The Marshal's Promise

by Rhonda Gibson

  Seth opened the door. “You should probably head home to pack.” He motioned for Bob to leave.

  The sherriff stood. “I’m being kicked out of my own office.” The complaint didn’t sound too unhappy.

  “Yep.” As soon as the sheriff crossed the threshold, Seth followed and shut the door behind him.

  The two men shook hands. “Have a safe trip, Bob. Cottonwood Springs will be here when you get back.” Seth knew it was another promise he intended to keep.

  “She’s in good hands. I expect by the time I get back you will either be a married man or well on your way to being there.” Bob slapped him on the shoulder once more and then turned away. Seth heard him whistling “Here Comes the Bride” as he walked home.

  Seth had no intention of being married by summer’s end. Marshals didn’t get married. At least this marshal didn’t. He wouldn’t leave a woman alone to fend for herself or, worse, put her in danger, like he had Clare. Bob might not mind taking the chance that his Sarah Beth could become a widow because some criminal cut his life short, but Seth couldn’t see himself doing that to a woman.

  * * *

  Rebecca pinned her hat on. She didn’t think Seth would approve, but she was determined to go to Farmington and get an icebox. Mrs. Miller didn’t have one in her store. Farmington had an icehouse so Rebecca felt confident that she’d find a box there, as well.

  She looked at herself in the mirror. Her dark blue traveling dress, blue hat with an orange flower in its band and her best traveling boots didn’t ease the feeling of nervousness that filled her stomach. Going alone wasn’t the greatest plan she’d had, but no one else had the time to go with her and she wouldn’t ask Seth Billings.

  Rebecca took a deep breath, squared her shoulders and asked God for His protection on this trip. With God’s protection, the wagon she’d found in Seth’s barn and the horse she’d rented for the day, it shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours to get to Farmington. She pulled on soft, leather riding gloves. Then if it took a couple of hours to find the icebox and a couple more to return to Cottonwood Springs, she’d be home before supper and Seth would be none the wiser.

  Not that she needed his permission, but Rebecca knew Seth would probably tell her she couldn’t buy the icebox or, even worse, if he approved, he would not want her traveling alone. And then if he insisted on going with her, she’d have to spend the better part of her day with him.

  For a moment she stopped and thought about that. What would be so bad about spending the day with a handsome man? And Seth Billings was handsome. She liked the way his dark brown eyes crinkled at the edges when he smiled and that dimple winked at the same time. Rebecca shook herself. She didn’t like his high-handed manner and the last thing she needed was to get too close to him.

  Her idea of a husband was a man who was stable in his moods, was willing to talk about what was bothering him and would love her deeply. So far Seth Billings was none of those things.

  She’d agreed to marry Jesse for two reasons. One, he helped her escape her stepmother, and two, he’d offered her a chance at love. His letters had promised she’d be equal to him and he’d seemed to be an even-natured man.

  Rebecca sighed. She wanted a marriage like her mother and father had had, one of love and mutual respect for each other. Jesse’s letters had promised such a union.

  She had to admit, though, Seth Billings did something to her system no other man ever had. Those feelings brought on thoughts, thoughts of love and marriage. Thoughts of what it would be like to be married to the handsome marshal.

  Rebecca wanted a family more than ever but didn’t think the marshal was the man for her. His moods changed too rapidly for her liking. One moment he was warm and friendly, the next he growled and became hard. At times he seemed to care about her well-being, and then he acted as if he couldn’t stand to be in the same room with her. She shook her head. Even if he were warm, friendly and caring all the time, she didn’t need a man. What would stop him from loving her? If her own father could desert her, what more could she expect from Seth?

  But then again, she hadn’t really known Jesse at all. The thought of Jesse and the hopes and dreams she’d held for them brought her full circle.

  Rebecca took one last look at her reflection in the mirror and then headed into the dress shop, determined to get to Farmington before the morning was up. She waved to Eliza, who was with a customer. Rebecca saw a man sitting beside the door with his hat in his hands. He looked as if he’d rather be in the field plowing than sitting here waiting. She didn’t recognize the couple and wondered if they were visitors to Cottonwood Springs.

