed to the window. “So, what do you think? Will this cottage work until I can build a bigger home for us?”

  Caroline smiled while gazing outside as the colors of the sunset painted the sky above the trees and river. “It’s more than I ever could have dreamed.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  “God blesses those who wor
k for peace, for they will be called the children of God.”

  Matthew 5:9 NLT

  When Caroline opened her eyes, the sun had already risen high outside the bedroom window. She sat up and studied her surroundings, realizing Emmett had already left. It was an odd feeling to wake up in a new place every morning during their travels. At first, she couldn’t quite remember where she was, but seeing the rustic wooden interior of the log cabin reminded her. She smiled, realizing there would be no more struggles to catch a wink of sleep on a moving train or bumpy coach. They were finally home.

  After dressing for the day, Caroline stepped out of the master bedroom and padded down the hallway to the dining room where Emmett’s mother was busy cleaning up after the morning meal.

  Emmett’s mother looked up when she came in. “Good morning, my dear. I’m surprised to see you up so early. Emmett said to let you sleep in. I know you’ve been through quite an ordeal after your travels and then the encounter with those lawless bandits wreaking havoc around Lebanon. I wouldn’t have been surprised if you slept all day.”

  She smiled as Emmett’s mother placed a mug of steaming coffee on the table in front of her. “Thank you, ma’am…I mean Ma Riley,” she corrected, remembering what she had requested the other day. She paused to curl her fingers around the mug to warm them. “It isn’t typical of me to sleep in. My daddy is a preacher and always taught us to rise at dawn, prepared to do God’s work.”

  Ma Riley passed her containers of sugar and cream. “He sounds like a person after my own heart. I find it best to spend time with the Lord in the morning. I go outside to a special place overlooking the valley to pray and meditate on His word.”

  Caroline grinned while stirring cream and sugar into her coffee, believing she’d get along well with Emmett’s mother. “It sounds lovely. Have you lived here in the Ozarks your whole life?”