The Heart of a Soiled Dove

by Sarah Jae Foster

  “The only thing I miss about San Francisco is her climate.” Aurora shivered.

  Someone tapped the doorknocker on the front door. They stilled, always cautious of an unannounced visitor.

  With rifle in hand, Aurora and the girls stood behind the door, opening it slowly.

  “Now this is a greeting.” Roman eyed the rifle. “Or is it?”

  Aurora got hold of her manners. “You’re back! And just in time for breakfast, Roman.”

  He rubbed his hands together. “Gee, what poor timing.”

  “So, what brings you here?” Emmy asked brightly.

  Could the girl never stop? Aurora went to kick her under the table, but Emmy knew that and had moved her legs out of the way – all the while smiling at their guest.

  Roman ripped off a chunk of bacon and said pointedly, “If it’s alright with you, Aurora, I’d like to see if you could use my help around here.”

  It was not the answer Aurora anticipated, but was delighted at the offer. “That would be an answer to prayer!”

  “You been praying for me to come and help?”

  “I’ve been praying for help in general, but you’ll do.”

  Roman turned serious. “I did come for a job, Aurora. There’s that… and… I was hoping to get both you and Emmy’s permission to call on Carrie Anne.”

  “I knew it,” Emmy said, crass as ever.

  “Carrie Anne? Would you like that?” Aurora asked as a mother would.

  “I would.”

  “There’s one other thing,” Roman said, giddy now, and barely taking his eyes from Carrie Anne. “I also came to tell you that there’s gonna be a church service today. Would you like me to bring….”

  “Yes! Oh, yes. Thank you, Roman,” Aurora burst. He spoke the most beautiful words Aurora had heard in a long while. She hadn’t even known the Reverend was in town.

  He shifted his weight in the creaky wooden chair. “Well I’m happy I came calling today.”

  “How much time do we have to get ready?”

  Roman chugged down his coffee and cleared his throat. “I reckon about fifteen minutes if we’re to make it on time.”

  “Why didn’t you tell us the moment you got here? Oh, men!”

  Aurora and the girls hurried up the stairs to get ready for church.

  Aurora nearly fell to the ground in her attempt to exit the buggy seat.

  “Whoa now.” She heard Roman order, and wasn’t sure if that was meant for her or the horses. She didn’t care. She couldn’t wait for fellowship and she couldn’t wait to see Reverend John again.

  Being there was no official place to hold service, there appeared to be a makeshift place outside for it. There were more children in this one place than she’d seen in town altogether. There were crude benches all filled with families and nowhere for the late comers to sit. Aurora didn’t care in the least. Her eyes met the Reverend’s just before the first hymn was about to be sung. She stood there with Emmy, Carrie Anne and Roman and sang her heart out in worship. The refreshing she received was nearly beyond her understanding. She felt equipped again to continue doing what she felt called to do, raise this family next to her so that they might come to know Him. After two more heavenly hymns, it was time to hear her friend preach, and she soaked it all in like she was drinking from a well. How she would love this every Sunday. If only. Aurora counted about thirty heads in attendance. What did they do in the winter when it was too cold to be outside?

  Decidedly, she considered John Palmer quite the preacher. The message was timely and the deliverance of it was filled with passion. All too soon it was over and Aurora waited with bated breath until he shook hands with the townspeople and made his way to her. She wanted to be last. Then he wouldn’t have to hurry on past her to the next person.

  Finally he stood in front of her little clan and greeted them all. “Roman, very good to see you. I saw Donovan last evening, was hoping to see him today.”

  Roman sent the Reverend a sly smile. “Keep hoping Reverend Johnny, perhaps someday.”

  Roman and Carrie Anne melted away together in the crowd. Emmy had long since disappeared, and they were alone. “I wish I’d known you were coming today. I was hardly prepared,” Aurora said, a bit put out.

  “I arrived late last night. If I could only stick to my schedule I would have been to Pine City a bit earlier. I’d had the intention of paying a visit out your way, see how your property is holding up and, of course, to invite you today.”

  “How did Roman know about it?” She was curious.

