by Karen Kirst
She’d liked having him close.
Averting her face, she squeezed her eyes tight. I will not develop an infatuation for the Debonair Deputy!
“Will we go to the mercantile tomorrow like Ben promised?”
The heavy dose of doubt in Eli’s voice produced a frown. What had the adults in his life done to engender this mistrust?
“He didn’t promise, remember?” she pointed out gently. “Ben said that if at all possible, he’d take you to town. He’s our deputy, and the sheriff’s spending Christmas in Virginia. That means he’s in charge. Whatever problems arise, he has to see to them.”
She’d developed a newfound respect for him. Ben’s willing spirit to help man or beast—without complaint—was a rare thing.
Eli thought about that for a minute. “You’re coming with us, too. Aren’t you?”
“I don’t know,” she hedged. “I have chores to tend to.”
His face reflected his inner turmoil, and Isabel patted his hand. “You can trust Ben. He’s a good man.”
When he continued to fiddle with the toy, she said, “Is Happy a good man, Eli?”
His blue eyes lifted to hers, and he nodded against the pillow. “He’s nice to me.”
Relief surged through her. “I’m glad to hear that.”
“Why did he leave me here?”
She stiffened. Keeping her voice even, she said, “Happy brought you to my home?”
“He picked it ’cause there are three girls here.” He tried to hold up three fingers. “He said you’d take care of me.”
Could this be true? A stranger had chosen to abandon a four-year-old boy on their doorstep with the assumption they were decent people and would care for him?
Bewildered, she debated whether or not to ride over to Ben’s. This news was huge.
“Your friend was right. You’re safe here, Eli.” She stroked his arm. “Did you know this has been my room since I was your age? Actually, my sisters and I shared this room.” She pointed to the opposite corner where the wardrobe now stood. “Their bed used to be over there.”
When their mother left, Honor and Carmen claimed their parents’ old room. Isabel relished having a bedroom to herself. She’d chosen an elegant fabric for the windows—a blend of plum and dove gray that coordinated with the quilt atop her bed. A single painting hung on the wall, a gift from her uncle, depicting a rural scene near Mexico City.
Tucked against the wall opposite her bed, a chest-high mahogany dresser contained her clothes that didn’t need to be hung in the wardrobe. A jagged groove marred the topmost drawer. She and Carmen had been wrestling over a pair of scissors. While fortunate neither of them got injured, their papa’s punishment had been almost as bad. Those days were best forgotten, however. Manuel’s oppressive personality no longer darkened their home. Isabel and her sisters had created a cozy haven to suit their tastes. Finally, they knew freedom and peace. If she did entertain fleeting thoughts of married life from time to time, she quickly squelched them. The wrong choice of husband could land her right back in daily upheaval.
Those exquisite, confusing moments with Ben resurfaced. He’d spent time here, shared meals with them and even washed their dishes. Not once had his presence detracted from what she and her sisters had created, an atmosphere of love, tranquility and acceptance. He made her nervous, yes. Sometimes he annoyed her. But he never, ever demeaned or disrespected her. He was, beneath the playful grins and disarming endearments, an honorable man.
Isabel refocused on the task at hand. “Our abuela—that’s Spanish for grandmother—she used to come in at bedtime every night and pray with us. Would you like for me to do that?”
Eli nodded, so she bowed her head and offered a short, simple prayer thanking God for His protection and guidance. When she’d finished, she leaned over and lowered the lamplight.
“Good night, Eli.”
His droopy gaze tracked her to the door. “I’m scared.”
Isabel remembered her and her sisters’ ploys to postpone going to sleep—they were thirsty or their nightclothes were itchy; something was making strange noises beneath the bed. This was only Eli’s second night here. He’d apparently been dumped by his guardian…and for what reason?
She couldn’t bring herself to leave him in this room, frightened and alone.
“How about I tell you a story?”
“What kind of story?”
Resuming her seat, she folded her hands in her lap. “A story about a Christmas mouse who was far from home.”
“Like me.”
Her chest felt tight. “Maybe a little like you.”
Isabel wove the tale, drawing from her long-ago experience of comforting her younger sisters when they’d burrowed in her bed during their parents’ arguments. Eventually, Eli drifted off to sleep. She listened to his even breathing and watched his lips tremble with each exhale. He was precious, this boy. Although she’d only known him a short while, she couldn’t imagine leaving him to the mercy of strangers.
Gingerly removing the toy from his limp grasp, she propped it on the stand and bent to kiss his cheek. She gazed down at his innocent face and finally acknowledged that she’d been foolish to dismiss motherhood out of hand.
Leaving the door slightly ajar, she left the bedroom. The lights had been dimmed in the living room. Heat from the fire made it comfortable. Honor emerged from the kitchen cradling a delicate aqua-colored teacup. Already in her nightclothes, a thick white gown with baby blue flounces, her hair hung in rippling waves past her shoulders.
“Is he asleep?” She padded to the sofa and curled into the far edge.
Isabel assumed the opposite end and hugged a pillow to her stomach. “He was exhausted. Carmen kept him busy the entire day.”
