Sarah's Surrender

by McDonough, Vickie;

  Sadie walked up to Jack and lightly touched his arm. “I wasn’t real sure if you’d come back after the beatin’ you took last week. Most men wouldn’t have attempted to help someone like me in the first place. I don’t know how to thank you.”

  Jack smiled. “You’re welcome, and you can thank me by never going back to your old life. And that’s what the saloon is—your old life. In the Bible, there’s a verse—Second Corinthians 5:17—that says, ‘Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.’ When you get away, I hope you’ll find a Bible and read that for yourself. You can not only leave the saloon and start completely over, but God can wash away past indiscretions and make you new on the inside. I know, because he did that with me—and my sister Jo, who used to live in a brothel.”

  Sadie sucked in a loud gasp. “Is that true?”

  Jack touched her shoulder. “It is. Sarah can tell you more if you want to know about her tonight, but I should get my son and hurry to my tent. I’d like to look disturbed from my sleep if any of those henchmen from the saloon happen to come this way.”

  “Go—and thank you.”

  Jack nodded then hurried up the stairs.

  “I have a bucket of water in my kitchen area if you’d like to wash off. Once Jack has left, I’ll give you one of my nightgowns. I’m glad you came, Sadie.”

  The woman stiffened for a moment then turned from watching the stairs. “My real name is Charlotte VanBuren. I’d like to go back to it now that I’m starting over. Would you mind calling me Charlotte or Lottie?”

  “Of course not. Whatever you prefer. And please call me Sarah.”

  “Then Lottie, it is. Thank you for your kindness.” She batted her eyes as if struggling not to cry.

  Sarah heard Jack on the landing and lifted the lamp so that he could see to descend. Once he was down, she opened the door. “Good night, and thanks for what you did. It was a good thing.”

  He nodded, cast a quick glance toward Lottie, and then left. Sarah closed the door and locked it then walked through the empty parlor to her bare kitchen with Lottie following. A small dressing table had been in the load of furniture that had arrived, and she’d put it in the kitchen so she’d have a place where she could wash up. “I’ll run upstairs and get some things for you to wear if you want to go ahead and wash off. I’m sorry I can’t offer you a bath.”

  Lottie gazed down at her clothes. “I imagine I must smell something awful to you, not to mention how I look.”

  “Please, think nothing of it. I don’t tell many people this, but I’m sure it will surprise you to learn that my father owned the bordello where Jack’s sister was all but held hostage. When I was still a girl and my mother was near death, he came to get me and took me to live with him.”

  Lottie’s eyes widened. “In a bawdy house?”

  “Yes. He did keep me separate from the women for the most part, but he couldn’t hide the awfulness of the place. It was so bad that I gladly left with Jo when she ran away.”

  “Thank you for telling me. I guess you would understand more than most.”

  “I admire you for taking the risk to get away from that place. I know it wasn’t easy, and I’m sure you have fears for the future, but we’ll help you, so please try not to worry.”

  Lottie’s lashes fluttered. “Thank you.”

  “I’ll leave this lantern for you and run upstairs.”

  “Won’t you need it?”

  “There’s another one in my bedroom. I left it for the children.”

  Lottie frowned. “You mean there’s more than one?”

  Sarah chuckled. “Yes. I’ll explain about Claire when I come back.” She hurried away, glad she’d told Jack to bring Lottie to her house. She’d been hesitant at first, fearing trouble and not wanting anything to upset Claire, but the decision to bring Lottie here was the right one. Like Jo, another woman would be escaping the horrible, degrading life of a prostitute. She prayed as she climbed the stairs that Lottie would come to know God’s love and the freedom and hope that came with His forgiveness.

  Holding her skirt back from the open fire, Sarah leaned down and flipped the fish she was frying for supper. She straightened and turned to Zelma. “What time will you be leaving tomorrow?”

  “At sunrise. We want to be sure to get an early start.”

  Sarah nibbled her lip and stared at her house where Lottie was watching Claire. “Do you think our plan will work?”