  He shrugged. “Donovan must’ve told him.”

  “Well, Mr. Ramsey can be decent after all.”

  Reverend John’s eyebrows rose at her tone, and she felt the need to explain. “We don’t get along all too well I’m sorry to say.”

  “There’s a lot of hard men out there in the world, but that doesn’t mean they’re hopeless.”

  “Oh, I didn’t mean to insinuate that….”

  “I know you didn’t.”

  “It’s just that I purchased the land he wanted, but what else could I do? There wasn’t any place else for us to live.”

  He guided Aurora to a nearby bench. “I was curious as to that. He’d been wanting that land for years, but the owner had a falling out – close to a feud you could say – with his family years ago. And to her last dying day, the widow Farris refused to accept Ramsey money. So after her death it had to go through the court system because she had it in her will that it couldn’t go to Donovan Ramsey unless three years past and an auction was held. I suppose she’d hoped to lure in different buyers which, seems like she got her way.”

  “I had no idea.”

  “Well it’s done now. He’ll move on.”

  She wasn’t so sure of that but didn’t want to be thought of as a gossiper so let her feelings on Donovan Ramsey fall to the wayside. “Would you please come to our home for dinner this evening?”

  “I was hoping you’d ask.”

  Aurora looked at a couple nearing them. It appeared others were wanting the Reverend’s attention. “Come whenever you can. We’ll be home shortly.”

  On her way to round up Roman, Emmy and Carrie Anne, she spotted Josie lingering on the outskirts of the meeting. Making haste, Aurora made to catch her before she ran away, looking skittish as she did. “Good morning.”

  Josie peered around, most likely to make sure no one caught her within distance of Aurora, the town’s trouble maker.

  “My name’s Aurora,” she rushed to say.

  “I know your name. I… I have to go.”

  “Did you like the service?”

  Josie’s scarf fell from her neck as she tried to move around Aurora. Ugly yellow bruises were exposed, clouded in contrast to her smooth, pale flesh. She ran from Aurora. Undeterred, Aurora followed. This was serious.

  She spun Josie around. Josie’s eyes flashed.

  “What happened to you?”

  “Nothing. Everything! Look, I don’t want to hurt your feelings lady, but if I’m seen talking to you….”

  “Who did this?” Aurora followed her hotly. “Why do you stay and work for him? He’s no good. You don’t need him.”

  Josie hissed, “What do you know about it? I do have to stay. I do have to work. I do need him.” They were close to the saloon now. “Go away!”

  Aurora was deaf to her protests and stayed with her.

  “Leave me! You don’t know anything about it.”

  “I know more than you think. I also know that there’s something better for you than this. Don’t let him hurt you anymore. One of these days, it will be too late.”

  “Josie?” Thatcher Poe stepped onto the boardwalk.

  “Don’t go in.”

  Josie whispered, “He’s not the one who hurt me. Now go home.”

  She fled to Thatcher’s side and urged him in. He looked down upon Aurora with creepy authority. “Don’t mess with my girls – or you’ll be sorry. Sorrier than you can even imagine.”
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br />   Stunned, shivering with the fall weather and a boiling anger, Aurora turned away. Josie’s words tossed around in her mind. He’s not the one who hurt me…. Well then, who was it? She was watching the ground and halted at seeing a pair of black, polished boots rudely blocking her path.

  Sheriff Corbin Bradbury stood with his arms crossed. “Josie got less than she deserved.”

  Aurora’s fists clenched at her sides. “You did that to her? You are a spineless ….”

  “You’d be better off shutting your mouth before you say something you don’t mean. You don’t know who you’re dealing with. But if you don’t keep to yourself, you’ll be run from town. Is that what you want? You have a right nice place out there, quite cozy as a matter of fact. Maybe I’ll pay a call sometime – when you’re alone.” He toyed with the iron handcuffs at his side, smiling wickedly. She had no chance in standing up to him and would be foolish to further challenge him. Aurora glanced around at the few people in the streets and on the boardwalks, each and every one, a yellow bellied coward – minding their own affairs. After what she hoped was a searing look, she hastily stepped off to the side and went around him.

