Lone Star Romance Collection

by Cathy Marie Hake

  Boiling water filled the reservoir and three kettles on the stove. Carmen slipped out of the bedroom and took a kettle back with her.

  Determined to help as best he could, Duncan decided he’d bathe the baby. On occasion, he’d helped with Elspeth’s bath, so he pumped water into a dishpan and added enough boiling water to make it a comfortable temperature.

  Mercy rushed through the door. “How—“ She stopped cold.

  “A lass, and a hefty one at that.” Duncan pulled back the blanket so his sister-in-law could inspect the babe.

  Mercy swept up Elspeth in one arm and trailed her finger across the new baby’s forehead. “She’s beautiful. How’s Jenny?”

  “Carmen’s seeing to her. I thought to tub this wee one.”

  “No. Remember when Elspeth was newborn? Just sponge her.”

  “How’re all the men doing?”

  “They’ll all pull through. I’ll go help with Jenny.”

  Duncan methodically set out the water, soap, a towel, and a diaper on Carmen’s table. He’d just started to wash the babe when Carmen joined him.

  “Mercy’s bathing Jenny and taking care of things. How’s the baby?”

  “See for yourself.”

  Carmen kept her gaze on the baby. Tears filled her big brown eyes. “Mercy didn’t say anything, but I know something bad happened.”

  Duncan kept one hand on the newborn as he slid his other arm around Carmen. “The bank was robbed. Three men were injured, and Connant Gilchrist was killed.”

  The sound of pain curled in her throat.

  Duncan nestled her closer as if to shelter her from that dreadful truth. Jenny’s baby gurgled, and he decided to redirect Carmen’s attention. “We ken Connant’s with the Almighty this verra moment. The Lord took home His boy and gave us a wee little lass at the same time. I’m thinkin’ we’d best tend to her.”

  Carmen was more of a hindrance than a help. She kept touching and smearing soap bubbles on spots he’d already rinsed. “She’s perfect. Look at her. Isn’t she beautiful?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Her grip is strong. How’s her other hand?” Carmen chuckled. “It’s fine, too. Oh Duncan, isn’t she just perfect?”

  “She’s getting noisy.”

  “That means her lungs and heart are healthy. It’s a good sign. Oh, look at her pretty little feet!”

  Duncan listened as Carmen exclaimed over and over about the baby. Once he finished the bath, Carmen diapered the little one and swaddled her in a blanket. “It’s a shame to cover her up. She’s so …”

  “Perfect?”

  “Yes!” Carmen glowed.

  “I’d have ye tell me, would this lassie be any less worthy of love if she weren’t perfect?”

  Carmen reared back and blinked. “How could you ask such a thing?”

  “Because you keep assuring yourself that she’s hale and bonny.” Duncan led her over to the settee. He made sure she and the babe were comfortable then dared to sit on the settee, too. It was a bold move. A man didn’t sit alongside a woman on her settee unless he had honorable and lifelong intentions.

  “Don’t be ridiculous, Duncan. Anyone would love this girl. Just anyone.”

  “You’ve my most hearty agreement. She’s as sweet a miracle as I’ve e’er seen.”

  “Yes. A miracle. And sweet. Perfect.” Carmen cooed softly to the baby in Spanish.

  Lord, I’ve asked You for an opportunity to say something to Carmen. “Love doesna consider whether someone is perfect—either in body or in behavior. We’re all flawed in our own ways. Love overlooks imperfections and doesna demand that someone strive to earn a place in the heart. At least, love that is worth having.”

  “God loves like that. Men don’t.”

  He fought the desire to declare his love. He wanted an armful of flowers and carefully thought out words. “Some men do. Just as God is able to love us even though we’re cracked vessels, we can love one another—ofttimes not in spite of those imperfections, but because of them. Think on that.” Please, think on it.

  Jenny’s room lay empty. She’d left, but just to the Stein farm. Mercy’s grandfather asked if she’d be willing to become his housekeeper. It was a happy arrangement.

  Since Rob and Mercy needed to mind the wounded, Duncan was the one who went away carrying Jenny’s babe and the dark green leather book she’d filled with her loving thoughts for the child. He’d left with tears in his eyes and returned the same way. Though he’d not reveal where he’d gone or who received the baby, Duncan repeatedly reassured Jenny and Carmen that the baby’s mother and father were wonderful, loving Christian parents.

