“How long have you been tied up?” He tried to keep anger out of his tone. If Marvin wasn’t already dead, he’d want to hunt him down and beat him to a pulp. I know, Lord. These thoughts aren’t right, but... He. Hurt. My. Wife.
“Don’t know.” This time her voice was a little stronger.
When the ropes were all gone, he reached toward her.
“No, Franklin. I’m so dirty.” A glisten of tears appeared in her eyes, but none fell down her cheeks.
He lifted Lorinda to her feet. He started to let go, but her legs buckled. He grabbed her up in his arms before she could fall.
“Do your legs hurt?”
She nodded against his chest.
He held her close to his heart, cradling her with his love, until she was able to stand up. With one hand, he tilted her face toward his and settled his lips against hers. He didn’t want to hurt them, but he wanted to pour his love into her. The kiss was gentle, but it lasted long minutes. She melted against him and raised her arms around his neck, pulling him closer and closer. Just as the one at the wedding, this kiss took on a life of its own. He was as gentle with her as he could be, but he didn’t want to break the connection.
When their lips finally parted, he leaned closer to her exquisite ear and whispered, “Lorinda, I love you with all my heart.”
“I love you, too, Franklin.”
Her words startled him. How long had she loved him? Had they been living the lie with both of them wanting more from their marriage? What an idiot he had been when he suggested such a thing. They had a lot to talk about. But not right here. Not right now.
When he turned around, he saw Rusty had unloaded food from the saddlebags. And even though they had ridden through the rest of the night, the coffee had been wrapped so well that a little bit of vapor rose from the cups. Two blankets were spread beside the food.
Rusty waved his hand toward the bounty. “Breakfast, anyone?”
Chapter 40
The breakfast, even though it was cold, tasted like a banquet to Lorinda. She wanted to just shovel the food into her mouth and not stop until she was full.
“You need to eat slowly, since you haven’t had anything for over twenty-four hours.” Franklin must have read her mind. “We don’t want you sick before we get you home.”
She slowed down and enjoyed every bite, surprised by how little it took before she couldn’t hold anything else. The coffee helped perk her up, but the cold water was most soothing to her dry throat and mouth.
When they all finished eating, Franklin helped her stand. She still didn’t feel too steady, so she was glad he stayed close beside her.
“Rusty, there is a natural spring just a short way from the opening of this cave, to the west. Please take the horses so they can drink before we head back to the ranch.” He reached for the extra canteen they hadn’t opened yet. “I’ll keep this one here for Lorinda, and you can fill the rest.”
After Rusty left, Franklin grabbed a gunnysack that had been tied to one of the saddles. “I didn’t know why before I left, but I stuffed some of my warmest clothes into this. I’m glad I did.”
Lorinda wondered why Franklin needed to change. He was very clean compared to her. Every thread of clothing on her was soiled and she stunk so bad she could hardly keep from throwing up.
“Now that Rusty’s gone, you can use this water to clean up the best you can, and then you put on these clothes. We’ll take the ones you have on back to the ranch and burn them.”
Lorinda’s eyes widened, and she could feel a blush creep up her neck into her face. She loved Franklin, but she didn’t want the first time he saw her naked to be in this sorry state. She shivered in apprehension.
He smiled at her. “I want you to come over by that wall that’s near the tunnel opening to clean up and dress. I’ll stay in the tunnel with my back to you unless you need help.” He leaned down and kissed her forehead, the tip of her nose, and then a kiss as soft as a butterfly on her cracked lips.
She smiled as he strode away. Thank you, Jesus, for bringing me such a wonderful husband.
By the time Rusty returned, she was as clean as she could get from the small amount of water and fully dressed in warm, clean clothes.
“Thanks, Rusty.” Franklin took Major’s reins from his ranch hand. “I’m going to wrap Lorinda in two blankets and we’re both riding Major. We’re leaving right away. Please load anything salvageable onto your horse and Golden Boy and bring it home.”
He quickly wrapped her in the blankets. Then he mounted his horse and had Rusty lift her into his lap. She was so thin, she fit comfortably between him and the saddle horn. This reminded her of the time he brought her down from the mountain after her log cabin burned. That time, she tried not to touch him any more than she had to. This time, she nestled against him, enjoying the comfort of his arms around her and his broad, muscular chest for her to rest on.
Although exhausted, Lorinda couldn’t rest without telling Franklin everything she’d been feeling. She poured out her heart to him, and she reveled in the love he covered her with. Finally, this ranch was home where she wanted to be, and she knew now that he wanted her there with all his heart. The gentle swaying of Major’s gait lulled her to sleep and she rested knowing her husband loved her and would protect her from harm.
Just before they reached the ranch headquarters, Franklin woke her gently with a kiss. She yawned and stretched as much as she could wrapped up in the blankets, surprised that the sun was now coming more from the west than overhead. Must be after noon.
When they rode up to the house, Franklin’s foreman, Thomas Walker, ran out of the barn to meet them by the gate. “Welcome home, Franklin. So good to see you, Mrs. Vine.”
