The Preacher's Outlaw Bride

by Mildred Colvin

  “I know you did, Mike.” KodyAnne touched his arm. “But I’m not a child now. I’m able to take care of myself. I’ll take care of Charlotte, too. Besides, I like Melanie. I’m going to enjoy working with her.”

  They arrived at the Delmont farm with unfinished business as far as Michael was concerned. He’d argued with KodyAnne more than half the distance and then fell into silence. What on earth was she thinking? She couldn’t take care of herself and her sister. She needed him. She always had. What made her think that’d changed? He hadn’t given up. He’d convince her to marry him one way or another. He gave his word.

  He stopped the wagon next to an old two-story farmhouse that obviously had seen better days. The white paint peeled where it hadn’t already been scraped to the bare, gray wood beneath. Couldn’t they even afford paint? A weathered barn stood in back with a fence attached to one corner. A couple of horses grazed in the pasture with half a dozen head of cattle. One of the porch steps creaked when he stepped on it, but held his weight without a problem. Some chickens pecked at the dirt in the yard and scratched for worms.

  KodyAnne stood on the porch and looked out over the yard with a frown. “I expected Wrangler to welcome me home, but apparently he isn’t here. Probably out running after a rabbit or something.”

  She turned to the door and opened it. “Come on in. Charlotte had better be here.”

  He followed her into the house. What he’d been expecting, he had no idea, but after the obvious need for upkeep outside, he stopped short at the clean, well-kept living room. The furniture, while not expensive, looked almost new as did the rest of the room. A hand-braided rug covered the floor.

  “This is nice.” The thought flew out before he could stop it.

  KodyAnne looked at him. “Mama could take any old thing and make it look nice. This furniture is old, but she reupholstered it all to match.” Her toe tapped the carpet. “She also made this rug from old woolen fabric. I don’t know of anything Mama couldn’t do and do well. She ran the farm until she got sick. That’s when everything started going downhill around here. Papa relied on her too much.”

  “Kody?” A teenaged girl, her golden hair pulled away from her face, stood in the doorway leading to the kitchen. Her large blue eyes seemed to take Michael in with a glance before landing on KodyAnne. “What’s going on?”

  KodyAnne swung toward the girl. “We’ve come to take you to Willow Springs. Did—” She glanced at Michael. “You heard about Papa, didn’t you?”

  Tears filled the younger girl’s eyes, and she nodded. “Are you taking me to the funeral?”

  “Yes, but we’re going to stay there, too, Char.” KodyAnne slipped her arms around the younger, but taller girl.

  They stood quietly holding each other for several seconds before the girl pulled back and KodyAnne stepped away. “It’ll be all right. Papa was ready to go see Mama and Jesus. He was hurt bad, but he’s well now. He wouldn’t want us grieving for him. Remember what he used to say?”

  A smile touched the girl’s lips. “Uh huh. ‘When I step through those pearly gates, I’ll expect music and dancing to follow me, because you can be sure I’ll be enjoying the same up there.’” She swept her gaze across the room and frowned. “Only he didn’t know how empty this house would feel with him and Mama both gone.”

  “I know, but we won’t be staying here for a while. Let’s get through this week at least.”

  The girl’s eyes grew even larger as she turned them toward Michael. “Who’s he?”

  KodyAnne turned and held her hand out for Michael to take. She gave him a smile. “This is Reverend Michael Wellington, the pastor of the Willow Springs church. He’s been a wonderful help to me. Mike, this is my sister, Charlotte Delmont.”

  Charlotte looked at Michael as if he were a specimen to be analyzed. Distrust shone from her eyes.

  He held KodyAnne’s hand to absorb her warmth in the face of her sister’s coldness.

  “If he’s just the preacher come to help, why are you holding hands?” She turned her scrutiny on KodyAnne. “Mike? He isn’t . . .? Is he . . . ?”

  A nod from KodyAnne deepened the frown on Charlotte’s face. “I don’t believe it.”

  “It’s true.”

  They were talking nonsense as far as Michael was concerned. He’d never had a sibling. Maybe this was some sort of code brothers and sisters made up. Unless . . . Sure, he understood now. KodyAnne had talked about him to her family. She’d probably told them everything. Her father seemed to know, and now Charlotte did. Amazing. His heart filled with the realization that she’d never forgotten him just as he’d not forgotten her. He held her fingers a little tighter.

