Pony Express Special Delivery

by Rhonda Gibson

  Clayton leaned against the door. “Tell me everything.”

  George rested his head in his hands and then looked up. “I was checking on Abraham when I heard the Pony Express horses. They sounded upset, so I hurried back to check on them. Someone shoved me into the tack room and locked me inside.” He rubbed his hands down his face. “I don’t know how I could have been so stupid.”

  “No, you weren’t stupid. How did you get out?”

  “Abraham. He heard the commotion and felt his way to the barn. It took him a few moments, but he got the door open. By then the fire was full blown. I went to get water.”

  George sighed.

  Someone knocked on the door behind Clayton. He stepped to the side and answered it. “Can anyone come to your party?” Abraham asked.

  Clayton nodded. “Come on in. We were just going over what happened tonight.”

  Abraham sat down beside George.

  George turned guilt-filled eyes to him. “I’d just told him you’d gotten me out of the barn and I’d gone for water to put out the fire.”

  Abraham nodded. “I knew that Sally and the kids were upstairs, so I went looking for them, my thoughts being that since I’d managed to get George out of the tack room, I could get Sally to wake up by calling to her and get them out of the house.”

  It made sense to Clayton, but why hadn’t Sally seen Abraham when she’d run out the front door? “Well, you must have gotten her awake.”

  “No, someone hit me from behind. I didn’t even get her name out before everything went black.” Abraham’s hand went to the back of his head.

  Clayton immediately went to the other man. “Let me look.”

  Abraham bowed his head. Clayton ran his fingers through the other man’s hair. He felt an egg-sized knot behind Abraham’s left ear. “I imagine when Sally did wake up and grabbed James, she didn’t see me in the smoke-filled house.”

  George nodded. “Yep, and when I noticed him missing I didn’t know where he was but assumed he’d sat down in the barn. Sally was frantic. She wanted to go back in after Dinah, but I told her she had to think about baby James. I didn’t have time to hold him and get water.”

  Clayton frowned. “When did Bud get here?” Bud had said he was going to be at the dance, but Clayton couldn’t remember seeing him there.

  “Right before you. He seemed to appear out of nowhere. But I was sure glad to have his help.”

  Abraham stood. “So, which one of us is going to get the sheriff?”

  Clayton pushed away from the door. “George, do you feel up to a ride to town?”

  George stood. “Sure.”

  “Why don’t I go?” Abraham stood also.

  “Same reason I’m not going. George won’t be missed because his room is in the barn. And the man who hit you, locked George in the tack room, and set the house on fire knowing that there were women and children inside is still out there. You and I are sleeping with one eye open tonight.”

  Abraham nodded. “I think Gus has been behind all of our troubles.”

  Clayton frowned. “Why’s that?”

  “We didn’t have this kind of trouble before he left. Seems something has happened every week since. First the pigs being let out to waste a full afternoon of work for Hal. Then the fences being knocked down and the cattle run off the ranch. I can’t prove it, but my gut says it was Gus who jumped me out on the range. And now this. It seems his actions just keep growing. If he isn’t stopped soon, someone is going to be killed.” Abraham rubbed his temples.

  The doctor in Clayton asked, “Is your head hurting?”

  “Yep, I got conked on the head again tonight. Remember?” He smiled for the first time that evening. “But I have my sight back, so this little headache is worth that.”

  Clayton helped George saddle Bones. “He’s fast and he’s reliable. Of all the horses in this barn, this is the one that will get you home safely.” He added a last warning. “Don’t stop and talk to anyone until you see the sheriff. If someone does try to stop you, hang on tight and say, ‘Let’s go, ole boy.’ He’s fast and he’ll get you where you’re going safely.”

  They all agreed that George would walk Bones past the hill, then ride to town. Clayton and Abraham watched him go. Once he was out of earshot, Abraham said, “I think it’s best we not say anything to Bud about George leaving also.”

  Clayton nodded. “Agreed. Go on to bed. I’ll take first watch.”