  But the house was so very quiet. Carmen walked through it and felt so empty. The boots Duncan made for her peeped out from beneath her bed. She’d been so angry and humiliated about them, she’d shoved them out of sight. Pride kept her from saying anything to Duncan.

  It’s not in Duncan’s character to taunt someone. He sat me down and said imperfections didn’t halt love. Once he even called my limp insignificant.

  She sank to the floor and drew out the boots. I’d rather have my shoes look clumsy if it meant I wasn’t so awkward. She took off her boots. The new right boot fit wonderfully. The leather felt so soft and comfortable. But she stared at the left one. Duncan raised the sole like a platform and even angled it in such a way that it would conform to the twisted shape of her foot. The heel was stacked twice as high as the right one, too. It was ugly.

  Until she put it on.

  It fits perfectly. How could he have known how to do that?

  For the first time in years, Carmen stood and didn’t wince at the pain of putting weight on her left leg. She tried a few steps. Then another … and a few more … until the new boots carried her to Duncan’s workshop.

  A magnificent saddle rested over a frame. He stood behind it, buffing the leather until it gleamed. Every time she saw him working, Carmen noticed how his features bore the stamps of contentment and concentration. Today was no different. He happened to look up. “Hello, Carmen.”

  “You’re busy.” The last thing she wanted to do was leave, but it wasn’t right for her to take him away from his labors.

  “If e’er I’m too busy to spend time with a friend, then I’m too busy.” He set down the cloth he’d been using and motioned toward a bench.

  Would he notice how evenly she walked? Carmen slowly crossed the plank floor and sat down.

  “Mercy baked cookies last night.” Duncan carried over the beautiful mesquite bowl he treasured. Mr. Rundsdorf had made a similar one for her when she’d sewn shirts for him.

  After Carmen accepted a cookie, she raised it to her mouth and lowered it without taking a bite. “My house feels so empty.”

  “ ’Tis just you there now.”

  She stared down at the cookie and confessed, “I’m lonely, Duncan.”

  “So am I.”

  Her head jerked up. “You? How could you ever be lonely? You have a wonderful family, and everyone adores you.”

  He tapped the center of his chest. “In here, I’m lonely. Though ’tis true I’ve a fine family and many a friend, I’m in sore want of the woman I love.”

  Carmen set aside the cookie. “Jenny.”

  Duncan gawked at her. “Jenny? That wee lassie? She’s a sweet friend, but I feel no more than brotherly love for her.” Shaking his head, he drew closer. “There’s but one woman in the world for me.”

  “You’re strong and kind and good, Duncan. Handsome, too.” As soon as she’d said that, Carmen felt mortified that she’d let slip that she considered him so masculine and handsome. For some odd reason, she kept babbling, though. “Any woman would be happy to have you. Your lonely days are numbered.”

  He cocked a brow. “Are they?”

  “I’m sure they are.” Carmen blinked back tears. He deserved a fine wife. She wanted that for him. Truly, she did. But once again, the lonely life stretching out ahead made her ache to the depths of her soul. “I’ll be
happy to help with the wedding.”

  “That’s a fine offer, but you’ll be too busy.”

  Carmen shook her head. “No, I won’t. I’m not volunteering for everything anymore. You were right—I was trying to earn love and a place for myself in our community. Now I’m waiting on the Lord and asking Him to direct me instead of charging ahead and reminding Him the work of my hands was dedicated to Him.”

  Duncan’s rough hand slid over hers. “You’re not the only one who’s done that. It nearly shook me out of my boots when I realized I was playing that same foolish game—only ’twasna with the Almighty. ’Twas with the woman I love. I tried to win her heart by making myself indispensable.”

  “She should have been flattered. I know I would have been.”

  Duncan’s mouth tilted upward. “Nae, Carmen, you weren’t.”

  “You’re wrong, Duncan. Words can’t begin to say how thankful I am for your friendship and all the time you’ve spent helping Jenny and me. Just think of that day when we took that walk and filled your wheelbarrow with wildflowers. And what about the picnics? I could go on for hours reciting things we’ve done and times we’ve agreed to pray about something. Don’t you think for one minute that I don’t appreciate you—and not just for the things you’ve done—”

  The way he trailed a finger down her cheek silenced her.

