The Widow's Secret (Keepers of the Light Book 5)

by Marie Higgins

  “I think it’s a streak of good luck for all of you as you start your new lives here.”

  She swallowed the lump of despair filling her throat. “How will that affect your plans with Bobby?” She lowered her voice. “Are you still planning on arresting him?”

  Chet shook his head. “I told your brother that as long as he turns over a new leaf and starts doing an honest day’s work, then I won’t take him in. Bobby assured me he wanted to take care of his family.”

  She really wished they were alone right now. She wanted to know how Chet really felt about her. But then, maybe she was better off not knowing. After all, Miss Mullins told her that Chet loved his job more than settling down and marrying.

  “Thank you,” she whispered, touching his arm. “You really are a wonderful man.”

  He took her hand off his arm and clasped it gently. “I believe in second chances.”

  She hitched a breath. What did he mean by that? Dare she read more into it? She really wished her overactive mind would stop teasing her. She couldn’t love him... although, she wondered if it was already too late.

  TWELVE

  Chet wandered through the town’s only general store, picking up some items that he knew Amelia would need for her new home. The first forty-eight hours after arriving in Spruce Hill had been a whirlwind of events, not only for him but for Amelia and her family. He wanted to find some private time to talk to her, but it seemed that it wasn’t happening soon enough.

  She’d mentioned in one of their brief conversations last night that Gracie was not the mayor’s daughter. Amelia had mentioned questioning the little girl and what she remembered about her father, and Amelia let him know what the girl’s answer was. He was relieved, and yet at the same time, he was left more perplexed than ever. Last evening before the telegraph office closed, he’d sent a message to Mayor Tidwell, letting him know Chet was in Spruce Hill but that he hadn’t found his daughter. Chet had requested that the mayor come to Spruce Hill and meet so that they could discuss what to do next. He also sent a telegram to the boarding school in Forest Grove, Oregon, in regards to Gracie.

  It worried Chet that Amelia’s name was connected with the disappearance of the mayor’s daughter, Georgia. This case needed to be solved soon. And... it was time he started thinking of his future and what he really wanted.

  Seeing Dinah again after two years startled him more than he’d been prepared for, but it also made him contemplate what he really wanted out of life. He was lonely – that was a given because of his lifestyle. Could he give up the profession he loved just to live in a small town for the rest of his life? And what would he do when all he knew was hunting down criminals... and working with horses? That left two kinds of jobs for him to do in Spruce Hill. He could either become the sheriff or a deputy, or he could work at a livery. Neither of those places would pay him the kind of money he had been getting as a bounty hunter.

  But was money worth having if he didn’t have a family to share it with?

  “Did you need any help, sir?”

  The sweet voice of an older woman had him turning to see who was talking to him. As he looked into the hazel eyes of the storekeeper’s wife, all he could think about was that she was the perfect image of a grandmother. He’d not known his grandparents, but the woman’s kind eyes and endearing smile made him want to adopt her as his grandmother.

  “No, I’m just browsing. My friend and her family have just moved into a cabin, and I thought to get them a few things since they have nothing.”

  The older woman’s eyes widened. “Nothing at all?”

  “Nothing. They came from Idaho with only a few changes of clothes and a little food.”

  “Oh, heavens!” She lifted her hand to her throat. “That’s unacceptable. I must let Sheriff Hobbs know. He’ll find a bunch of people in town who can donate some furniture and other necessities. Spruce Hill has townsfolks who would give the shirt off their backs to help someone in need. You and your friend will love it here.”

  He opened his mouth to correct her and let her know that he might not be staying, but then he couldn’t say the words. He couldn’t even think of saying goodbye to Amelia because the twisting pain in his heart wouldn’t allow it.

  “Thank you, Mrs...” He arched an eyebrow. “I don’t believe I know your name.”

  “I’m Mrs. Densley and I own the store with my husband.” She motioned to the older man giving a young girl something out of a jar. “That’s my husband there, giving Margaret Sue a peppermint stick. The children just love it when we hand these out.” She chuckled.