  When Eliza looked up, she waved at her.

  “Excuse me,” Eliza to her customer, and then she walked across to Rebecca, the big yellow feather in her hat sweeping in front of her with each step.

  As soon as she was close, Rebecca said in a low voice, “I’m leaving now. I’ll be back before supper.”

  “I really wish you’d wait. I could go with you on Sunday.” The look in her eyes begged Rebecca to listen.

  She reached out and hugged her friend. “Eliza, I’ll be fine. So don’t worry.”

  “You know I will, but since you are bent on going I made you a lunch basket to take.” She dashed into the other room and returned with a glance in her customer’s direction. “There are sandwiches, pickles, a couple of apples, a jar of chilled apple juice, and I made you some tea.” Eliza gave her the basket and another quick hug.

  “You packed enough for a small army, Eliza.” The sensation of tears prickled her eyes. Rebecca hurried to leave. Eliza had turned out to be the best friend she’d ever had. The woman cared about her and that was more than she could say for her family.

  “Be careful,” Eliza called after her.

  “Thank you. I will.”

  She pushed the bitter thoughts of her family back down deep where they belonged and climbed onto the seat of the wagon.

  A queasy feeling hit her stomach as she rode past the sheriff’s office and saw Seth Billings staring in her direction. What would it be like to have a man like him really care about her? She slapped the reins over the horse’s back and told herself she didn’t want to know.

  Chapter Ten

  “Now where does that woman think she’s going?” Seth pushed himself upright. He’d been reclining against the wall of the jail house when Rebecca drove past him in his wagon.

  Her back was ramrod straight and her head was held high. The orange flower in her hat bobbed with each turn of the wagon’s wheels. She didn’t look to the left or the right and so therefore hadn’t seen him watching her. Surely she wasn’t leaving town.

  His eyes narrowed as she did just that. He stomped toward Eliza’s hat and dress shop. Eliza would know where Rebecca was going and he’d soon go after her.

  Seth slowed down. Should he go after her? She was a full-grown woman who could do whatever she wanted. She’d obviously been planning on going and hadn’t mentioned it to him. He stepped onto the sidewalk a few doors down from the hat and dress shop.

  A man and woman exited the store. He felt a little sorry for the stranger, who was burdened down with packages. His lips tugged into a smile. That must be what it’s like to be married and in a strange town. The woman chattered happily with Eliza and her hand moved to the oversize hat on her head. A bird’s nest peeked from the top and lace trailed behind.

  Seth moved a little closer and watched as the man turned and offered his hand to his wife. From this distance he could see them much better. The man’s nostrils flared and his eyes softened as he took his wife’s hand and assisted her onto the wagon seat. She patted his shoulder and smiled her thanks.

  What would it be like to have a woman look at him like that? He shoved the thought aside and turned to Eliza.

  “They are a sweet couple, aren’t they?” she asked.

  He stood a little taller. “I didn’t notice.” The lie tasted bitter on his tongue.

  Her eyebrows lifted. �
�No? I could have sworn you were looking straight at them. How could you not have noticed?”

  Time to confess. He swallowed before answering. “All right. I noticed.” Seth felt better confessing he’d lied.

  Eliza’s soft laugh caught his attention. She had a nice smile and her laughter was pretty, but he found himself comparing it to Rebecca’s. “I thought so. What can I do for you, Marshal?” She pulled a broom from inside the door and began sweeping off her section of the sidewalk.

  Seth watched the couple head on out of town. Their wagon followed the same road that Rebecca had used a few minutes earlier. “I noticed Miss Ramsey heading out of town.” He waited for her to say something.

  The stubborn woman clamped her lips shut forcing him to ask. He continued to wait. Given enough time, silence often forced a woman to talk. But it seemed Eliza knew that trick and continued to sweep, forcing him to ask. “Do you know where she is headed?”

  “She mentioned it in passing.”

  The swish of the broom filled the tense silence.

  He blew out frustrated air. “Can you tell me?”

  “I can, but I’d rather not.” She walked back to the door and stepped inside.