Honor laughed softly. “She wore herself out right along with him. She’s already snoring in there.”
“Are you sure you’re all right with him staying? I have no idea how long he’ll be with us.”
She ignored the part of her that hoped it would be a long time, maybe even permanent.
“Of course, Isa.” Her sister’s dark eyes were earnest. “Eli’s a sweet boy. He’s certainly attached himself to you. Carmen said that in those moments he wasn’t occupied, he’d dart to the window and watch for you. She thinks he was worried you wouldn’t come back.”
“Because of his guardian’s actions.” She related what he’d told her, and Honor was understandably shocked.
“I want to speak to Ben as soon as possible,” Isabel said, gazing unhappily in the flames. “It will have to wait until morning, I suppose.”
“I haven’t seen any lights in the hut. He didn’t say whether or not he’d be back tonight?”
“There’s no reason for him to stay. Eli’s guardian doesn’t pose a threat, and there’s no evidence our would-be thief stuck around.”
Honor gave her a considering look. “Have your feelings for Ben undergone any changes?”
“Forget the deputy,” she retorted, desperate to evade the subject. “I’d much rather discuss the conversation you overheard between John and his father. Do you truly expect a proposal soon?”
Honor sipped her tea and nestled the cup in its saucer. “I was going to tell you—”
“But you were afraid how I’d react, I know. Sweetie, I didn’t expect you to live here forever. Life is all about change. John makes you happy, which in turn makes me happy.”
Moisture glistened in her eyes. She placed her cup on the coffee table in order to give Isabel a tearful hug. Isabel wrestled with her own emotions.
“It’s not as if you’re going far,” she said lightly. “I’ll still see you, just not every day.”
Honor pulled back and dashed the moisture from the corners of her eyes. “He hasn’t proposed yet,” she cautioned. “It could be s
pring. Summer, even.”
“You’ve been courting a full year. I think he’ll propose this month and ask you to set a spring date for the wedding.”
Hope brightened her features. “I admit I’m impatient to become his wife.”
Isabel smiled. “Gauging from the way he looks at you, you’re not the only one who’s impatient.”
Honor grabbed Isabel’s hand. “I want you to have a good man in your life, too, Isa. One who wouldn’t be intimidated by your independent spirit and who’d love you to distraction.”
Ben’s expression when she’d stopped him from calling her that pet name surged into her mind. His lips had been incredibly firm and warm, despite the exposure to winter elements. She’d found herself imagining what they’d feel like against hers.
“No.”
She didn’t realize she’d spoken aloud until Honor’s expression registered.
Bolting upright, she knotted her fingers together and paced before the fire. “I mean, I’m not sure it’s a possibility…to find a man I respect and trust. Papa ruined my perceptions of marriage. I’m grateful you and Carmen weren’t affected the same way. He didn’t destroy your optimism.”
Honor sighed. “You must find a way to forgive him, hermana.”
She whirled from the fire to gape at her. “Forgive him? He’s not sorry for how he treated Mama or us!”
“When God commanded us to forgive others, He didn’t say anything about their remorse being a requirement. You’re allowing Papa’s horrid behavior to dictate your choices.”
Isabel stared at the oval rug beneath her feet, her heart and mind in turmoil. She was well acquainted with God’s views on forgiveness. However, the thought of releasing the bitterness and resentment that had become such an integral part of her was overwhelming. Holding on to those feelings had made her feel in control, somehow, at a time when she hadn’t had any control over her life. She’d been helpless in an untenable situation, unable to alleviate her mother’s sadness or guard her sisters from hurtful gossip. She hadn’t been able to stop her father from betraying his marriage vows and breaking their family apart bit by bit.
“I know this is difficult to hear,” Honor said softly. “But it pains me to think of you spending your life alone.” When Isabel opened her mouth to speak, she held up her hand. “If you are truly content on your own, I will respect that. But I know you, and I don’t believe you would be for very long.”
Isabel thought about Eli and the new, surprising feelings he stirred inside her. And her reaction to Ben’s touch. Until now, she’d been content with her life. Things were changing so fast she couldn’t get her bearings.
“You’re a good sister,” she said at last. “No matter what happens, we’ll always be close.”
To Isabel’s immense relief, her sister let the matter drop. The conversation progressed to their Christmas preparations, but thoughts of her future intruded. Spending it alone on this farm didn’t hold the appeal it once did.
CHAPTER TEN
Ben followed the sound of metal striking metal to a small shed-like structure located between the barn and the smokehouse. The double doors had been propped open with rocks, allowing him a clear view of Isabel working over a portable forge. He stopped a couple of yards out to observe her in action.
Clad in black, she’d exchanged her cloak for a short men’s-style coat. A leather apron protected her skirt. Leather gloves extending past her wrists protected her skin from stray embers. Her focus was intense as she shaped the steel.
It was unusual to see a woman in a predominately male profession. Out of all the women in these mountains, he’d be surprised if even two knew the blacksmith’s trade. Same for her gristmill work. Ben hadn’t met another woman like her. Isabel was an intriguing mix of bold beauty and independent stubbornness, with a compassionate heart buried beneath a cynical shell. If he wasn’t very careful, he’d find himself in dangerous territory.