  “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Chet Logan.” He shook hands with her. “I can’t wait for you to meet my friend, Mrs. Florence, and her family.”

  The old woman sighed wistfully. “Florence, you say? My daughter married a man with that last name.”

  “Really? What a coincidence. I wonder if they are somehow related?”

  “I don’t know any of Roland’s family who lived in Idaho, so perhaps not.”

  He nodded. “I’ll ask Amelia, just in case she might now.”

  The old woman’s eyes widened. “Amelia? And her last name is Florence?”

  “Yes.”

  “Oh, now that is a coincidence. I had a granddaughter by that name.”

  Suddenly, a memory slammed into his head, making him hitch a breath. Amelia had once mentioned that she was coming to Spruce Hill to find her grandparents. Could he have just found them?

  He carefully studied the woman, trying to see her as she had been as a younger woman. She would have had dark hair like Amelia. The shape of Mrs. Densley’s face was like Amelia’s, too... but their eyes. He gasped silently. They both had hazel eyes!

  “That is very remarkable,” he answered in a tight voice, but then forced himself to chuckle. “It’s a small world, isn’t it?”

  “Indeed, it is, Mr. Logan.”

  And... it was getting smaller. However, he prayed Amelia wouldn’t be put out with him for finding her grandmother first. He seriously hoped Amelia would be overjoyed. He wanted another excuse to hold and kiss her, and for her to respond with enthusiasm.

  “Well,” he rubbed his hands together, “I should get back to what I was doing.”

  “And I shall have my husband contact the sheriff and find some people to help get your friend and her family settled.”

  “You are a godsend, Mrs. Densley. Thank you.”

  He spent another thirty minutes at the store, buying those things Amelia would need, but he hurried faster than before, feeling anxious to see her again and tell her about her grandmother. Mr. Densley wasn’t at the counter when Chet checked out. Although he shouldn’t tell anyone where Amelia was staying, he still gave the old woman directions. After all, how else would the townspeople be able to help her settle in?

  One of the older boys working at the store helped Chet carry out boxes and load in the wagon. Just as he was lifting the last box, he smelled a woman’s fragrance, but it wasn’t the woman who’d been on his mind a lot lately. He glanced over his shoulder. Dinah stood watching him with her arms crossed over her chest.

  Inwardly, he groaned. But at least Amelia wasn’t with him now, so he could talk to Dinah and apologize for hurting her.

  “Good afternoon, Miss Mullins.” He set the last box inside the wagon and pulled the board across the back, securing it.

  “Mr. Logan, I’m glad I caught you alone this time.”

  He turned and leaned back against the wagon. “I’m sorry again for running away from you yesterday. But my job—”

  “Yes, I know. Your job is more important.” She sighed heavily. “I understand that, however, you could have at least let me know exactly how important your job was two years ago instead of stringing me along.”

  Sighing, he frowned. “Forgive me, Dinah. I should have realized you were waiting for me.”

  She shrugged. “I was only heartbroken for a few months. After that, I was upset and hating you with every fiber of my being
. But now... now, I just don’t care.”

  “I’m glad you were able to get over your feelings for me.”

  “It was a great relief to me, too. You’re not worth the heartache, Chet Logan.”

  Her words hurt, but then perhaps she was correct. “We were just not meant to be together.”

  “Mr. Logan, I don’t think you’ll be with anyone, so I think you’d better not string Mrs. Florence along like you did me. Do her a favor and let her know what an uncaring, selfish man you really are.”

  He gritted his teeth as harsh words came to his mind, but he couldn’t say them. She was still hurt over his rejection, and she had every right to be. “I’m hoping that I’ve changed in those two years, too. In fact, lately, I’ve been thinking about the future and how I really want a family.”

  She snickered and shook her head. “I’ll believe it when I see it.” She looked at the wagon. “Because it’s quite obvious you’re leaving again. But don’t worry. I’m certain that Mrs. Florence and I will become good friends since we have something in common now. I’ll be able to comfort her after you leave. Rest assured, we will find men who deserve our love. You’re not the only available man in these parts.”