  Charlotte crossed her arms, and the frown remained. She shoved past them. “I’ll go pack some things to take.”

  KodyAnne looked up at Michael. “I’d better go with her. I can’t afford to buy any more new clothes. Will you be all right?”

  He nodded and let her fingers slide from his grasp. “I don’t think your sister likes me.”

  She smiled. “Charlotte’s slow to warm up to people. She’ll be fine. Losing Papa is hard, and she’s young enough it’ll be even harder on her. We won’t take long. Make yourself at home.”

  Michael glanced at a framed painting on the wall. A family portrait with mother, father, and three children. He recognized KodyAnne standing with a hand on either parent’s shoulder. Her sister was on one side, a young man on the other. “KodyAnne, where’s your brother?”

  She followed his gaze. Her eyes widened, but she shook her head. “I don’t know.”

  “Will he be at the funeral?”

  An emotion he couldn’t read flashed in her eyes before she looked away. “He would be if the sheriff would let him. If you remember, he’s been banished from showing his face. Not because he did anything wrong, just because what he did looked wrong.”

  Michael nodded. “Yeah, we tend to look at what’s in front of our faces instead of taking time to see the truth. I won’t argue the right or wrong of pulling a gun on someone. I’ll ask Clint when I talk to him about the funeral if your brother can attend. Don’t count on it, though.”

  “Oh, I don’t, preacher.” KodyAnne slanted a glance at him. “But I appreciate your efforts.”

  She turned and crossed the room to a stairway against the wall.

  Michael watched until she disappeared at the top. He’d taken on more responsibility since he ran into Andy than he’d ever had before. But he didn’t mind. In fact, if he had his way, he’d make KodyAnne and hers his responsibility for life. Seemed the more she said no, the more he believed God wanted them to marry. He shook his head. If only he could convince her marrying him was the right thing to do.

  ~*~

  A blanket of gray clouds hung over the sky, threatening to release their load as KodyAnne stood at the cemetery by the church with Charlotte on one side and Melanie on the other. A sprinkling of townsfolk stood in a semicircle around the freshly dug grave. Most of the good folks of Willow Springs had stayed home. Not that she blamed them. They didn’t know her, Charlotte, or Papa. If that was their reason. No one had openly snubbed her since she’d been in town. Everyone she’d had dealings with showed kindness and concern. Still, she wondered if some of the others looked down their noses, thinking Papa was an outlaw and had gotten what he deserved.

  She sighed. That’s why she couldn’t ever marry Michael. He didn’t need to be drug down to the level of an outlaw’s husband. Because if Papa was an outlaw, so was she. Michael stood straight and tall beside the coffin with his Bible open in his hands.

  His voice rang out where all could hear. “In I Corinthians 15:55, we read, ‘O death, where is thy sting? O Grave, where is thy victory?’ If he could talk to us today, I believe our brother, Jedidiah Delmont, would testify to this truth. I was privileged to witness this Christian man come back to his Savior as he asked forgiveness for lack of trust in God to see him through a difficult time. Isn’t that a problem we all have? Too often
we take matters into our own hands rather than trust God . . .”

  Charlotte’s fingers squeezed KodyAnne’s arm. “Kody, look over there.”

  KodyAnne wanted to listen to Michael, but Charlotte’s whisper had already drawn attention. Mary Sue sent a smile toward them. She stood with the sheriff close enough to hear.

  “Sh-h.” KodyAnne frowned. “Let’s listen.”

  “But it’s Ty. He’s here.”

  The sheriff pivoted toward them, his eyebrows raised. He stepped close to Charlotte. “Did you say your brother is here?”

  Movement at the corner of the church building caught KodyAnne’s attention. She focused barely in time to recognize Tyler as he pulled back behind the corner of the building. He’d better stay there. Why’d he take such a chance? But why wouldn’t he? A person had a right to attend his father’s funeral. Anger stirred within KodyAnne’s heart at the injustice done to her family. Thankfully, Charlotte’s reticence with strangers kept her mouth shut.