  Seth frowned. He could follow Eliza and ask her point blank to tell him, something he didn’t relish doing. She’d had a mischievous sparkle in her eyes that didn’t sit well with him. He leaned against the building and watched the quiet town.

  The sheriff stepped out of the general store. He made eye contact with Seth and then walked across the dirt street. The bag in his arms looked heavy. When he got close enough, Seth asked, “Last minute shopping?”

  Bob nodded. “Sarah Beth suggested I pick up a few things. Did I just see Miss Ramsey ride out of here?”

  It was Seth’s turn to nod. “Sure did.”

  “Where she going?”

  Seth tightened his jaw muscles. What made the sheriff think he’d know? “No idea.”

  He shifted the bag. “Are you going after her?”

  “Haven’t decided yet.”

  “Sam mentioned that Horace Nance was in the store this morning.”

  Seth stood up straighter. Horace was Maxwell Evans’s number one sidekick. His voice came out hard and demanding. “Why didn’t he tell one of us?”

  “He did. He just told me.”

  “Where is Nance now?” Seth’s eyes darted up and down the street. His hand went to his gun.

  Bob used his boot to kick a dirt clod off the sidewalk. “Don’t know. Sam said he took what he wanted and hightailed it out the back door about two and a half hours ago. Horace said if Sam or the missus stepped foot outside, it would be their last steps. They listened and didn’t move until I walked in.”

  Seth didn’t need to ask if the sheriff had checked around. He shook his head. The Evans gang were slicker than mud on a wet pig. They moved in and out of town like shadows and he didn’t like it.

  “You know. If they are after the Ramsey girl…” The thought hung in the air for a split second. “Maybe we should go after her.”

  Seth shook his head. “You have to get home to your wife. I’ll do it.”

  The sherriff shifted the bag from one arm to the next. “If you aren’t back by morning, I’m cancelling my trip.”

  He nodded. “Fair enough. I’ll check in with you before you leave town, Sheriff.” Seth headed to his house at a fast clip. As soon as he was sure no one would see him he ran for the barn and his horse. Rebecca Ramsey might not like his company, but he thought she’d like the Evans gang’s even less.

  * * *

  Rebecca tried to ignore the tingling sensation on her neck. The desire to turn and see if someone was following pulled at her. But she refused to do it again. The past two times nothing had been there. Even the wagon that followed earlier had turned off down a small path. She was just being silly.

  She raised her head and looked up into the clear blue sky. Lord, I trust You to take care of me. I will not give in to fear. Amen. Rebecca brushed at the goose bumps on her neck with a hand.

  A tall tree marked the halfway point. Her stomach growled. Rebecca frowned. Should she stop for lunch here? It was a common resting place. The grove of trees created a perfect picnicking spot. She saw a canvas-covered wagon pulled off to the side, but there were no horses attached to it. She searched the area for its owners.

  A baby’s cry filled her ears and she guided her horse up beside the wagon. Her hands shook as she set the brake. Rebecca climbed down and then heard the baby again. The sound seemed to be coming from the woods. She followed the sound and prayed the little one was safe.

  The grass grew taller as Rebecca walked deeper into the wooded area. The infant’s cries became louder, and then she saw a basket that looked much like the one Eliza had given her. The wicker container wiggled with each outburst of sobs.

  Rebecca looked around to see if the parents were close by. Not seeing anyone she knelt beside the covered basket. “It’s all right, sweetie. I’m here.” She pulled the lightweight blanket off and looked inside.

  A red-faced baby girl let out another weak cry. The child’s fists beat the air.

  “Oh, you poor baby.” Rebecca scooped the infant up. Moisture filled the hand that covered her little diapered bottom. She cuddled the baby in one arm and scooped up the basket with the other.

  With her head bent over the infant, Rebecca cooed at her. Soft black ringlets curled about the baby’s face. Watery blue eyes stared up at Rebecca. She’d stopped crying but now whimpered, sounding much like a lost kitten. “It’s all right, little one. We’ll find your mother and she’ll take care of you.” Even as she said the words, Rebecca knew it wasn’t true.