  He wished her bitter words hadn’t injured his pride. “Actually, Dinah, I’m not leaving. I’m taking these supplies to Mrs. Florence’s new house. She, her brother, her uncle, and little Gracie, are now living in a cabin not far from the lumber mill. Mr. Winfield told Mrs. Florence’s brother about the place.”

  Her eyes widened. “I think I know that place. The Wilson’s moved out a few days ago.”

  Chet nodded. “Yes, that’s what we were told.”

  She sighed and shrugged. “Well, I’m surprised to see how generous you are with your time and money. I’m sure Mrs. Florence will appreciate it.”

  “I sincerely hope so.” He stepped around the back of the wagon, moving toward the front. “If you’d like to drop by Amelia’s place and help her, I’m sure she’d be very grateful. Mrs. Densley is going to gather up some people in town who would like to donate furniture and supplies since Amelia has nothing but their clothes in her possession.”

  “Yes, I’ll swing by shortly.”

  He tipped his hat to her. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get going. Amelia’s waiting.”

  He climbed up on the seat and took hold of the reins.

  “Chet,” she called out.

  He glanced over his shoulder at her. “Yes?”

  “Perhaps you have changed a little, after all.”

  He smiled. “Thank you. Hearing that from you means a lot.”

  As he guided the horses toward Amelia’s new house, his heart expanded. Indeed, he was changing, and he couldn’t pinpoint what made him want to change. All he knew was that after he’d met Amelia, his thoughts had slowly started shifting. The funny thing was, he was eager to embrace his new life. Finally, he was going to find a woman to settle down with and raise children. Never again would he be lonely.

  THIRTEEN

  Amelia wiped the back of her hand across her moist brow and surveyed what had been accomplished in the cabin so far this morning. Between her, Bobby, and Uncle Theo, they had scrubbed floors, washed down walls, and cleaned the windows. Uncle Theo had wandered off into the thicket of trees not far from their cabin to cut wood for their fireplace. They’d all been busy, even Gracie helped out where she was needed. Not to mention Chet, who’d ridden into town to the general store to buy them some supplies.

  Tears of happiness stung her eyes. She had dreamed of living a life free of people like the Stones, where she could be the woman she wanted and meet loving people with kind hearts. She didn’t know how to thank Mr. Winfield for telling them about this cabin and helping them to become tenants.

  She was very happy that the cabin provided them enough room. She and Gracie would share a bedroom, and Theo would sleep in the kitchen, and Bobby would sleep in the large front room. This place was made for them.

  The noise of the wagon pulling up in front of the house had her giddy with excitement. Chet is back!

  She stepped beside Theo and tapped him on the shoulder. When he met her gaze, she signed that Chet had returned. He nodded and moved toward the door as she followed. When they walked outside, Chet was already moving things off the back of the wagon. Bobby rushed up to the wagon to help.

  Amelia hurried to the wagon and lifted a smaller box. Chet’s gaze met hers and he smiled. Her wildly beating heart told her that it would take her a long time to get over him.

  “Thank you, Chet. You don’t know how much I appreciate your help. I don’t know what we would have done without you.”

  “It was my pleasure to help you all.” He glanced at Bobby who was taking a box into the house before Chet’s attention moved back to her. “We need to talk. Privately.”

  “Why?” Her heartbeat stilled.

  “I’d rather not tell you here. Let’s wait until we can get everything in the cabin.” He lifted a box and walked ahead of her.

  “Chet, you’re worrying me. What is it?” She hurried behind.

  “Well, I can tell you one thing. Spruce Hill has some very generous people. I talked to the store owner where I purchased these supplies, and she is going to find people who can donate some furniture and anything else you’ll need.”

  His words shocked Amelia and briefly immobilized her limbs. She stumbled but quickly righted herself before she fell and dropped the box she was carrying. “You must be jesting. People will do that for strangers?”