  “Our brother was forbidden to come to his father’s funeral.” KodyAnne whispered the words as quietly as her anger would allow. “Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to listen to what’s left of the sermon.”

  She turned her attention toward Michael, but from the corner of her eye she watched the sheriff return to Mary Sue. His arms folded across his chest, and a frown marred his otherwise handsome face. So? She’d only told him the truth. If he got a guilty conscience for not letting Tyler attend the funeral today, it wasn’t her fault.

  Chapter 10

  The next morning, KodyAnne kept her eyes trained on Michael. Listening to him preach sure wasn’t a chore. She sat in the third pew from the front beside Charlotte. Melanie and her older sister sat on the other side of Charlotte. Without the two sisters lending support, coming to church would’ve taken a lot more courage. Surely, no one would tell them to leave. Still, whether it was her imagination or for real, their stares seemed to burn a spot on the back of her head.

  “Let us stand for prayer.” Michael stepped to the side of the pulpit. He glanced her way but didn’t linger as he looked out over the rest of the congregation.

  KodyAnne stood with the others and bowed her head while Michael’s deep voice became background to her own prayer. Lord, keep Tyler in the palm of Your hand. Protect him and help us clear his name. You know he only pulled his gun in the bank because Papa did. He’s no outlaw. Help me get into that safety-deposit box and lead us all in your will. Amen.

  The rustle of movement told KodyAnne church was over. She picked up her purse while Michael hurried down the center aisle. He’d be shaking hands at the back door—alone. The crazy urge to run back and stand beside him took KodyAnne by surprise. She shook her head. She wouldn’t be doing that ever. Marriage to Michael was out of the question no matter what Papa wanted. He didn’t understand what marriage to her would do to Michael.

  “I want to welcome you to our church, dear. I’m Mrs. Sarina Jenkins.”

  KodyAnne turned to an elderly lady, dressed all in black, who stood with a wide smile on her face and her hand outstretched. She took the thin hand and shook it gently. “I’m KodyAnne Delmont. Thank you. You have a wonderful church here.”

  “Yes, and a mighty good preacher.” The woman chuckled. “He keeps us on our toes when he isn’t steppin’ on them. Are you new to Willow Springs?”

  Uh oh. Hadn’t the gossip train reached this woman’s house yet? KodyAnne withdrew her hand, preparing for a cold shoulder after such a warm greeting. Charlotte stepped closer to her, whether for comfort or support, she didn’t know.

  KodyAnne kept her smile in place. “My sister Charlotte and I have only been here a few days. Our—”

  Charlotte’s pinch on her arm stopped her. Okay, she wouldn’t tell about their father and the bank just to see what reaction she’d get. Charlotte knew her too well. Let the woman find out on her own and shun them next time she saw them. “We’re helping at the boardinghouse and the diner downtown.”

  The woman’s eyes shifted to include Melanie and Mrs. Clemmons. She smiled and spoke to them before turning back to KodyAnne. “Now if I come in the diner, which of you will wait on me?”

  “That would be me.” KodyAnne lifted her hand as if she were still in school. She laughed. “Charlotte is helping Mrs. Clemmons in the boardinghouse.”

  “Well, I hope you feel welcome here. I see my son is ready now, so I must go.” She turned away.

  KodyAnne looked at Melanie. “I assumed everyone would already know about us.”

  “Mrs. Jenkins doesn’t get out much, and she may have forgotten.” Melanie smiled. “There’s talk sure, but it’ll flare up and then die out.”

  “I hope so.” KodyAnne moved with the others down the center aisle. They’d talked to Mrs. Jenkins long enough that most of the church people had cleared out.

  Mary Sue Taylor stood near the back. She caught KodyAnne’s attention and smiled, then stepped forward. “How are you ladies today?”

  They each murmured a greeting before Mary Sue singled KodyAnne out. “I was so glad to see you two girls come in the door this morning. I don’t know how folks are treating you, but don’t let it bother you if they’re not as friendly as they should be. Some people take a while to get acquainted.”

  KodyAnne shrugged. “I know. It’s okay. I came to church to hear a good sermon and to worship God.” She glanced at Mrs. Clemmons and Melanie. “Charlotte and I are blessed by the friends God has already given us.”

