"You know what? I think its time we all went to bed. Its been a long day. And tomorrow we're going to church,"Prudence announced.
"I told you she wouldn't give us a straight answer," Grace said to Hope as they both rose from the bed and headed to the door.
Hope opened the door and glanced back at Prudence. "Looks like you were right. But we know the truth, Prudence. Even if you're trying to hide from it yourself."
"That's right," Grace said as she followed Hope out into the corridor. "You can't pull the wool over our eyes." Grace paused and looked straight at Prudence. "You and Cal are meant to be together."
Then Hope pulled the door closed, leaving Prudence standing alone in her room and trying to make sense of what had just happened.
Her friends had told her the truth. It was that simple. Prudence knew she'd been trying to hide from that truth. But now there was no denying it. She and Cal had feelings for each other. Just thinking about that made Prudence's heart skip a beat.
The time was coming when she'd have to face the consequences of her closeness to the handsome Texan.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
On Sunday, Cal and Prudence rode the buckboard together into town. Alongside them on the seat sat little Ramon. Hope and Grace traveled in the other buckboard with Lucia and Pedro. All the way into town Roman laughed and joked with Cal and Prudence. Cal found the little boy a delightful companion. It was the first time he and Prudence had ridden with a child accompanying them. It gave him a brief taste of what it might be like to have family of his own.
As they reached town, Cal glanced across at Prudence. He saw the joy on her features as she played a word game with Ramon in Spanish. It was the first time Cal had seen Prudence acting as a teacher. She looked comfortable doing it. And she looked happy, too.
Arriving at the church, they all got down from the buckboards and made their way inside. It looked like it was going to be another full house, Cal told himself as he made his way to the church, gently bumping shoulders with the other churchgoers.
Pastor Lewis was there at the door to welcome them. He playfully ruffled Ramon's dark hair, which made the little boy laugh.
Pastor Lewis smiled at Prudence and Cal. For a moment, Cal thought the pastor was going to make some kind of passing comment about him and Prudence. Instead the pastor said: "We have a pleasant surprise today."
"Yeah?" Cal asked.
The pastor gestured toward the interior of the church. "We have someone new in our congregation."
Cal peered inside and felt something heavy sink in his stomach. He saw Rafael Largo standing at the end of the passageway between the pews. He was talking with one of the congregation members. Largo looked up, saw Cal and smiled at him. Largo was immaculately dressed in a dark suit and shiny black shoes.
"Is that who I think it is?" Prudence said.
"Uh huh," Cal murmured.
He heard Grace and Hope whispering to each other.
Pastor Lewis smiled. "My sermon today just happens to be on the importance of being good to our neighbors." The pastor glanced toward Largo. "Timely, don't you think?"
Cal could hardly believe it. He glanced at Prudence who just lifted her brows and shrugged. Then they made their way into the church and took their seats. Cal watched Rafael as he made his way amongst some of the churchgoers, introducing himself. Cal was sure most folks knew everything they'd want to know about Rafael Largo. Still, everyone was friendly to him. All the old grudges had been left at the church door, it seemed. That struck Cal as right and proper.
The service got under way. Standing next to Prudence, Cal was sure she sang the hymns extra-loud today. Then it was the turn of Pastor Lewis to deliver his sermon.
The pastor opened his arms wide. "My friends. Before I begin, I'm sure you've all noticed that we have a new face here today. One of our most prominent citizens has come to the Lord today." The pastor smiled at Largo. "I'm sure we'll all give him a warm welcome. Just as the Lord welcomes him into our midst."
Cal saw Largo smiling at those seated around him. He seemed genuinely pleased to be in church today. There was not even a hint of insincerity on Largo's face. If he was putting on an act, Cal concluded Largo was a very fine actor. He should have been on the stage.
