Stealing Her Heart

by Cyndi Raye

  It was shocking at first and made her step back. But, then she surprised them both and leaned in, laying a hand on his shoulder and deepening the kiss. She felt Duke’s other arm wrap around her waist.

  Martha heard a giggle from behind her. Shocked at herself for behaving badly in front of her son, she backed away, placing fingers over her mouth. Her eyes widened in surprise. “I’m so sorry,” she told Duke, then turned and took her son’s hand. “Let’s go eat some dessert!” she announced, pulling the boy along even though he insisted he was able to walk fine on his own.

  When they turned the corner, old man Parson was sitting at the table, eyeing the pie. “Good evening, Mr. Parson.”

  “Martha, good to see you. I see you brought my favorite boy.”

  Carson shouted and ran to the old man, whose arms were outstretched for a hug, had no issue giving one to an old man. “It must be only mothers he won’t hug,” Martha mentioned, her mood already changing.

  Duke laughed. “He’s a good kid, Martha. He needs a father.”

  She turned to stare at him. “I can decide what is good for him.”

  “I didn’t mean anything. I remember being that age. My father was a huge part of my life. Everything he did, I copied. Then when he died, there was no one. It wasn’t fun growing up without a dad. After I left home, my mother was lonely and married a man who tried to ruin her. At least she was smart enough to get away from him. Like you were, Martha.”

  With those words, how could she stay angry with him. Martha blushed and followed her son to the porch, giving old man Parson a big hug. Anything to keep away from Duke. His presence was starting to disturb her.

  How was she supposed to stay hard-hearted with a man around like him? She didn’t want to love anyone. Not now, not ever. Well, maybe someday. Maybe, even Duke. The thoughts starting to fill her head were not good. She didn’t want to feel this way. Not yet. So, what was she waiting on, she wondered?

  “I love pie! How about you young man? Do you love pie, too?” Old man Parson took his fork and began to pound it on the table. Carson sat beside him in the chair, doing the same thing.

  Martha scolded them both and looked at Duke who sat down with them. Before his fingers went for the fork, she shook her own at him. “Don’t you dare,” she mouthed, trying hard not to laugh. Taking the knife, she cut a slice for each hungry male, then one for herself.

  The evening wore on, with laughter and stories from Parson’s childhood. He had quite the tales to tell. Before she even realized, the night had crept up on them. Stars were scattered over the black sky, and a moon three-quarters full lit up the street. “We must be going, son,” she directed to Carson.

  He scooted back in his chair, holding out his hand to his mother. She was surprised and took it before he changed his mind.

  “Go on,” Duke told her. “We’ll clean up.”

  “We will?” Old man Parson’s voice sounded surprised.

  “Yes, old man. It won’t hurt you any to help now and again. You eat enough pie around here!”

  Martha waved as she took her son home, who was starting to wear out. Tonight was a night she’d never forget. Looking back, she noticed Duke stood on the porch,watching them until they got to her house. She gave one last look back and waved before they went inside.

  It had been a wonderful night.

  The photograph was gone.

  Forever.

  Carson was free to live his life here without anyone knowing what a monster his uncle had been. She’d never have to worry again.

  Relief washed over her. It gave her a renewed hope for a good future. Maybe she’d even consider another kiss from Duke.

  Maybe.

  Chapter 12

  Martha, feeling groggy and yet happier than she’d been in a long time, hurried Carson to school. He was late waking up, too. They both had slept so good last night. She doubted anything would’ve been able to wake them up.

  “I had fun at Duke’s, Mom. Can we go again tonight?”

  Martha was pleasantly surprised. “We’ll see. We have to be invited first.”

  He shrugged. “I don’t see why. Duke said I was welcome there anytime.”

  Martha nodded. “Yes, son. But, most people don’t just show up, they ask politely to visit first.”

  Carson stopped. “That’s not true. Mr. Parson shows up whenever he damn well feels like it. That’s what Tommy said!”