  Zelma set a crock of butter and two jars of jam on the tailgate of her wagon. “I don’t see why not. After gettin’ a look at that pretty gal at our noon meal, Zach and Zeke are bickerin’ between themselves over who gets to pretend to be Lottie’s husband on the drive to Cottonwood Grove.”

  Sarah wondered how Lottie would react to the twins arguing over her. It wasn’t as if one of them was actually marrying her. She hoped Lottie would feel honored rather than uncomfortable by the men’s eagerness to pretend to be married to her.

  “You think my boys made Lottie uncomfortable?” Zelma carried the platter of corn bread to the tailgate.

  Sarah peeked at the fish. Almost done. “Why do you ask?”

  “I noticed she kept her eyes down durin’ most of the noon meal.”

  “Your men were very kind to her, but it was obvious that she was uncomfortable with so many males present. I should have made it clear to Lottie that no one told them about her former vocation. Only you and your husband are aware of it, because I couldn’t ask for your help unless you knew the whole truth.”

  “Prob’ly a wise idea not to tell them. I’m not sure how my boys would’a reacted to learnin’ that. It’s better they don’t know so they can treat her like a young woman deserves.”

  “I’m so glad you feel that way. After all you’ve done for me, I didn’t like the idea of deceiving you. I’m glad Jack and Lottie agreed we should explain things to you and Mr. Peterson.”

  Zelma shuffled over and gave Sarah a hug. “It’s a kind thing you’re doin’ for that girl. Not too many others would’ve helped someone like her.”

  “You’ll come back as soon as you get her safely to Guthrie? Are you certain I’m not asking too much of you?”

  Zelma’s tired eyes sparkled. “Are you kiddin’? This’ll be my very first train ride. I’m as excited as the twins.” She covered her mouth and chuckled. “Did you see Johnny sulking ‘cause he ain’t goin’? He’d rather be ridin’ than workin’, but his pa needs ‘im.”

  “Oh, before I forget.” Sarah shoved her hand into her pocket and pulled out two double eagle coins. “This should be plenty to get you to Guthrie and back and pay for your meals. If you have more than you need, why don’t you pick up some supplies we’re running low on? Maybe some things that are hard to find around here.”

  “Happy to. Is your lady friend doin’ all right? She seemed mighty cramped in that dress you gave her.”

  “I think so. Although the dress was a bit tight, I suspect it was the men making her antsy.” She pulled several paper dollars from her pocket. “Here’s some additional money for fabric and things I need. Would you please pick up four yards of pink, light green, yellow, and lavender fabric so I can make a quilt for Claire, as well as thread for it? I hate to ask you to go to so much trouble, but the supplies in town are a bit limited still. Lara sent me plenty of clothes, but there was no quilt, and Claire will need one come winter.”

  “Think nothin’ of it. That will be more fun than I’ve had in ages. I never have gotten to shop for little girl belongin’s, what with all my young’uns being boys. How about you? Anything you need? Didn’t you give Lottie some of your clothes?”

  Sarah nodded. “I could use another nightgown since I gave her my extra one.” She leaned closer to her friend, lowering her voice. “And some unmentionables. Lara can help with that since she’s familiar with my size and what I like. I’ll write a note for you to give her, explaining what I want.”

  Zelma nodded. �
��Your friend and I’ll take care of all that, so don’t worry.”

  Bending down, Sarah ladled the fish onto the platter, handed it to Zelma, and then removed the pan from the fire. “Lara is more a sister than a friend. Jack is actually her brother by birth. We all claim one another as siblings, but I’m not a blood relative.”

  “You think that matters? I know it doesn’t to Jack.” Zelma rang the loud triangle.

  “No, it doesn’t, and I’m so grateful. They’re really the only family I have.”

  Zelma crossed her arms over her ample bosom and lifted her brows. “What about Luke? That handsome feller cain’t keep his eyes off you—and don’t think I haven’t seen you gawkin’ at him.”

  Sarah stiffened. “I don’t gawk at Luke.”

  Zelma wagged a finger. “I know better. Maybe you don’t realize how much you watch him when he’s around, and when he isn’t, half the time you’re starin’ off, lost in thought. Prob’ly pinin’ for him.” Her expression relaxed as she gazed past Sarah. “The men are comin’.”