Then the pastor delivered his sermon on the subject of loving our neighbor. Cal could hardly believe he was sitting in church listening to such wise words with Rafael Largo only a few feet away. He wondered if Largo was paying any attention to the pastor's words. He hoped so because Pastor Lewis's sermon contained a great deal of wisdom. He quoted from Scripture and spoke from his heart when he encouraged everyone in the church to be as kind as possible to those they knew. What struck Cal particularly strongly was the pastor's words on not judging people.
"There is only one judge. Only He can know what is in the hearts of all us. What we are truly like behind the mask we present to the world," Pastor Lewis said. Cal noticed that, as he said those last words, the pastor glanced quickly at Largo.
Finally, the service concluded and they made their way out into the bright sunshine. Gathering out front, Cal and Prudence were chatting with some of the local townsfolk when Rafael Largo came up to them. Cal drew in a deep breath and glanced at Prudence. She was watching Largo's advance with obvious trepidation.
"I'm surprised to see you here today, Largo," Cal said to the man.
Largo grinned. "Something came over me this morning," he said slowly. "I can't explain it. I just had this overwhelming urge to come to church today."
"Is this really your first visit?" Prudence asked.
Largo nodded. "Alas, I have been lax in my religious obligations." He sighed in a theatrical manner. "I cannot get those lost days back. But I can try and make up for it in the future."
"The Lord accepts all sinners," Prudence said to Largo. She narrowed her eyes and peered at him.
"Aren't we all sinners, Prudence?"
"Indeed, we are," she replied. "And we are all forgiven by He who sits on the highest throne."
"I can see you are a woman of faith," Largo said, tilting his head and examining Prudence.
"I always have been," Prudence replied. "My parents ensured that I grew up believing in the Lord. What about your parents, Señor Largo. Did they bring you up in the faith?"
Largo's features became an unreadable mask. His gaze grew blank and the corners of his mouth creased with a forced smile. "My parents passed away a very long time ago. When I was very young." His gaze softened as if he was recalling something from long ago. Again, Cal thought this was a theatrical performance he was witnessing. Not the real Rafael Largo. Cal was sure he'd never really know who Largo was. "I was brought up by a kindly aunt. She was a wonderful woman."
Prudence's mouth opened. She was going to pursue this line of inquiry, Cal told himself. Before she said a word, Grace and Hope walked up to them and stood alongside Prudence.
Now that the three women were together, Largo's eyes brightened. He smiled at the women. "Now that you're all here, ladies, I have something very important I would like to ask you all."
"You do?" Hope asked, her brows furrowing with suspicion.
With a gesture, Largo led the women to one side. Seeing Cal follow, Largo frowned. "What I have to say is for the ears of these ladies only."
Prudence shook her head. "Anything you have to say to me, you can say to Cal." She smiled at Hope and Grace. "Isn't that right?"
Hope and Grace nodded.
Largo sighed and then shrugged. "Very well." He lowered his voice. "I have an offer to make."
"What kind of offer?" Grace asked.
"One I believe you will all find attractive," Largo said. He gave Cal one more hesitant look. Cal thought that perhaps his being here had messed up Largo's carefully prepared plan.
Largo looked one by one at Hope, Grace and Prudence. "I would like to make you all an offer to buy the Circle T ranch."
"What!" all three women said in perfect unison.
Largo lif
ted a hand. "Hear me out before you pass judgment."
"Don't say another word," Prudence said firmly.
Largo's eyes narrowed. "But you don't know how much I am willing to offer."
"We don't need to know," Grace declared. Her eyes burned with sudden anger. She glared at Largo. "Nothing you offer will ever be enough."
"Not even fifty thousand dollars?" Largo said easily.
For a long, quiet moment all three women looked shocked. That was a huge amount of money. Probably more than the true value of the spread, the buildings and the herd. Each of the women shook their heads. The decision had been made.
Cal smiled, feeling delight sweep through him. He'd admired these women from the start. Now he respected them even more. They were committed to the Circle T. And it was a fine thing to behold.
Prudence took a step up to Largo and stuck her face in front of his. "We reject your offer. Don't bother making another one. No amount of money will make us sell what Silas gave his life to building. He gave it to us to look after. And that is exactly what we intend to do."