  He chuckled. “I’m happy to report that there are quite a few generous people in this world. I’m sorry you had to be raised by the Stones who don’t know the meaning of giving.”

  She nodded. “Since meeting you, I’ve seen a whole different world.”

  She hadn’t meant to say such things to him, and while she was sighing with happiness. Yet, that emotion had been growing in her heart and she couldn’t contain it.

  Once inside the cabin, they placed the box on the floor. Bobby and Uncle Theo had just walked out to bring in more boxes. Gracie was taking a nap on the floor in their new bedroom. Even though it would only be a moment, at least she and Chet were alone. She had to show him her appreciation before her chest burst.

  She quickly stepped to him and threw her arms around him, hugging him. “Thank you, Chet... for everything.”

  His arms tightened around her and he buried his face in her neck. Warm tingles shot all over her, and she cherished the feeling. She turned her face and kissed the side of his head. Immediately, his head lifted. and he pressed his lips against hers. She couldn’t stop the fireworks exploding inside her heart, making her love this man even more.

  The kiss was exciting, urgent, and too quick. Of course, she didn’t want her brother or Uncle Theo catching them, so she withdrew. When Chet’s gaze locked with hers, she smiled, cuddling closer against him.

  “Have I told you lately how wonderful you are?” she whispered.

  “Not yet today.”

  She chuckled. “Well, you are. I really don’t know how to thank you.”

  His gaze dropped to her mouth. “You were doing a pretty good job of that just a second ago.”

  Her face heated, making her laugh. “Am I to guess that is how you like to be thanked?”

  “Only by you.” He caressed her cheek. “Personally, I like your uncle and your brother, but I’d rather not have them kiss me.”

  She laughed harder and stepped out of his arms before she was tempted to kiss him again. The timing was perfect, because Bobby came in, followed by Uncle Theo.

  “What’s so funny?” Bobby asked as he set the box on the ground by the others.

  She turned toward her brother and grasped his hands. “Chet talked to a woman at the store who said she was going to see if some people in town would like to donate furniture to help us out.”

  Bobby glanced at Chet and arched an eyebrow. “Why did you do something so foolish?”

  Gasping, she sl
apped her brother’s arm. “That’s not foolish. Chet was thinking of our welfare.”

  Chet held up his hands in surrender. “I was only trying to help.”

  “But...” Bobby’s face grew red as his lips thinned and jaw hardened, “what if someone in town recognizes me?”

  “Why?” Chet asked. “Have you robbed from the people of this town?”

  “No, but—”

  “Then my advice to you is to stay clean-shaven and keep your hair short just in case.” Chet nodded. “Continue to stay on the straight-and-narrow, and maybe you’ll actually avoid getting arrested.”

  “Thank you, Chet.” She looked at him and smiled. “I’ll make sure my brother doesn’t get into any more trouble.”

  Uncle Theo set his box down before straightening. He signed to Amelia, that’s all the boxes.

  She gave him a wink and signed, thank you.

  Bobby squatted down to look through the boxes, as did Uncle Theo. Chet touched Amelia’s arm and motioned toward the door. She nodded but didn’t say anything aloud.

  As they left the house, Chet slipped his hand into hers and led her toward the thicket of trees. With each step, her heartbeat hammered faster. Was he going to tell her goodbye now... or was this private moment for her to finish telling him thank you? Yet, when he’d asked to speak with her privately before, the look on his face made her heart sink. Whatever he had to say wouldn’t be good.

  He stopped inside the trees and glanced back at the cabin. It was hard to see now with all the trees. Chet turned to her and took her in his arms loosely. His expression softened and he glanced at her mouth. Her heartbeat skipped. Maybe he just wanted to kiss her more passionately and longer. She was all for that.

  “I was wondering what you would think if I decided to find myself someplace to stay, right here in Spruce Hill?”

  Emotion clogged her throat. Had she heard him correctly? But the excitement jumping inside her chest let her know she had heard him correctly. “You... want to live here?”