  “Tommy said that?” Martha made a mental note to speak to him about his language in front of her son.

  “He sure did. Duke told him to mind his manners, but I heard Tommy grumble under his breath that he can say whatever he wants cause he is an adult now.”

  “Is that a fact? Well, Carson, even adults have to watch their tongue.”

  “Like this?” The boy stuck out his tongue, took two fingers and pulled it out in front of him. It made Martha laugh so hard, she thought she’d fall over in the street.

  “Go on now, your teacher is waiting for you.”

  Carson waved to his teacher, turned and gave his mother a hug. “Thanks for taking me to Duke’s house. I had so much fun I can’t wait to tell the other kids. Wait until they hear I got to start a fire on my own!”

  Tears sprang to Martha’s eyes. It was the first time in a long, long time the boy was delighted and happy. All she had wanted as a mother was to give him a good life. The dark past had lingered on him more than she realized.

  Was it time to give Carson a more secure home? One where a man was always there.

  She hurried to the doctor’s office, wondering what to do. Maybe Mercy would know.

  After all, she was more knowledgeable in these matters since she was a married woman. Even though she didn’t have any children, she had to have some answers. At least Martha hoped so.

  “Good morning, Martha. You look quite flushed today. What have you been thinking about?”

  Mercy had a cup of tea waiting for her. She waved Martha to the settee where they always chatted before the first patient arrived. Martha sat down beside her friend. “I’m so confused.”

  Mercy smiled. “I’m sure you are with that handsome Duke Callahan giving you those eyes.”

  “He gave me a kiss, too. Right in front of my son. It wasn’t proper and I’ve been feeling quite giddy about the whole thing.”

  “Oh, Martha, this is so wonderful. A kiss! Now, that is progress.”

  She shook her head. “No, it’s terrible! I’m not supposed to fall for someone the moment I get a divorce. How will it look to the town of Belle?”

  Mercy shook her head. “Honestly, who cares! This town is filled with people with a past history that we know nothing about. It’s best to keep those things tucked away in a closet somewhere.”

  She didn’t tell Mercy about being related to the Rider family. She hated lying to her best friend, but it wasn’t exactly a lie. It was more like an omission. She never wanted anyone to know.

  The only other person who knew was that deadbeat ex-husband of hers, Ralph Winslow, and she hoped he’d never return again. He really had no reason to come back here. She had nothing to give him any more. He drank away their savings. She no longer lived in the same house so he wouldn’t be able to find her. Besides, the sheriff would run him out of town before he got two steps inside of Belle. It was a comfort to know she’d never have to deal with him again.

  As the morning wore on and patients were seen, she was pleasantly surprised when Duke came through the door. “Good morning, Martha. Mercy,” he nodded to them both as he removed his hat.

  “Come in, Mr. Callahan.” Martha ushered him to a chair and began to take off the bandage. “Doc wants to take a look at your stitches and possibly remove them today.”

  “I had a nice evening last night,” he said softly.

  She stilled, not wanting to discuss her private life in the middle of a doctor’s office. She felt his warm breath near her hair as she bent over his hand. He was teasing her. Why all of a sudden?

  “Mr. Call
ahan, you finally made it. Let’s take a look.”

  The doctor looked over the hand and decided to remove the stitches while Martha assisted. Each time she got closer to Duke, he would lean forward and nuzzle her hair. What in the world? He wasn’t supposed to do that! If he were anyone else, she’d have called them out and the doc would’ve reprimanded him.

  But, she didn’t want to get Duke in trouble. His warm breath near her meant only one thing. He was a rascal and was deliberately trying to entice her. Maybe she should pinch him hard so he yells out and embarrasses himself. It made her giggle.

  “Is something funny?” Doctor Frank asked. His hands, steady and sure, stopped in mid-air.

  “I’m sorry, Doctor. I was thinking about my son and something he said last night,” she lied.

  She heard Duke chuckle.