He let out a yell that could be heard all around the ranch headquarters. The hands poured from the bunkhouse and surrounded them, all talking at once, expressing how happy they were seeing her home safe. Their enthusiasm warmed her almost as much as Franklin’s love did.
Mrs. Oleson came out on the porch, wiping her hands on her apron. “I’m so glad you’re home. We have a bath poured for you, Lorinda. And as soon as you finish, I have dinner ready for both of you.”
Thomas helped Lorinda down from the horse. Franklin dismounted.
“I’ll come out to take care of Major in just a few minutes, but you can have someone take him to the barn and unsaddle him.”
Thomas motioned Charlie over to take the horse. “As soon as she can get ready, Jake, you can accompany Mrs. Malone into town, then go tell the sheriff Mrs. Vine has been found.”
Franklin picked up Lorinda and carried her into the house, and she didn’t mind at all, even though all the ranch hands were still milling around. He took her into her bedroom where the bathtub stood ready, surrounded by clean clothes, towels, and rose-scented soap.
When he left, Mrs. Oleson came in. “Is there any way I can help you, Lorinda?”
“I’ve been so cold I’ve wondered if I still will be able to nurse the boys.” She stared down into the clean water.
“I believe you will. I’ve heard of women who haven’t nursed for longer than the three days you’ve been gone who took it right up again. Let’s see how you feel after you are clean and warm.” The older woman gave Lorinda a big hug. “I’ll stay close-by, in case you need me. Just call out. I’ll be here.”
Lorinda undressed and slid slowly into the heat of the water. For a while, she just sat there and soaked in the warmth. Her muscles began to relax and the soreness melted away. She was afraid she’d go to sleep and slip underwater, so she sat up and washed every part of her body, especially her hair that felt as if it had a ton of dirt and debris in it. She wished Franklin hadn’t seen her so filthy, but it didn’t keep him from telling her how much he loved her. If only they’d talked about their feelings long ago. They had lost so much time to that silly marriage agreement.
Never again.
When she finished, she noticed that the dress laid out for her was one she hadn’t se
en before. And it was made from thick wool. She wondered if someone made it for her while she was gone.
Franklin would be returning from the barn soon, and she had something to do before he got back. She hurried to dress, then went into the dressing room between the two bedrooms.
Lorinda picked up the fluffy pillow Franklin slept on and hugged it to her, breathing in his masculine, woodsy scent. Her warmer body reacted to the fragrance. Desire for her husband swept through her, almost drowning her. She pulled the sheets off the single bed and stuffed them into the corner. She’d take them to the wash room later. When she heard the front door open, she rushed into her bedroom and placed the pillow on the bed next to hers. He would be surprised to find his bed unmade. Tonight would be their first night of truly being married in every sense of the word.
Thank you, Jesus.
December 24, 1894
Franklin, Lorinda, and Mrs. Oleson climbed into the back of their big sleigh with the babies, and Rusty took his place in the driver’s seat. Two wagons full of food and gifts had headed toward Breckenridge an hour ago. All the ranch hands accompanied the wagons.
Life had been so good this last month. After a wonderful Thanksgiving together at the ranch celebrating the rescue of Lorinda, the family decided to host a Christmas party after the Children’s Christmas Eve program tonight at church. They would set up the party in the school building, the same place where their wedding had been held.
The reason for the party was two-fold. One, as a form of thanks for all the people who had helped search for Lorinda and care for the babies while she was gone. Most all of them came from their church. Those who didn’t attend were sent invitations for themselves and their families. Franklin had a good time ordering cases of oranges from California. He found a way to order the white candy canes from a German candy maker in Ohio. So every member of every family would receive an orange and a candy cane from the Vine family. He also bought small toys to give each child. He wanted everyone to have a good Christmas. He felt more blessed than ever before.
By the time they reached the schoolhouse, the ranch hands had all the tables set up for the food and a Christmas tree in one corner of the room. Lorinda and Mrs. Oleson set to work hanging all the candy canes on the tree while Franklin and Rusty tied the small toys to the limbs. That’s all the decorations the tree needed.
He didn’t want to use candles because of the large crowd with many children playing around, it would be fire hazard, and they’d had enough tragedies in this year to last a lifetime.
The oranges were put in bowls at the ends of the tables with a few scattered among the covered dishes. When the program was finished, they’d all come over here to the schoolhouse to enjoy the party.
Franklin had made arrangements with Pastor Nelson so Franklin could talk to the congregation at the party. After everyone was inside the building, the pastor called for attention. Then Franklin and Lorinda went to the front of the room and stood beside him.
Franklin was nervous, and he knew his wife was even more so. He held her close to his side with his arm around her waist. She was more beautiful than he’d ever seen her, even at their wedding. She had a glow about her that radiated deep happiness.
Franklin wanted to tell about their agreement and how he later came to believe it wasn’t God’s will. They needed to know to really pray about everything so they didn’t get caught in a situation like he and Lorinda had.
He took a deep breath and spoke with all the strength he could muster. When he was finished, their pastor once again had them repeat the vows they had spoken at the wedding. This time both of them meant every word. Even Lorinda spoke loud enough for everyone in the room to hear.
