Now Judith paced once again, ignoring the soreness. “It’s almost dark. Bethany must be hungry.” She wiped an errant tear. “I don’t know what else to do, Eloise. I’ve run out of prayers and to be honest, I’m losing hope they’ll catch her.”
“Of course they will,” Eloise said with conviction. “That woman is wily, I’ll give her that, but my brother is as stubborn as they come. He won’t give up until he brings Bethany home.”
Her chest lightened at Eloise’s statement. “I should go home. I can get everything prepared for when they get back.”
* * *
Angela’s hysterical laughter echoed in the quiet of the night. She weaved to and fro bringing the bottle to her lips. “They were gone. Can you believe it?”
The tightness of his jaw coupled with the hammering of his heart made it hard to keep still. Sean tried to make sense of what the inebriated woman said. “Where is Bethany?” Closing the distance between them, he attempted to grab her arm, but she backed away and stumbled, catching herself before falling.
“They offered me a lot of money. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have done it. Told me they’d give me enough so I can get a good doctor to tend to me. But they’re gone.”
“Where did you leave the baby?” Sean took her by the upper arm and yanked her harder than he meant. “Listen to me, Angela. I’ll give you every cent I’ve got. Please, give me my daughter!”
“You?” Angela let out a harsh bark of laughter. “You don’t have the kind of money I need.” She scanned the street, her yellowed eyes narrowed. “It’s too late. They’re gone. I’m gonna die.” Angela snatched her arm out of his grasp. “I don’t care.”
“Bethany…” Sean took a deep breath to keep from shaking the damn woman. “Where is Bethany?”
Angela shrugged. “I ’spose she’s still in the wagon. At the saloon.”
Both he and Garrett ran to the local saloon. They didn’t need to get too close to know Bethany was there. Pitiful cries filled the air. The child had to be hungry, not having eaten in almost two days. Upon lifting a dirty blanket, the baby reached for him, her face scrunched up as she continued wailing.
Garrett peered down at the baby. “I’ll go inside and see about getting some warm milk or something.”
Sean could only nod, unable to speak past the lump in his throat. He didn’t bother to wipe at the tears that spilled. All he could do was hold his precious daughter against his chest and rock her.
Within minutes, the baby was silent, suckling greedily from the bottle Sean held. As soon as he put the child to sleep, he’d swaddle her against him and head home. No matter how tired he was, it wasn’t fair to keep Judith waiting. Both she and Eloise had to be overwhelmed with worry. Besides, at the moment, he wanted nothing more than to be home.
“Do you want me to look for her?” Garrett came out from having a meal at the hotel and pushed his head back. “Shouldn’t be too hard to find.”
“It’s not worth it,” Sean replied. “I’ll be surprised if she lives much longer.”
“Could be trouble if she shows up again.”
“That’s true. Not sure what I can do about it.” Sean searched the nearly empty street.
They rode off as the sun set on the horizon. It would be late night by the time they arrived at Bent Pass, but he didn’t care. The sooner his family was together the better. One thing he knew for sure, he’d do his best to keep both Bethany and Judith safe from that day forward.
When his home came into view, he waved the other man off and guided his horse to the front of the house. Before he could dismount, Judith ran out, her beautiful hair flying behind her. “Do you have her? Where is the baby?”
His chest tightened at the distress in her eyes followed by the rounding when he lowered Bethany to her. Judith crumpled to the ground holding Bethany tightly against her chest.
Once he dismounted, Sean lifted Judith to her feet and walked with them to the door. “Go on inside. I’ll go see about the horse and be back as soon as I can.” He waited until she was inside and then took the horse’s reins and led the tired animal to where it could get some water and fresh oats.
Once everything was taken care of, Sean could only lean against the stall, every ounce of strength gone from his body. He slumped, allowing his head to fall forward. When the tears streamed down his face, he didn’t bother wiping them away.