  Abraham started to go into the bunkhouse but stopped short. He turned and looked at Clayton. “Thanks for...”

  Clayton stopped him. “We’re even. You saved my bacon, too.”

  Abraham nodded, then slipped inside the bunkhouse.

  The night sounds were silent and the air hung thick with the smell of burning wood. Clayton felt the urge to go into the bunkhouse and gather his family close. If he and Maggie hadn’t returned when they had, there was a good chance that Dinah and Abraham would be dead.

  * * *

  The next morning, Maggie’s heart sank as she listened to the sheriff. “You have no proof that Gus did this.”

  She frowned. “Who else would want this ranch bad enough to burn me out of my home?”

  The sheriff shook his head. “I’ve no idea, ma’am. All I can say is you need proof that it was Gus. I’m sorry for the loss of your home.” He turned his horse and headed back to town.

  “George, would you mind hitching up the wagon?” Maggie cuddled James close and held on to Dinah’s hand. “We’re going to town.”

  He nodded and went to get the little mare.

  Maggie looked about at everyone. “Abraham, take Sally home.”

  Sally started to protest. “I don’t...”

  “Yes, you do,” Abraham said. “I’m going to ask for your parents’ permission to marry you. Whatever they say, we will be wed before the day’s out.”

  Sally planted her hands on her hips. “Shouldn’t you have asked me first?”

  He smiled sweetly at her, bent down on one knee and said, “Sally Morris, will you marry me?”

  Sally’s cheeks filled with a pink tint. “Yes.”

  Abraham stood. “I don’t know what all the fuss was about. I knew you’d say yes.”

  She playfully slapped him on the arm. “You heard the woman. Let’s take me home.” Sally pulled Abraham toward the barn to get his horse.

  Clayton stood beside Maggie, grinning at the pair’s retreat. Maggie’s heart filled with love for him. Did he realize how handsome he was? He’d washed the soot and grime from his face, dunked his head in the watering trough and rolled the sleeves up on his blue shirt. Those sleeves and his coat were all that had stood between his skin and the blaze. Maggie thanked the Lord again for keeping him alive.

  She tore her gaze from Clayton when George appeared with the wagon. Clayton picked Dinah up and put her in the bed of the wagon. He then turned to Maggie and took James from her arms. Maggie enjoyed the feel of his firm hand on her back as she climbed up on the wagon seat. She turned to take James from him.

  Clayton handed the baby over and then pulled himself up. He looked to the men who stood around. “I’ll be back tomorrow. George, you and a couple of men stay close to the barn and bunkhouse. The rest of you take care of the cows and make sure the fence lines are still intact.”

  Maggie loved the way he’d taken over the ranch. The men nodded and turned to do his bidding. She looked again at the rubble that once was her home. It could have been so much worse.

  Clayton turned around and clicked his tongue to get the mare to pulling the wagon. He waited until they were out of earshot of the men and then asked, “What now?”

  “Well, I was thinking we’d stay at the boardinghouse until we can find a home in town.”

  He frowned. “You are leaving the ranch?”

/>   Maggie nodded. “Yes. We’ll rebuild someday.” She looked down at James’s little face. “It’s still James’s ranch, and when he’s older, he’ll have the opportunity to run it if he wishes to, but right now I don’t want to be out there.” She looked over her shoulder at Dinah, who had remained quiet.

  Clayton turned to look at the little girl also. “Dinah, how would you like to go to the general store and get a new dolly and maybe a new dress?”

  Dinah looked up at him. “All right.”

  They had lost everything. Would Dinah ever feel safe again? Would she? Maggie had to admit that her reason for wanting to move to town was because she feared what Gus might do next. Until he was caught and sent to jail, her baby and her sister were in danger.

  The trip to town was made in silence.

  Clayton drove the wagon to the boardinghouse. It was a tall building with whitewashed walls, but other than that the house was bare. She hadn’t ever been inside and was disappointed at the coldness of the house. Maggie’s heart ached for the warmth and comfort of the ranch house. Then she reminded herself that wherever she was with her family was home. Having her family with her was what mattered the most. Maggie put the children down for naps and then turned to Clayton. “Would you mind watching the children while I run to the general store and get a few things?”