  Mary Sue shared a quick hug with KodyAnne. “I believe we’re blessed to know you.” She turned to Charlotte next then stepped back.

  “Yes, I agree.” Melanie slipped an arm around KodyAnne and smiled at Charlotte. “I haven’t had a chance to tell you, but a room became available this morning.”

  “As if it was your place to tell them.” Mrs. Clemmons sniffed.

  Melanie rolled her eyes and, with her back toward her sister, winked at KodyAnne. “Sorry, I thought they might like to move in this afternoon.”

  “Of course, they can. That’s what I was going to tell them if you’d let me get a word in.” Mrs. Clemmons stepped past her sister. “If you want the room, I’ll take the rent and board out of your pay. I believe that’s a reasonable arrangement.”

  Funny how different sisters could be, and they were blood sisters. KodyAnne suppressed the urge to giggle. “Considering the three of us slept like logs last night—you know, stacked up—I’d say we’d better take the room. Don’t you think so, Char?”

  Charlotte nodded. Her bright blue eyes danced as she rubbed her arm. “At least you were on top since you’re the smallest. My arm’s still numb from your shoulder pressing it down.”

  KodyAnne laughed with the other ladies. “I tried to get you to sleep in the chair.”

  “Sitting up?” Charlotte’s eyes widened. “Not on your life.”

  “What’s not on your life?” Michael’s baritone intruded.

  KodyAnne swung to face him, her heart in her throat. “Oh, I didn’t hear you there. I thought you were still shaking hands.”

  He chuckled. “I ran out of hands to shake. You ladies are the last to leave. Were you discussing the sermon? Applying it to your daily life, maybe?”

  Sheriff Barnett came through the door with a child hanging from each bent arm. He lifted both from the floor, leaving them dangling on either side of him. “I captured some runaway kids. Anyone know where these two belong?”

  The little boy and girl giggled as they clung to him.

  Mary Sue stepped toward them. “I don’t know, Sheriff. If you can’t find their mother, what will you do with them?”

  He shrugged and lowered his hands. “Lock ’em up, I’d reckon.”

  When their feet touched the floor, both children bounced as if on springs.

  “Do it again.”

  “Pick us up, Sheriff.”

  KodyAnne looked at Mike. He winked at her and grinned, setting her pulse racing. This was a side of the sheriff she hadn’t exp
ected. Obviously he wasn’t business all of the time. A man who could play with children couldn’t be so bad. Even if he had shot Papa. He said it was an accident. Maybe it was. Did Mike’s wink mean she needed to look beyond the sheriff at work to the man who wore the badge and find good there? Maybe even regret for shooting an innocent man? She shrugged. When the sheriff stopped chasing after Tyler, she’d see if she could find room in her heart to forgive him.

  She turned from the playful scene to Charlotte and Melanie. “If we’re going to move this afternoon, we’d better be going.”

  Michael fell into step with her as they left the church. “Where are you moving?”

  She laughed at his frown. “I don’t know. Mrs. Clemmons said she had a room open up this morning, so Charlotte and I grabbed it. I’d like to go see Pistol, too. That’s allowed, isn’t it?”

  He glanced at the sheriff walking ahead with Mary Sue and her children. “As long as you don’t hop on and take off across the countryside, sure.”

  Like she’d done on his mustang? She averted her eyes. That happened Thursday night, and he’d never said anything about it. At least he’d recovered quickly from the hit to his head.

  “How long am I going to be kept a prisoner in this town?” KodyAnne kept her voice low so the women walking behind them wouldn’t hear. Charlotte seemed content to walk with Melanie. Partly to avoid Michael, no doubt. Someday, she needed to get over her fear of men.

  “You aren’t a prisoner. Seems to me you come and go as you please, don’t you?” Michael arched an eyebrow at her.

  She turned from his searching eyes. How much did he know? Michael wasn’t ignorant, and he knew her better than most people. At least he knew the way she’d been as a child. Surely she’d changed though. Maybe not from her tomboy ways or her love of Mike. But she’d grown up, and she had responsibilities now she’d never had before. He waited for her answer.