“Sean?” Patrick appeared in the dim light. “Come on, I’ll help you get home.”
“I can’t. Not right now.” He stood, but his legs wobbled. “I thought I lost her. Not sure what I would’ve done.” Sean had to gulp to get air into his lungs.
Somehow Patrick guided him to a nearby bench and lowered him onto it. While Sean gained some semblance of control over his emotions, Patrick sat beside him quietly. With his friend’s silence came support and strength and Sean drew from it until he finally was able to breathe evenly and speak without his breath catching.
“Come on, you better get home. I’m sure Judith has things under control. You need to get some rest.” They walked side by side. Sean suspected Patrick kept an eye on him to ensure he didn’t topple over.
Light streamed from the windows, a more welcoming sight, he’d never know. “I’ll be all right now.” He hugged his friend. “Thank you, Patrick.”
The priest smiled. “I know you will. I’ll check on you in a couple days.”
Both the kitchen and living room were empty. He went straight to the bedroom, stopping at seeing Judith fast asleep holding the slumbering Bethany against her. The sight reminded him of the first time he’d caught this scene and, once again, his chest tightened. Too tired to do more than undress, he climbed beside his wife and child.
Chapter Thirteen
“Is something wrong?” Eloise studied Judith, her lips pursed. “You haven’t been yourself since that whole mess with Angela.”
How could she explain to Eloise something she didn’t understand herself? No matter how hard she tried, the feeling of impending doom prickled at her. Each moment that passed, instead of enjoying the time with her husband and child, she kept expecting the next bad thing to happen.
“I am not sure how to explain it. I wish I knew for sure that woman will not return.”
Eloise nodded. “I understand, Judith. That is why I asked Jack to make inquiries, to ask around if anyone’s seen Angela since he’s traveling through Casper. Hopefully, he’ll find out whatever became of her.”
“It’s been over a month. If she were to return…” Judith shook her head. “I’m allowing the what ifs to ruin my life. Why?” She rubbed her hands down her face. “It’s ridiculous.”
Even Sean had been irritable, on edge, as if he, too, was strung tight as a fiddle string. They’d snapped at one another over inconsequential things. It was not like her and she knew from speaking to Eloise, it wasn’t in Sean’s nature either.
Judith looked to Eloise. “What can we do? This tension is taking a toll on our relationship.”
“For starters, acknowledge that you’re both scared. It takes time to get over so many things happening. Let your faith in God and each other in.”
It was hard not to smile at her somber sister-in-law. “I didn’t know you were so sage.”
Eloise laughed. “I can be when it’s not my own problem.”
“Hopefully, I can impart useful advice if you ever need it.” Judith appreciated the light moment.
Bethany crawled to the edge of the blanket and looked up to Judith. The baby blinked and yawned. “Mama.”
“There you see,” Eloise picked Bethany up and handed her to Judith. “How can you not see the wonderful gift of a beautiful child and a handsome husband? After all, Sean does favor his beautiful, older sister.”
It was true. She was allowing the past to cast a shadow on the day. Judith kissed Bethany’s face and the baby giggled. “We should head home. I need to make sure supper is ready for Sean.” The women hugged and Judith walked the short distance to her home.
&nbs
p; “She’s crying too much. Do you think she’s sick?” From the kitchen table, Sean looked toward the crib where Bethany slept. “It’s not like her to cry so much.”
Judith smiled and covered his hand with hers. “She’s teething. Babies cry and sometimes run a bit of a fever during this time.”
He nodded, but the crease of worry remained.
“It will take time for us to get over all that’s happened.” Judith sighed and picked up her cup of coffee. “Teething aside, it will not be as bad for Bethany. She won’t remember any of this. For that, I’m so grateful. I don’t want her to ever know the true nature of her mother.”
Sean’s warm gaze met hers. “I agree.” The corners of his lips curved. “And although it’s been a rough few weeks, things will get better.”