  He shook his head. “No, go ahead.” His eyes had dark circles under them, and Maggie realized he’d had no rest himself the night before.

  “Why don’t you lie down with Dinah? It will give her comfort to have you beside her.” Maggie hoped he’d lie down and rest.

  He grinned. “I might just do that.”

  “Good. I’ll be back as quick as I can.” She took the key and locked her family inside before hurrying to the general store.

  Maggie was about to push the door open to the store when she heard her name being called. She turned to see the sheriff walking toward her.

  “Mrs. Young, I’m glad I caught you.”

  She offered him a weak smile. “It’s nice to see you again, Sheriff. What can I help you with?”

  He stopped a few feet away. “I just thought you might like to know that Gus Fillmore and his cousin Bud are sitting in my jail.”

  “His cousin Bud?”

  “Yes, ma’am. Didn’t you know Bud and Gus are related?”

  She shook her head.

  “Seems Gus got a little drunk last night and told a few friends at the saloon that he’d be owner of the Fillmore Ranch by this afternoon. He bragged that he and his cousin Bud were going to burn you out.”

  Maggie smiled. This was the best news she’d had in weeks. “Thank you, Sheriff. I’ll let Clayton know as soon as I get back to the boardinghouse.”

  He tipped his hat and continued down the boardwalk.

  Maggie hurried into the general store and purchased a dress for herself and one for Dinah. She also bought Clayton a new shirt and James a baby outfit. Then she moved on to the toys. She bought Dinah a new dolly and a storybook.

  Mrs. Fisher met her at the counter. “I heard you had some trouble out at your place last night.”

  “Yes, we did. I haven’t had time to run to the bank. Would you mind putting these items on my account? Oh, and add a peppermint stick to the purchase, please.” Maggie looked about the store. She’d have to start completely over and buy practically everything in the store. But not today.

  Mrs. Fisher finished wrapping up her purchases and slid them across the counter to Maggie. “I’d like for you to have them, free of charge.”

  Maggie stuttered. “I can’t ask you to do that.”

  The other woman smiled. “You didn’t ask. Go ahead and take them.”

  “Thank you.” Maggie left the store feeling dazed. Mrs. Fisher had always been nice but never that generous. She hurried back to the boardinghouse and found Clayton curled up on the bed.

  Dinah sat by the window looking down at the street. “Sissy, is the man who burned down our house out there?”

  “No, darling. The sheriff just told me that Gus is in jail.” She hugged Dinah close. “He can never scare you again.”

  Dinah rested her head on Maggie’s shoulder. “I’m glad. He is a bad man.”

  “Yes, he is. But even though he and Bud have done terrible things that have hurt people badly, one day, we will forgive them.”

  “That’s what the Bible says, huh, Sissy?” Dinah asked.

  “It does. We forgive because we are forgiven.” Maggie’s heart was grateful for the time Clayton had been spending reading and talking about the Bible with the children.

  Clayton placed a hand on Maggie’s shoulder. She jumped and looked over her shoulder at him. “I’m sorry. Did we wake you?”

  He smiled at Dinah. “No. Did I hear you tell half-pint that Gus confessed to burning down the house?”

  Maggie nodded. She smiled at Dinah. “Go look in the box I brought in. Your new dolly is sleepy and wants to lie down with you.”

  Dinah rushed to the box and pulled out the little rag doll. “Thanks, Sissy. She’s beautiful.” She climbed up on the bed and lay down with her new baby.

  Clayton eased into the chair. “I’m glad Gus couldn’t keep from bragging.”

  Maggie leaned forward. “He wasn’t working alone.”

  “Bud?”

  She sat back. “How did you know?”

  “My gut told me so. Plus, when George said Bud just showed up out of nowhere, I figured he was the one who locked George up, started the fire and then knocked Abraham out. There really was no one else who could have done all that.”