  Something had happened to the baby’s parents. Why else would the child be all alone in the woods? She hurried back toward the wagons. Goose bumps jumped up on her arms and neck. Rebecca ducked down behind a tree and studied the two wagons in front of her. Her rented horse stomped its hooves on the ground. She searched the ground under them. Maybe the baby’s parents were hiding under their wagon.

  She didn’t see them. Rebecca tipped her head to the side and listened. Birds chirped in the trees, a small animal scurried through the leaves off to her left and the mare neighed as it, too, heard the soft clip-clop of a horse. She searched the bend in the road, praying the new arrival would be friendly.

  Breath she hadn’t realized she’d held whooshed from her at the sight of Seth Billings. He sat tall in his saddle. His brown vest stretched across his chest over a tan-colored shirt. The badge on his chest twinkled in the sunlight.

  Her gaze moved to his serious eyes as they took in the two wagons and lack of people. Rebecca stood and moved from around the tree. Had he been following her? Was he who she’d sensed earlier? She willed the questions away. In a low voice, she called, “Marshal.”

  Seth dropped from the horse and walked to her. His gaze swept the area and he listened, much as she’d done earlier. When he got close enough, she whispered, “Something isn’t right here. I found this baby alone over there in the woods.”

  He placed his hands on her arms and walked her backward behind the tree. He whispered, “Stay down and keep the baby quiet. I’ll go see what has happened to its parents.”

  She looked down at the whimpering infant. Her little face was blotchy and it looked as if at any moment she might squeal her anger again. When Rebecca glanced back to where Seth had been, he was gone. How did he fade into the surroundings like that? And if he could do it, were there other men close by who could do it, too?

  The baby sniffled. Rebecca turned her attention back to the child. She looked into the basket and found a small pile of white diapers. The bed of grass would have to do for a place to change her. Rebecca spread the little blanket out and laid the baby down.

  She diapered the child and then scooped her up again, minus the damp blanket and soiled diaper. Rebecca patted the baby’s back and waited for Seth. Where was he? It seemed as if he’d been gone forever. She wanted to know what
was happening.

  Seth came from the opposite side of the campsite. “You can come out,” he called.

  Rebecca gathered up the soiled clothes, basket and baby, and hurried to join him. “What did you find?”

  His large hand came up to rest on the baby’s back. “She’s an orphan now.” Seth’s dark sorrow-filled eyes searched out Rebecca’s.

  She wanted to reach out to Seth and hug him. The sadness in his eyes pulled at her heart. Rebecca drew the baby tighter to herself. The little girl giggled and dug her tiny hand up under Rebecca’s hat and grabbed a fistful of hair. “What will happen to her?”

  “She’ll probably end up in an orphanage.” He ran his hand over the sweet baby’s black curls.

  The little girl continued to tug at Rebecca’s hair, unaware she was as alone as Rebecca had felt all morning. The baby had no family, just as Rebecca had no family. Perhaps together they could become a family. The thought of the baby girl ending up in an orphanage tore at Rebecca’s heart. Would the baby grow up unloved?

  Words sprang from Rebecca’s heart and through her lips. “Oh, Seth, please can I have her?” Heat flooded her cheeks. She’d called him by his given name. “Um, I mean, Marshal. I want her.”

  The dimple in his cheek winked at her as a smile tugged his lips into a small grin. “I have to see if I can find her family, if she has any in the area. Until then, you can keep her.”

  “Thank you.” Rebecca tugged the baby’s hand out of her hair. Her hat fell to the side and Seth caught it. For now, the baby was hers. They would be a family. Rebecca would make it happen. Neither of them would ever be alone again.

  He nodded at her and carried the hat to his wagon. Rebecca followed. She enjoyed the way his wide shoulders swayed as he walked. The baby gurgled and blew bubbles. Her little blue gaze focused on Seth, also.

  “Why don’t you look in the other wagon and see if there is anything that will identify her and her family?” He pulled a shovel out from under the seat of the wagon. “I’ll be back in a while.” Seth walked away, rolling up his sleeves as he went.