“They are already much better. We’re together and everyone is safe. Stop worrying.”
Strange as it was, Judith could not help thinking of Angela. Was the woman still alive? Her life was ending while she was alone, without anyone to help her. It was her choice, of course, but that didn’t stop Judith from feeling sorrow for the ill woman.
No matter what she’d done and the life Angela had lived, no human deserved to die alone without a caring touch.
“You are too tenderhearted,” Sean said, seeming to sense her thoughts. “She should pay for her actions. What kind of mother sells her own flesh and blood?”
“A desperate one.” Judith had to agree. “Admittedly, she cared more for herself than Bethany. If she had any decency, she’d seen how loved and well cared for her daughter is with us. No one can care for her more than we do. Love her more than we will.”
Sean leaned over and kissed her brow. “That you love Bethany as your own makes me love you more.”
All Judith could do was blink at his declaration. “Love me more? I feel love by the way you demonstrate it most nights.”
The one shoulder shrug and slight coloring of his cheeks was endearing and she chuckled. “Why, Mr. Montgomery, I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you blush.” A warm flush filled her.
“Don’t go expecting me to follow you around declaring my love at every turn,” he kidded. “I’m not one for flowery comments.”
Judith nodded solemnly. “Of course not.”
Without speaking, they continued on what had become a routine. The dishes were rinsed, Bethany taken to their room and they undressed for bed.
When Sean pulled her against him, Judith relaxed into his broad chest wanting to bask in the attention her husband gave. He tipped her face up and pressed his lips over hers as she wrapped her arms around his waist. Hungry for him, needing the assurance that his strength gave, Judith pressed herself against him.
Sean’s roughened hands slid down her body, slipping under her shift and up her bare skin. Each inch he touched immediately came to life. The wonderful tingling that came from anticipation of joining with him made her heart race.
His breaths became faster as he urged her lips apart and delved in, tasting, teasing. Everything forgotten, Judith gave herself over to the sensations.
Clinging to him, she trembled when he cupped her bottom and pushed his hips into her, the hardness of his arousal pressing between her legs.
He guided her to put her right leg over his hip to grant access and he slid into her as both let out a deep moan of satisfaction.
Her body accommodated for his girth and he hesitated long enough to ensure it was not uncomfortable for her. Tenderly at first, he began to move in and out of her until both lost control and all sense of rhythm disappeared.
Release came with such starkness, Judith could only gasp for breath. Lost in a whirlwind of sensations too strong to keep at bay, she flailed under him while Sean continued to seek his own release.
The deep moan in her ear was like a beautiful song and Judith could not help the tear that slid down her face as she clung to him in desperation when a second climax slammed into her.
Continuing to hold each other, Sean kissed her neck as she did the same, the saltiness of his moist skin filling her mouth. Her husband was everything she could ever dream of.
Moments later, she snuggled closer as he snored softly. In the crib, Bethany made a soft sound of waking and Judith waited to see if she’d continue to sleep or not. Whether up with the fussy baby or against her slumbering husband, for the first time in a long time she felt at ease.
The next day, Judith sat outside with Bethany who looked around in awe at birds chirping noisily, darting in and out of a tree next to the house.
Eloise walked up with her youngest by the hand and climbed up the steps to the porch. “I have news.”
Immediately Judith tensed. “What happened?”
“Nothing too horrible in my opinion.” Eloise released her son’s hand and the toddler began exploring the area. “Angela died.”
“So soon?” A coldness gripped her as she wondered how the woman’s life had ended so abruptly. “It’s only been a bit over a month since she left here.”
Eloise nodded and frowned. “Father O’Reilly went to Casper to visit the priest there and learned they’d found her drowned.” Eloise visibly shivered. “How awful. I wonder if she purposely ended her own life.”
“There is no way to know. It’s very sad.” Judith looked toward the stables. “Does Sean know?”