Isabel heated the blade’s end until it glowed red, then inserted it into a horn handle, which was secured in a vise. Unwilling to break her concentration, he remained quiet until she balanced the tongs in the glowing coals.
“Good morning, Isabel.”
Her head whipped up. “You’re here early.”
“I spent the night in the hut. I was on my way to the cabin when I heard the noise. There’s something I need to tell you.”
“I need to discuss something with you, as well. If I’d known you were coming back last night, I would’ve waited up.” She pulled off her gloves. “I hate to think of you passing another uncomfortable night in the hut when there’s no need. You could’ve been at home in your own bed.”
“After what happened after sunset, I felt it necessary. Quinn Darling interrupted an attempt to rob his store.”
Unease rippled across her features. “What happened, exactly? Do you have this person in custody?”
He propped one hand against the door frame and shook his head. “Quinn had left for the night but returned when he realized he’d forgotten to check if the office lanterns were extinguished. He entered through the front and discovered a man behind the sales counter. Quinn pursued him, but he escaped out the rear exit.”
“Did he get a good look at him?”
“Unfortunately, no. It was dark inside the store. Outside, Quinn was hindered by his dash down those steep stairs. He was only able to ascertain that the man was of medium height and weight.”
“You think it’s the same man.”
He nodded. “I’m inclined to, yes. The bank was targeted four days ago, a reasonable amount of time for our suspect to hang around the area and plan his next move.”
She sucked in a shaky breath. “What now?”
“I’m waiting for responses from the area sheriffs. If anyone has seen a man of his description, they’ll let us know. In the meantime, we stay vigilant.”
Clearly distracted, she noticed the flames getting low and used the forge arm to get the blower wheel moving.
“Is everything okay with Eli?” He pushed off the frame. “Did he sleep well last night?”
“He’s fine.” Her mood lightened a little. “I told him a story at bedtime, which put him to sleep. He awoke once during the night, disoriented and asking for his ma. It didn’t take long to soothe his fears, however.” She worried her lower lip. “I wanted to tell you what he said. According to Eli, his guardian deliberately left him with us.”
“What?” Disbelief barreled through him. “I assumed he’d gotten lost.”
In his line of work, he should know better than to make assumptions. He’d gotten sloppy. Because Isabel was involved?
“It was the logical conclusion. I get the feeling this Happy person studied us before deciding to leave Eli with us. Why would he do that? And does he mean to come back for him?”
“I wish I knew. In my line of work, the search for answers isn’t always straightforward.” He kneaded his stiff neck. “If it gets to be too much, let me know and I’ll find another place for Eli.”
“It won’t.” She jutted her chin. “I like having him around.”
Ben clamped his mouth shut against the urge to reiterate his prior warnings. Isabel wouldn’t appreciate it.
He gestured to the unfinished project. “That’s a lot larger than the gambler’s dagger you carry.”
She looked at first surprised, then amused. “I haven’t heard it called that before. This one’s a bowie knife. It’s for a Christmas order that I have until Friday to ship out.”
When she started to untie her apron, he jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “If you need to continue working, I don’t mind helping your sisters with Eli.”
She cocked her head. “Are you angling for a breakfast invitation, Deputy?”
He chuckled. “I’m more interested in that dinner you owe me.”
“What about this Saturday evening?”
Taken aback by her ready offer, he repeated, “This Saturday?”
She raised a well-shaped eyebrow. “Unless you have a prior commitment.”
“No, ma’am. My schedule is open. I’d be honored to accept.”
Hanging her apron on a protruding nail and slapping her gloves on her tool bench, she joined him. “Would you mind waking Eli while I start the biscuits?”
“Not at all.”
She paused before climbing the porch steps. “How’s your arm?”
“A little sore.” That she entertained even a drop of concern for him filled him with joy. “Worried about me?”
She tried to shrug it off. “You wrangled with Wishbone yesterday. I thought you might have aggravated the injury.”
“I checked it last night. Your handiwork remains intact.”
The childish chatter that greeted their entrance signaled the boy was already awake. A rumpled-looking Carmen met them at the door and held up an empty basket. “Eli is clamoring for his breakfast. I think he has a hollow leg. I’m off to gather the eggs. Morning, Ben.”
She clomped outside. Her unbound hair had obviously not yet seen a hairbrush. That Isabel’s little sister felt comfortable around him pleased him. It also made him miss his own sisters.
Eli rushed over and threw his arms around Isabel’s legs. “Tell me about the horse stuck in the mud again!”
A tender smile transformed Isabel’s face as she reached down and smoothed the child’s curls. Ben’s heart climbed into his throat. Her fierce guard had slipped, revealing a breathtaking gentleness that called to him.
“Why don’t you ask Ben to tell you his version of events?”
Still holding tight to Isabel, Eli turned his face toward Ben and blinked up at him.
He offered the boy a friendly smile. “Wishbone had a rough time. I’m supposed to go and see her today.”
Eli dropped his arms to his sides. “Can I come, too?”