  “Let’s finish up here.”

  Doctor Frank was serious when it came to his work. He took the last stitch out, instructing Duke how to keep the incision clean and instructed Martha to wrap up his hand. “Leave the bandage on for one more week. Even though it is healed and the stitches are out, you can never be too sure of getting an infection. Especially with you working at the old mansion. At least keep it covered for one more week.”

  Sometimes the doc was too cautious. Martha knew how Duke wanted to use his hand to help Tommy with the outside work. It looked like he’d have to suffer for another week. ”Don’t worry, Doctor Frank, I’ll make sure he follows your orders.”

  “Very good. Thank you, Martha.”

  When the doctor moved on to the next patient, Duke whispered in her ear as she wound a bandage around his arm. “I’ll see you in two hours. I have something for you.”

  When he left, her cheeks were bright red.

  “Your blush matches the color of your hair,” Mercy told her. “What’s going on?”

  “He told me before he left he has something for me.” Her eyes were huge. “What do you think it is?”

  “An engagement ring? An offer of marriage? I don’t honestly know, Martha.”

  “It’s too soon for all of that. I’m sure it’s something to help me get my work done at the mansion. We’ve got to finish up in time for when his family arrives.”

  “You will get it done, Martha. Don’t worry, and if you need to take time away from here to do so, you have my permission.”

  “I enjoy our mornings together. It’s the only time I get to talk to another female.”

  “I feel the same way, Martha. I hope even after you are married you come see me. I know your life is about to change and no one deserves it more than you.”

  Martha gave her friend a hug. “That would be a nice thing to say if it were true, but my life is content. I’m happy to have a home and a job. Well, two jobs. Now I can send Carson to medical school without worry someday.”

  Doctor Frank walked in and must’ve heard the last part of their conversation. “You have that young man come see me soon. I want to show him what a doctor does. I can take him along on my rounds on Saturday morning if he’d like to go.”

  Martha was so lucky to have such wonderful people for neighbors and friends. “I’ll ask him, but I’m almost certain he will be in heaven knowing he can go along. Thank you both. Now I must get to the mansion to work.”

  “Don’t overdo it, Martha. If you need time off, let us know. We care about your good health.”

  “I’m fine, Doctor Frank. If I get fatigued, I’ll let you know.”

  She left the office in a wonderful mood. The two of them always worried about her and it made her feel like she was a part of someone’s lives. It felt good to have people who cared. She was taking a step in the right direction.

  Martha made her way to her house, stopping off for a moment to pick up a donation one of the ladies sent over. She gathered it in her arms, ready to turn and go out the door when she heard a bump coming from upstairs. “What was that?”

  She listened again but didn’t hear anything. Martha wondered if Carson had placed his baseball on the dresser again. One time it had scared the daylights out of them when it rolled off the surface in the middle of the night. They were both a bit touchy about sudden noises.

  Martha shook her head and pulled the screen door open. She took off towards the mansion, determined that every single noise was not going to get to her. Not anymore. Fear of her then husband storming in the house in the middle of the night drunk and mean were days that best be forgotten.

  She had a new life to look forward to and she was walking right towards it.

  Chapter 13

  Duke had never been so nervous in his life. The table was set and he was now waiting for Martha to get here. He had told Tommy to stay away and do not interrupt them. He even sent him to old man Parson with a sandwich from the café so they’d be out of the way today.

  When he spotted Martha coming down the street, he checked himself in the mirror on the wall in the parlor. His hair was combed and he dressed appropriately to pop the question.

  He was going to do it today. Right now as a matter of fact. Why not? There was no time to waste. Martha had gotten her divorce and there was no reason for her not to say yes. He had promised old man Parson to protect her from her secret past.

  By becoming her husband, he felt it was a sure fire way to protect her. No one would question her, even if they found out. Carson would have a father, a real father. He’d make sure of it. What could go wrong?