“I’m not sure if Patrick has told him yet. I’m sure he will speak to him. The only reason I know is because I went to get some flour earlier this morning and I bumped into him at the mercantile.”
Judith hoped the priest was the one to break the news to Sean. In spite of everything, Angela had given birth to Bethany. She was the mother of his only child. “No one deserves to die alone like that.”
“I don’t agree,” Eloise replied. “The woman was not a good person.”
“True, she was not.”
Chapter Fourteen
The sun’s rays streamed between the trees lighting the ground. Judith sat with a blanket around her shoulders and watched Bethany toddle across the porch. In her hand was a letter from her dear friend, Alice.
My Dear Judith,
I’m writing to you on Christmas Day and it’s a most wonderful holiday for me. I can only hope the same is true for you and that you’ve found happiness with your pastor. I’m happy to report that my marriage to James Martel has taken a turn for the better. While it began under a false pretense, and there was much concern as to his motives, I now rest assured in his high regard and love. I was forced to engage with my stepfather despite my every effort in believing that I wouldn’t have to, but you’ll be pleased to know that I’ve inherited a fishing company thanks to the foresight of my mother. I come to my marriage an equal partner and I can continue the legacy of not only my father, but James’ as well.
I miss you and the other girls dearly and I pray that each of you has found joy and prosperity in your new situations.
Yours Affectionately,
Alice
It seemed she’d had found true love and Judith was glad for it. Not only had she’d also found love, but also the one thing she’d never had. A family.
Along with Sean and Bethany, she’d gained a sister in Eloise and extended family with her new nieces and nephews. Good family friends, the Browns often came to supper and now as they all gathered to celebrate Bethany’s first birthday, it was a bigger gift to Judith to have so many people she’d grown to love in attendance.
Sean stood with his nephews at the creek teaching them to shoot with a slingshot, while Eloise’s husband and Martin Brown stood over a fire cooking a wild boar a short distance from them.
“You’re deep in thought,” Eloise lowered to the rocker next to hers. “It sure is a beautiful winter day. Everyone must think we’re crazing for being outside though.”
“I don’t know about you two, but it’s a nice break from remaining indoors,” Lorna added.
Judith smiled. “It’s perfectly wonderful.” She looked to Eloise. “I was just thinking how lucky
I am to have found all of you. When I came here, I was alone, with no one to count on for support. You and Lorna immediately became my guardian angels. The family I never had.”
Sniffing to keep from blubbering, Judith giggled. “I don’t know why I’m so emotional of late. One minute I’m laughing and the next I cry over the silliest thing.”
“Could you be in the family way?” Eloise gave her a knowing look, her gaze dipping to Judith’s still flat stomach. “When was the last time you had your flux?”
Her eyes threatened to pop out of their sockets as Judith opened her mouth and then closed it not sure what to say. “I don’t remember to be honest. I’ve been so busy.”
Lorna chuckled. “How about any nausea or dizzy spells?”
Judith shook her head. “Not that I can tell. I feel better than ever, well, except for the moodiness. Last night at dinner when Sean praised my cooking, I cried like a baby. He wasn’t sure whether to apologize or feel pleased.”
The women laughed. Eloise and Lorna continued asking her questions regarding her physical being until they all seemed satisfied with the determination that she was, indeed, expecting.
Once Judith thought about it, she realized it had been almost two months since her last monthly flow. “Oh, my goodness.” She looked to where Sean stood and almost as if feeling her regard, he turned to her.
Immediately warmth enveloped her and she flushed.
“You two are certainly in love,” Lorna said with a wide smile. “He is enamored with you.”
“Very true,” Eloise added. “They can’t keep from looking to one another. A bit sickening at times.” She shook her head.
Judith laughed. “It’s not that bad.”
Eloise’s soft smile told she agreed. “You’re right. I am so very happy for Sean. He’s always been such a good man and brother. Deserves to be happy.”
Judith: Bride of Wyoming (American Mail-Order Bride 44) Page 8