When he was finished, Reverend Brian Nelson said, “You may kiss the bride.”
Franklin hadn’t been expecting this, so he glanced down at his wife. Her smile was so sweet he couldn’t do anything but press his lips to hers. This kiss was a repeat of the one at the first wedding. This time it connected two hearts and two lives that pledged their marriage for a lifetime.
The party continued far into the night, with everyone enjoying the festivities. Many people approached Franklin and Lorinda, who continued to stand together, and expressed how much it meant to them to hear Franklin’s confession and recommitment to his wife. Some admitted how it changed their thinking about something in their lives they were striving with. So other lives were changed that night as well, which was a great blessing to Franklin.
Mrs. Oleson and the ranch hands shooed him and Lorinda out the door when the party was over. Their gift to them was cleaning up after the party and giving them some time alone. Even the babies slept quietly in orange crates sitting under the Christmas tree when they left.
When they arrived at the house, he escorted Lorinda into the house, where he once again kissed her. He looked forward to many long years of sampling her luscious lips and expressing their love to each other. After he stirred up the coals in the fireplace in the parlor and added the needed wood so Lorinda would be warm, he went out to return the sleigh and horses to the barn. He hurried through taking care of the horses so he could join her.
He stopped off in his office at the front of the house before he went into the parlor. She glanced up at him from one of the wingback chairs in front of the fireplace. When he went to her, she arose, and he slipped his arms around her, pulling her close.
“I have a special Christmas gift for you.” He reached into his pocket and produced a small box wrapped in blue paper with a golden ribbon around it.
She stepped back and took the present. When she opened it, sapphire and pearl eardrops, set in gold, nestled on a bed of white cotton.
Lorinda gasped. “They’re beautiful. I’m glad Mrs. Oleson talked me into getting my ears pierced so I could wear your mother’s pearl eardrops.” She reached up and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you so much.”
He grinned. “I’ve had them for a while, since I decided to start courting you. Remember when I gave you the piano music box?”
“Yes, but I didn’t know you planned to court me.”
“I know. That didn’t work out very well, did it?” He pulled her back into his arms. “The stones reminded me of the color of your eyes.”
She looked deep in thought for a minute. “I have a special gift for you, but it’s not something I bought for you.”
“Really? What is it?”
“I’m almost certain I’m carrying our child.”
The words startled and thrilled him. “So soon? How can you tell?”
“Changes in my body. Subtle things. My skin dried out overnight. The only time it’s happened before, I didn’t know it but I was carrying Michael.”
Franklin let out a whoop that could curdle cream. “Tomorrow, I’ll go to Breckenridge and get some of that French body lotion for you.”
He grabbed her and swung her around with her feet off the floor. “I didn’t think I could be any happier than I already was, but this is even more wonderful. Since we have two sons, I hope this one is a girl...that looks just like you.”
He poured all his passion into the kiss they shared, thanking her for the heart gifts she had given him.
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Don’t miss A Heart’s Forgiveness, book 2 in the Love’s Road Home series!
Chapter 1
Early spring, 1890
Golden, New Mexico
"Are you plumb crazy?" Jeremiah Dennison's loud retort bounced around the main room of the adobe house and returned to mock him. "Where did you get such a harebrained idea?"
Trying to control his anger, he shoved his clenched fists into his denim trousers' pockets, paced to the window, and stared out, pa
ying scant attention to the piñon trees bending in the wind. He loved Philip Smith like a father, but the man could vex the weather. And this latest idea was the most farfetched yet.
Philip gave a snort. "Harebrained?" He put his rocking chair into motion that sent out a rhythmic squeaking. "Why'd ya say that? It's worked fer other men."
Jeremiah tried to calm down. He wanted to measure his words, season them with wisdom that would awaken his elderly friend to all the pitfalls he would face. "What would you do with a mail-order bride?"
The old miner stilled the chair and stared at Jeremiah, obsidian eyes piercing under his bushy white brows. "Somethin""—he smothered a hacking cough with his fist, then swiped a clean handkerchief across his face—"has a deadly grip on me."
"I know you're sick. I take care of you, don't I?" Jeremiah resented the fact that what he'd done wasn't enough. Otherwise, Philip wouldn't even consider such a preposterous proposition.
His old friend reached up to scratch the scraggly beard he'd worn all the years he was a miner, but it no longer covered his clean-shaven chin. Old habits died hard. "Jerry, I don't wanna be a burden on ya."
"You'd rather be a burden to a woman you don't even know?" Jeremiah regretted his cynical tone the moment the words flew from his lips. He softened his tone. "I've never considered you a burden any more than you thought I was a burden when I came to the gold fields as a greenhorn."
Philip clutched the arms of the rocking chair and slowly rose. He took a moment to steady himself before he ambled toward Jeremiah. "I ain't come to this decision easy." He squinted up into Jeremiah's face. "I done studied on it fer a while."
Jeremiah straightened the fingers he'd gripped into fists and relaxed his stiff spine. "What do you mean, 'studied'?"
A Heart's Gift Page 30