  “Carmen”—he stared into her eyes—“ ’tis you I love.”

  His words hovered in the air. Carmen couldn’t tear her gaze from him. Heat shot through her. “But I’m a cripple.” As soon as she finished her mortifying confession, she rushed to add on, “But I’m wearing those beautiful boots you made for me. I barely limp at all in them. Did you notice?”

  “Nae. And why should I? ’Tis an insignificant thing, and if all that matters to a man is how his woman walks or dresses or cooks, then he’s a pathetic wretch. You’re beautiful from the top of your raven black hair to the tip of your turned-in toes, Carmen Rodriguez. Most of all, you’re beautiful on the inside.”

  Duncan rose and pulled her to her feet. “You’ve some thinking to do. I’ll walk you home, and after you’ve thought on it and prayed o’er it, you can tell me whether you’ll allow me to court you.”

  “You’ve given me a garden full of flowers. You’ve laughed at my jokes, complimented my cooking, and walked me to church. You made that pretty journal for me.”

  The side of his mouth pulled. “The design on it—”

  “The interlocking rings that form the four seasons and friendship?”

  “Aye. Well, tradition also says the design stands for a love that has no beginning or end.”

  “You’ve had feelings for me since then?”

  “E’en before then.”

  And I was jealous because I thought he wanted Jenny. How could I have been jealous if I didn’t love him and want him to love me in return? “What more is a man supposed to do to pay a woman court?”

  Duncan brushed his thumb back and forth on her wrist. “He has to win her heart.”

  “You have, Duncan. I love you, too.”

  Then and there, he got down on one knee. Holding her hand as if she were a princess, he looked up at her. “I want to do this right.”

  “Oh Duncan!”

  “Quiero compartir todavia de mi vida contigo, mi amorada.”

  Tears filled her eyes. “I want to share all the days of my life with you, my beloved one.” He’d gone through the trouble of learning how to say something romantic to her in Spanish.

  “¿Me se casará usted? ¿Será usted mi esposa?”

  “Oh, yes! I’ll marry you. I’d love to be your wife. Te amo, Duncan. I love you.”

  Mama’s lace mantilla flowed gently around Carmen as she knelt at the altar beside Duncan. The golden band Duncan had just slipped on her finger gleamed in the candlelight. He kept her right hand in his while the pastor read the thirteenth chapter of First Corinthians from Duncan’s father’s Bible. The pastor then asked God’s blessing on their marriage. After the prayer, Carmen joyfully accepted Duncan’s assistance to rise. He wasn’t helping her because of her leg; she knew his actions stemmed from affection. She smiled up at him.

  “Duncan Gregor,” the pastor said, “you may greet your bride.”

  Just as Rob had done with Mercy, Duncan freed a length of Gregor tartan from his waist and began to gently drape it over her shoulder. She remembered the Gregor tradition was for the groom to recite the romantic Burns poem. Duncan’s tender smile told her he would mean every word of it.

  “Como la feria usted es, mi chica bonita,” he began.

  Her lips parted in amazement. Spanish. He was reciting the love poem in Spanish!

  “Tan profundamente son yo;

  Y adoraré usted de todos modos, mi querida,

  Hasta que todos los mares vayan secos.”

  After those precious words, Duncan drew her close and gave Carmen her very first kiss. It was worth the wait.

  TO DO

  JUSTICE

  by Cathy Marie Hake

  Chapter 1

  I’ll be leaving in the morning.” Chris Gregor waited until supper ended to make his announcement. No use spoiling a good meal with the inevitable conflict that would ensue.

  Rob gave him a piercing look. “You gave me your word you wouldn’t set foot in the Thurber mines again.”

  “And I won’t.”

  Mercy patted Rob’s arm. “Your brother wouldn’t go back on his word. He’s a Gregor. Will I need to pack a meal for you, Chris?”

  “You rest.” Carmen gazed pointedly at Mercy’s pregnant tummy and started to rise. “I’ll do it.”