  Aurora focused her mind on Carrie Anne’s pleasant features and Emmy’s defiant outlook on life so she could remember why she was here. She needed them and they needed her.

  Chapter Seven

  To Aurora’s delight, the Reverend stayed in town an extra three days for Roman and Carrie Anne’s wedding. A wreath made from the nature of fall hung in front of the bride and groom’s table; elegant pillar candles lined the top of it. Little pots of wild flowers adorned makeshift tables laden with a lavish feast, making for a completely satisfying wedding. Carrie Anne was beaming radiantly in her simple, white lace dress. Roman gazed with longing at her, and when she echoed Reverend John Palmer’s “I do,” Christopher shouted, “Hallelujah” and they all had quite a celebratory chuckle.

  The only thing which appeared out of place to Aurora was that she and Donovan Ramsey had been asked to stand with the couple. The solitary reason she hadn’t clocked him on the side of the head for his glowering look was because Reverend John was present. But she did begin to wonder if that was forever an expression of Donovan’s. What did he have against weddings anyway? Or was it just happiness in general?

  After a simple band was placed onto Carrie Anne’s slender finger, Reverend John announced them as husband and wife. Finally, a kiss sealed the union. The mostly male guests hooted and hollered. Aurora thought Carrie Anne might die from all of the attention. They were all four in a semi-circle, holding Aurora hostage to Donovan’s intense presence.

  Roman turned to Donovan. “Thanks for standing with me.”

  “It’s my honor.”

  “No hard feelings, then?” Roman asked.

  Aurora noted Donovan’s thin smile, which spread the light growth of his beard. “I don’t understand why you don’t bring your bride to my ranch. She would have a much better go of it at the Double R. It’s plenty big that you could build out of sight from the main house.”

  “Don’t think I hadn’t thought of that, but Carrie Anne likes where she’s at.”

  Donovan scowled irritably, as if all women brought nothing but trouble and interference.

  Suddenly the air was filled with popping sounds as bottles of imported champagne were opened. Foam slid down the hands of the openers and now the bride and groom were expected to start a toast. Roman and Carrie Anne acquiesced to the pressure, leaving Donovan and Aurora at unexplainable odds and alone with each other.

  Unable to hold her tongue, Aurora asked, “Are you not happy for Roman?”

  Donovan looked at her squarely. “I’m not glad to see him go if that’s what you mean – he was my top hand.”

  Aurora flinched. “I never meant to take him from you.”

  “You seem to like taking things away from me.”

  “That’s not fair, or true.”

  “You have yet to prove otherwise.”

  Aurora had a nice retort at the ready but Roman had called her over to their table. She made herself pleasant and accepted a flute of champagne. Since Roman’s toast was directed towards her, she forced a smile and looked at the guests.

  “I must thank this woman first and foremost for keeping my bride safe and sound in my absence. And for plucking her out from the hands of this town.”

  “Here! Here!”

  As other rounds of toasting went around, Aurora scoured the place for Emmy, who seemed to have disappeared. And although Donovan and his words weighed heavy on her, she determined his actions would not mar Carrie Anne’s day. Soon enough a fiddler and a violinist made the atmosphere even merrier and Aurora let herself be led around the dance floor to be spun thither and fro by multiple partners. She became breathless, but that was expected when there was a shortage of the female gender. Her current partner swung her round and round, and when the music stopped for a shift in song, she gasped, “I’m going to sit down, Luke.”

  He replied with sincerity, “You’re letting me down.”

  “And for that, I apologize. But I’m plumb out of breath.”

  Luke exaggerated a forlorn look and she teasingly hit his arm. “Stop that. I’ll catch my breath soon enough.”

  He relaxed against the wall. “I’ll be waiting.”

  Reverend John approached Aurora. “You seem to be enjoying yourself.”

  None to gracefully, she collapsed onto a nearby bench. “I am. I’m grateful you were able to perform the ceremony.”

  “May I?” He sat down next to her. “I tend to perform weddings, baptisms and funerals on my circuit. People stock up.”