  When Martha came up the steps and stood on the porch, Duke came out the door in his good suit. He took off his hat and set it on the small table beside the screen door. “Welcome, Martha. I brought lunch from the café. Soup and some fresh baked bread.” He pointed to the small table they spent many meals sitting at. It was now dressed with a flowered tablecloth and two bowls filled with soup. The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air.

  Martha frowned. “Where is Tommy and Mr. Parson and why are you all dressed up? Are you going somewhere?” The confusion on her face made him smile.

  He took her arm gently and guided her to the table. Pulling the chair out, he ordered her to sit. “Please, have a seat, Martha. We have something important to discuss.”

  “What is it? Is everything alright? Have I done something wrong?” A real fear was taking hold of her and Duke knew it probably had to do with the photo she had wanted burned. Was she still worried about that revealing photo card? Well, she didn’t have to worry any longer.

  “Let’s eat first. I’m sure you must be starving.”

  “I am hungry.” After they said grace, they dug into their food and ate silently. Martha still seemed confused, but he acted as if this wasn’t anything extraordinary.

  “Good, eat up. I’ve got something special for dessert.”

  Twenty minutes later and with little talking, their plates were empty. Duke was hardly able to hang on. He wanted to get this over with. The anticipation was killing him. What if she refused? Doubts were starting to overwhelm him.

  “That was delicious, Duke. What do you have in there for dessert?” She was starting to relax now, which did make him feel a little better. Still, his nerves were shot.

  He stood, leaned over the table and picked up the silver plate with a lid on it he borrowed from the café. “I’ll give you the pleasure of opening it.”

  “Is it cake or pie?” She rubbed her hands together and reached for the lid.

  His heart almost stopped. What would she do? He stared at her lovely slim fingers as they took hold of the handle and lifted the lid.

  A small box sat in the center of the plate.

  “What is this?” she whispered.

  Duke picked up the box and slid to one knee. She stared at him, her eyes huge.

  He opened the lid. “Martha, I know we haven’t known each other long, but in my heart I know you are the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. Life is too short to wait any longer. Will you marry me?” His words were simple. He’d explain more later.

  “Marry you?” she wh
ispered, the words barely tumbling from her sweet lips. “I don’t know what to say. Duke, you can’t possibly want to marry me!”

  The fear in her eyes was real. He laid a hand on her arm. “Yes. I do want to marry you. Truly, I do.”

  Her face didn’t change. “This is such a shock.”

  It wasn’t going well. She was supposed to be happy and jump for joy. Wasn’t she? “I know. I’ve thought about it for the past three days, Martha. We work so well together. Your son needs a father.”

  She frowned. “Is this about Carson? Do you want to marry me to give Carson a father?”

  “I want to marry you because it’s the right thing to do.”

  “I’m your housekeeper, Duke!”

  “I want that to change to my wife.”

  “I’m utterly in shock.”

  “I still want to marry you.”

  She shook her head and stood. “It’s too soon. You scare me, Duke.”

  He frowned and stood facing her. He laid both hands on her shoulders. “I scare you?”

  “Not you personally. The thought of marrying again scares me so much. That horrible man was sweet until the day I married him. Then he became a monster. I can’t do that again. No matter how much I want to be held by you. No matter how much I want you to kiss me every single day. No matter how much I don’t believe you are like him, I’m scared, Duke. I am so scared.”

  She let a tear fall. Duke gazed into her tear-stained face, not knowing what to say. He grew angry at the horrible man who instilled this fear in her. Maybe it was too soon. “I’m sorry if I asked you too soon, Martha. Please, don’t cry.”

  That brought on more tears. He pulled her into his arms and held her there until she pushed away, her beautiful eyes staring back at him. “I truly care for you. I do. Can we take it slower, please? I know you want to be settled when your family comes, but I can’t move any faster. I pray these terrifying feelings go away soon.”

  He nodded, then closed the box. “This ring will stay in my pocket until you are ready. You’ll see, Martha. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be right here when you are ready.”