Largo's face turned white. His eyes narrowed and he drew in a deep breath. Maybe for the first time in his life, Largo had found three people for whom money meant less than principles. Cal could see confusion in the man's eyes. Largo must have thought it would be easy. But he'd misjudged Prudence, Grace and Hope.
Largo flashed a dark look in Cal's direction. Cal lifted his hands in a defensive gesture. "Don't look at me, Largo. Seems like you just met your match."
Cal tried not to grin, but it proved impossible.
Largo dragged in a breath and straightened his jacket. He bowed slightly and forced a smile. "Ladies. I'll bid you a good day."
And then Largo walked slowly away with the cloud of defeat hanging over him.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
"Who does he think he is?" Hope demanded later when they were all sitting at the window table of the coffee shop. Prudence was sitting next to Cal. Grace and Hope were seated opposite. They'd all just finished eating some tasty cakes and drinking some strong coffee.
"The sermon today was about loving your neighbor, not buying your neighbor's property," Grace said acidly.
Prudence shook her head. "Largo obviously thinks he can just own every piece of land in these parts."
"He isn't going to own the Circle T," Hope declared. Until now, Prudence hadn't realized just how attached Hope had become to the ranch. But judging by the emotion in her friends voice, she'd finally accepted the place as her permanent home.
Cal had been quiet throughout their time in the cafe. He'd sat back in his chair, folded his arms and watched as Prudence, Hope and Grace had vented their fury about Largo's audacious offer.
Finally, Prudence couldn't stand Cal's silence any longer. "What do you think about it, Cal?" she asked.
"Why would he offer such a high price?" Cal asked casually. "I mean, it is way over the true value of the spread. And a man like Largo must know that."
"Maybe he's greedy for land," Grace suggested.
Cal shook his head. "It has to be more than that. Largo can buy anywhere he wants around here." He smiled at the women. "Present company excluded, of course."
"He must have another reason for wanting the Circle T," Hope said.
"That's what I'm thinking," Cal agreed. "But I can't imagine what would drive his price so high."
"What I want to know is how Largo got so rich in the first place," Grace said. "Isn't it unusual that he isn't back in Mexico? I assume that's where he grew up. And with his kind of wealth, he'd rule the roost in that territory."
Cal frowned. "It isn't that simple, Grace. There's been a lot of trouble over the border. Seems like every year that passes there's some kind of civil conflict. Mexico can be a dangerous place for a man like Largo. If he doesn't have the right kind of friends."
"You're saying he has something to hide?" Prudence asked Cal.
"His story about his parents and his perfect aunt didn't sound true, did it?" he said.
Prudence shook her head. "It thought he was making it up."
"We might be about to get some answers," Grace announced.
"How?"
"I got a telegram telling me we're getting a visitor. My associate has been in touch with one of the local judges in Austin. Seems like there's more to Largo and his people than the man would like us to know. The judge is coming to Testament Creek."
"When does he get here?" Cal asked.
"Monday morning," Grace said.
Cal smiled at each of the women. "You all walked right into a heap of trouble, didn't you?"
"We don't care," Prudence stated. "Like I said to Largo. This is about looking after Silas's legacy to us. I don't care what I have to do, I'm going to make sure no-one gets their hands on that ranch. Even if its the last thing I do."
Prudence felt the emotion sweep over her. With each incident of trouble around the ranch, her determination to do what was right grew stronger. She saw Cal look admiringly toward her. There was even a hint of pride in the way he was looking at her. She told herself she was glad she had Cal by her side. Without him, all of this would have been so much more difficult. For her and for Grace and Hope.
They finished their coffee and cakes and left the cafe. They decided to take a slow stroll along the boardwalk. It was Sunday and the day was bright and warm. The idea of walking by Cal's side suddenly seemed like the perfect thing to do. He looked fine and handsome in his dark jacket and pants. Beneath the wide brim of his Stetson his eyes shone with a keen interest. Every once in a while he glanced at her. When he did that she felt her heartbeat quicken.