  She took him in and everything in her wanted to know why he wasn’t married with a family of his own. He was fine built, handsome and sincerely kind-hearted. Instead of voicing her thought, contrary to her nature, she said, “It’s a shame you cannot build a church here. I suppose you’re needed everywhere.”

  “Itinerant preachers are needed yes, but I don’t build here because of funding. I would love to settle down one of these days. In His timing, I will.”

  “Why Pine City?”

  “I was born and raised not ten miles away.” He gazed at their surroundings. “I love this part of the country.”

  “I’ve loved it from the moment I arrived,” she agreed. “The people can be challenging at times, but I’ve come to know my land and can’t imagine this place not being my home forever.”

  She caught him studying her and caught her breath. He asked the dreaded question, “What did bring you here?”

  Aurora couldn’t lie to a preacher. “Well, I… I needed to find another home. My mentor died and I needed to leave my past. Begin anew you could say.”

  “I’m glad you did, Miss Young. Nothing wrong with leaving the past behind. As you know, scripture talks about letting the past remain behind and looking forward to the future. God has plans for all of us. He’s faithful.”

  “Yes, he is.”

  “Now, I best be on my way. Thomas Milford is expecting me to perform his wedding ceremony and you know him… I would not want to uh, delay his ceremony. I will see you soon.”

  “Reverend John?”

  “Yes?”

  “Your collar. Here, allow me to fix it. There, now you’re presentable.” She drew away from him and waved good-bye.

  Aurora went to the punch bowl only to run into Donovan, who promptly pierced her with a distasteful look. Enough was enough. She hadn’t done anything. “You are still angry that I purchased the land you wanted.” She lifted her chin as she ladled punch into the crystal teacup.

  “There’s plenty more land out there that I will own someday.”

  “Well then, what have I done to make you hate me so?” Why did she even care what he thought?

  “You flatter yourself to think I think anything of you at all.”

  “Then please tell me what else I’ve done.”

  “Just because I don’t succumb to your relentless and flirtat
ious behavior like Luke and the Reverend there, doesn’t mean I despise you.” His stance shifted, as if it took all he could to stand there in her presence.

  “I only want to know what I do that does bother you so.”

  What could he say? That she had been too deep in his thoughts since the moment she’d stood next to him in her overconfident way, presenting to Mr. Clawson a wad of cash for land that he’d wanted? That not too long ago, when he’d decided to let go of pride and pay a visit to her ranch, he’d come upon a scene where his men sat around comfortably in her presence? That image had ruined any notion to officially welcome his beautiful neighbor to town. He’d wanted a new introduction, one where he wasn’t angry about the land deal. But he was a guarded man; he did things differently, cautiously. Looking into Aurora’s imploring face before him, he’d wanted to soften his attitude towards her – but if he did, he’d have to fight off a plethora of suitors. Donovan wasn’t about to compete for her attentions.

  As he looked upon her clear blue eyes and weighed his words, the crowd began cheering for the wedding party to have a dance. He cursed beneath his breath. Too late he realized Aurora had taken his response to mean he wasn’t too happy to dance with her. Before he could amend his reaction he saw a shattered look wash over her pretty face. Clearly she hadn’t wanted to dance with him and her panic-stricken look told the entire crowd as much. Until this moment, he’d done a fine job of holding his temper in check.

  “Come on you two. Join us.” Roman had his bride in his arms on the dance floor.

  Donovan tossed a half-smile to Roman, and set all burning thoughts aside.

  “Well? I’m not going to ruin this for them.”

  It was hardly an invitation and still she returned in kind, “Nor I.”

  He’d had braced himself, expecting resistance. Haughtiness. Not – this. She fit perfectly, even peered up at him with open curiosity. He weakened under her gaze. His middle tightened. She was beautiful, strong, and independent. Despite his irritation, a natural force tugged his lips and they lowered with heated instinct. At that moment the song shifted and Donovan came to his senses. No. Aurora Young was a flirt and he would not be drawn into that. Save it for the rest of the bumbling fools around them. Lifting her by her upper arms, he deposited her to the side, and disappeared to get some fresh air.