  Maggie took a deep breath and blurted, “I love you, Clayton. I was so scared when you rushed in after Dinah. I thought you were going to die in that fire, and my heart broke.” She held up her hand to keep him from saying anything. But her voice broke as she continued. “Thank you for saving Dinah and the ranch.”

  Clayton pulled her into his arms. Maggie listened to his heart beat rapidly. She was so afraid he would never love her like she loved him. Tears began to flow down her cheeks.

  “I’ve been wanting to tell you I love you for a long time, Maggie. I was afraid you would reject me and, well, I’d planned on telling you after the dance but couldn’t get my courage up.” Clayton gently set her away from him. He used his thumbs and wiped the tears from her cheeks. “Maggie, I can’t imagine life without you and the children.”

  Clayton cupped her face in his hands and began to pull her toward him. She stared deeply into his eyes and saw that he really did love her. When his lips touched hers, Maggie knew that this man would never leave her. He would love her until the day he died and he’d fight for her and the children. Maggie thanked the Lord above for sending her a Pony Express man when she needed him the most, and then she relaxed into Clayton’s kiss.

  Epilogue

  Maggie smiled at Doc Anderson. She held one-year-old James in front of her while Dinah leaned against Clayton’s leg.

  “I don’t know why you came to me. You already know you’re with child.”

  Maggie giggled. “I did, but I wanted a professional opinion.”

  The doctor snorted. “Then why didn’t you ask your husband? He’s known for weeks.”

  Maggie looked up at Clayton. “You did?”

  He nodded. “I didn’t want to spoil your fun.”

  She made a face at him. “Morning sickness is not fun.”

  The doctor stood. “I’m glad you stopped by today. I was going to talk to Clayton tomorrow, but since you’re both here, I’ll talk to him today.” He sighed and put a hand on Clayton’s shoulder. “I’ve decided to move, and I want you to take over my practice.”

  Clayton looked from the doctor to Maggie. “I don’t know, Doc. Maggie and I will need to discuss such a big change in our lives.”


  Maggie giggled. “I already knew the doctor was going to ask you to take over the practice.”

  “You did?”

  She nodded. “You aren’t the only one who can keep a secret.” Maggie grinned and then her face became serious. “Even though Gus and Bud were caught, I don’t want to move back out to the ranch. I love living in town and being around people. Dinah will start school soon, and it would be nice to be in town for that. I’ve already talked Abraham into staying on as the ranch manager. Sally is thrilled to live close to her ma, and I can continue to take care of the business end of the ranch. I know that you’re meant to be a doctor, not a rancher. Doc Anderson is offering you the chance to be a doctor, Clayton.”

  He knelt beside her chair. “But what about the odd hours and the late nights?”

  Maggie cupped his face in her hands like he had hers several months earlier. “Isn’t that what doctors do? Keep strange hours and stay out late?” She leaned in and kissed him gently on the lips. “We are a strong family because you’re a wonderful husband and father.” She looked deeply into his eyes and then continued. “Have I told you how grateful I am to the Pony Express for sending you? Our lives have all changed because of it. And even though the Pony Express has ended, we are blessed to have you as a wonderful husband, father and doctor.”

  Clayton hugged her close. “I’m the one who is blessed. I love you, Maggie Young.”

  * * * * *

  Don’t miss these other

  SADDLES AND SPURS stories

  from Rhonda Gibson:

  PONY EXPRESS COURTSHIP

  PONY EXPRESS HERO

  PONY EXPRESS CHRISTMAS BRIDE

  PONY EXPRESS MAIL-ORDER BRIDE

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  Dear Reader,

  Clayton is one of those characters who leaped off the page and had me falling in love with him long before Maggie did. He understood the importance of getting the US mail through, but his true calling was to be a doctor. Maggie saw that dream and together they made it happen. But what I loved most about Clayton and Maggie was their love of God and family. I hope you enjoyed Pony Express Special Delivery.