She was glad he'd accompanied her to the church again today. Maybe it would become a regular occurrence. She hoped so. Having Cal stand next to her as she sang the wonderful hymns in church made her feel a happiness she'd never thought possible. There was no denying the truth. She and Cal were getting close.
Up ahead she saw the sheriff's door open. Brady emerged, followed by a familiar figure. It was Largo. He had his back to them. The sheriff saw who was heading in his direction. His eyes widened and he murmured something to Largo. The man turned and smiled. Then, with one final word to the sheriff, Largo headed across Main Street to the boardwalk on the other side.
The sheriff stood at the open door. He slid his thumbs into his belt and watched as Prudence, Hope, Grace and Cal headed toward him. A knot tightened in Prudence's stomach. Something wasn't right. The sheriff looked like he had something on his mind.
As they tried to pass the sheriff, he stepped out into the middle of the boardwalk, blocking their path. They halted in front of the sheriff.
Prudence saw Cal peer at the sheriff. "Is there a problem, sheriff?" Cal asked.
Brady nodded. "I'm afraid there is," he said. "I'm going to have to take you in, Logan."
"What!" Prudence exclaimed. She heard Hope and Grace gasp.
Cal, completely unmoved, just looked steadily at Brady. "I'm not sure I heard you right, sheriff. Did you say you're going to lock me up?"
Brady nodded. "That's what I said."
Prudence glanced up at Cal. His features were a blank, unreadable mask. "On what charge?" Cal asked.
"I've had a complaint about you rustling," Sheriff Brady said.
Cal turned his head slowly and looked across to the other side of the street. Largo was standing over there, watching carefully. "Let me guess. Largo is the one who is making the complaint."
Prudence glared at Largo. "He can't do that," she snapped.
"He just did," the sheriff said.
"And you're taking his word over the witnesses up at our ranch?" Grace demanded. "You know that won't stand up in any court of law."
The sheriff squinted at Grace as if he was surprised she had any idea about the law. "A complaint has been made. And I have grounds to believe it may have substance."
Hope took a step toward the sheriff. "That's a fancy way of saying you're doing his bidding," she said and jabbed a
finger in Largo's direction.
Sheriff Brady's gaze darkened. "Are you accusing me of something?"
Hope opened her mouth and was about to speak when Cal stepped forward. "I guess you want me to go inside there?" he asked pointing inside the jailhouse.
Prudence looked at Cal. Was he giving up so easily? Or was he just making sure there was no trouble out here in Main Street on a Sunday afternoon?
Cal turned Prudence and the others. "I'll see you soon, ladies," he murmured and then walked into the sheriff's office.
Prudence could hardly believe what Cal had done. She looked, wide-eyed at Hope and Grace, and saw disbelief written across their features.
The sheriff paused a moment before following Cal inside. When Prudence saw Brady look across at the smiling figure of Largo, she could have screamed. Then the sheriff went inside the jailhouse. Prudence started to make her way toward the door, determined to go inside.
The sheriff raised and hand and gave Prudence a stern look. "No, ma'am. You can't come in here. Maybe later in the day." Then the sheriff smiled at her. "Once the prisoner has been locked up for a while."
When she saw the sheriff's malicious grin, indignation swept through Prudence. The sheriff slammed the door in her face.
Prudence turned to Grace and Hope. Both women looked horrified. Prudence peered across to where Largo had been standing, but he was gone now.
"Rustling is a serious crime in these parts," Grace explained. "Really serious. If they prove it, Cal could be put in prison for a long time."
A heavy weight sank in Prudence's middle. She felt a sudden panic seize her. This couldn't be happening.
"What can we do?" she pleaded.
Grace's jaw tightened and she looked suddenly thoughtful. "Don't you worry, Prudence," she said and scooped her hand inside Prudence's arm. "We'll figure something out."
Then all three women headed back up the boardwalk.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
The Texas Cowboy’s Courtship (Testament Creek Book 1) Page 14