  “No, but I thank you for the thought.” Chris looked at his family. He’d always watched out for his younger brothers, but they were both married men now. Duncan had just moved in across the street after marrying Carmen, and Mercy was expecting her second child. No one needed him here.

  But he had a job to do.

  Duncan chuckled softly. “I’m thinking Chris is going to try to sneak away ere Mrs. Kunstler comes to pay a call again. He’s fearing for his reputation.”

  Everyone laughed; Chris glowered.

  “Come now, Chris.” Rob plucked little Elspeth from her high chair. “No use in you being sour o’er a joke. We all think it endearing, how the woman keeps droppin’ by with a treat to thank you. After all, you did deliver that strapping baby boy out to her cousin and his wife.”

  “Aye, and I rue the day.”

  Again his family laughed, but their laughter died out when he didn’t join in. He gritted his teeth. “I should have been here that day.” Until now, he’d never spoken the thought aloud.

  The only things filling the air were Elspeth’s babbling and the lingering aromas of pork chops and coffee. Chris stared at the center of the table and repeated himself. “I should have been here.”

  “You couldn’t have saved Connant.” Rob handed Elspeth off to his wife. “They shot him straight through the heart.”

  “If I had been in town instead of playing stork, Connant would have acted differently. He had no one he could count on to back him up or cover him.”

  “Other men responded.” Mercy’s voice sounded soft and low.

  Her tone might have been for Elspeth’s comfort, but Chris suspected she’d used that voice to soothe him. It didn’t work. Matters were far past words; the time had come for action. Instead of getting mired down in suppositions and conversation, he said what he needed to. “I’m becoming a Texas Ranger.”

  “No.” Rob glared at him. “I barely managed to pry bullets out of the other men and keep them alive. I dinna need another patient—I need my brother!”

  Jaw hard, Chris said, “My mind’s made up.”

  “You’re out of your mind!” Rob snapped.

  Duncan shook his head. “Vengeance belongs to the Lord, Chris. Dinna take it into your own hands.”

  “Justice. That’s what I’m seeking. An eye”—he pounded his fist on the tabletop—“for an eye.” He
repeated the action.

  “We need a sheriff here,” Carmen said quietly.

  Shifting Elspeth to her shoulder, Mercy started to sway from one side to the other. “Having you here with us is a blessing, Christopher. I feel safe knowing you’re close by.”

  “No one is safe—not with Whelan and his gang out there.”

  “So once Whelan is captured, you’ll be done with this nonsense?”

  “Nae, Rob. I willna. Not too long ago, Dalton and his gang terrorized Kansas. Evil men exist. ’Tis an unchanging fact. Get rid of Whelan and his followers, and the devil will make pacts wi’ other men.”

  “My wife is right.” Duncan slid his hand over Carmen’s. “We do need a sheriff here. You’ve the heart of a warrior, Chris. But there’s every bit as much valor in protecting our friends and neighbors as there is in chasing after the devil’s brigade.”

  Chris stood. “I made my decision.”

  “We promised Da we’d all stay together.” Rob stared at him. “You gave your word.”

  “Aye, and I’m not breaking it. I’ll still be in Texas. Be assured, I’ll come ’round often enough for you to grow heartily sick of me. I swore an oath today to serve as a Texas Ranger. As Mercy said, Gregors keep their word.”

  Duncan’s features remained taut. “I’ll not pretend to like your decision, but I’ll honor it. You hae my support.”

  Carmen nestled into Duncan’s side. “And our prayers.”

  Chris dipped his head in acknowledgment. He’d already thought this through and knew Duncan would respect his decision. Rob might well take a few years to get around to accepting it. Nevertheless, Chris looked to him.

  Rob’s heated glare could have sterilized his medical instruments.

  Tension crackled between them, but Chris stood his ground. Lord, I dinna want to leave at odds with my brother. Soothing words are his talent, not mine. Even so, I’d take it as a favor if You’d give me something to say.

  Rob shook his head. “If I wouldn’t have to patch you up afterward, I’d be tempted to beat you to a bloody pulp.”

  “I’d be bloodied, all right.” Chris paused a second. “But the blood would all be yours. You’d break your fingers and lose all the skin on your knuckles after the second blow.”