  “I’ll run back to the house and let Lottie know it’s time to eat. She may not have heard the bell. And I don’t pine over Luke.”

  “Uh-huh. It’s best you consider your feelin’s for ‘im. Even my boys know what’s what. Luke’s a good man, and some other gal’s liable to nab ‘im away from you.”

  She hurried toward her house before Zelma shouted something about Luke that the men could hear. Was it possible he truly loved her? If only she knew more about the love between a man and woman.

  She fingered the necklace he gave her as she walked to the house. His generous gift had touched her heart and had drawn her thoughts to him each day when she put it on. The necklace was too special to leave behind in her tent—or the house—where someone could sneak in and steal it. She usually wore it under her dress so people wouldn’t ask questions. It would be hard to explain that a man she wasn’t related to had given it to her.

  The front door opened as she approached the house, and Lottie stepped out carrying Claire. The little girl squealed and reached out her hands. Sarah hurried up the stairs and took her, setting Claire on her hip. “How was she?”

  “A little confused, but she let me dress her. I just kept talking and smiling. She’s a real sweetie. It’s kind of you to take her in, like you did me.”

  Sarah smiled. “It’s the Christian thing to do, and I like helping others.”

  Lottie belted out a harsh laugh. “I’ve spent plenty of time with ‘good Christian men’ upstairs at the saloon. None of them were kind like you or Jack.”

  Sarah nuzzled Claire’s cheek, hoping Lottie didn’t notice her blush at the mention of her time above the saloon. Gathering her composure once again, she straightened. “Those men were not true Christians. They were depraved men who took advantage of you and lusted for women they weren’t married to. A godly man would never treat you the way you’ve been treated. I hope your experience won’t close you off to one day finding a decent, God-fearing man to marry.”

  “No one would ever want a gal like me.”

  Sarah tugged a tress of her hair out of Claire’s grasp and tucked it behind her ear. “I told you Jo’s story. You should take heart from that. She found a good husband, and you can too if you change how you’ve been living. Lara will help you. She took me in and helped me become the woman I am now. She will help you, too.”

  Lottie’s gaze turned toward the Peterson camp. “Where’s Jack’s wife?”

  “She’s dead. We lost her when she was birthing their second child.”

  Lottie sucked in a breath. “Did he lose the baby, too?”

  Sarah nodded. “It was a terribly sad time. We’d better go if you want to get some supper. The men won’t wait long after they’ve been working so hard all day.”

  She nibbled her lip. “Do I have to go down there? Couldn’t you bring me a plate? Seems like it would be safer, just in case someone comes lookin’ for me.”

  Looping her arm through Lottie’s, she gave the woman a gentle tug. “You might as well get used to being around people. You won’t be able to hide out at Gabe’s and Lara’s for long. She’ll have you going to church and helping neighbors in need. Besides, it’s important for you to get to know the Petersons so you’ll feel comfortable around them.”

  They strolled toward the Petersons’ camp, arm in arm, as if they’d been friends for decades instead of days. Birds and tree frogs serenaded them from the direction of the river. “Zelma said she wanted to leave at sunrise.”

  “It doesn’t seem right for me to hide out in their wagon.”

  “You need to keep out of sight in case those men come looking for you. Pretending to be a woman about to give birth is the perfect reason for being on your back in the wagon.”

  Lottie snorted. “Being in that position’s what got me in trouble in the first place.”

  Sarah’s cheeks heated again. “But this time it will be your escape.”

  “Thank you for all you’ve done.”

  Sarah released her new friend’s arm and hugged her shoulders. “You’re very welcome. We are all so happy to help you start a new life.”

  Lottie flashed an ornery grin. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed the way you and that handsome Luke cast looks at each other. He’s your beau, isn’t he?”

  Sarah wanted to crawl under a rock. Why did people keep saying that? “Luke is a very good friend of mine. That’s all.”

  “I don’t believe that for a moment. I’d be willin’ to bet you all the coins in my money belt that he’s in love with you.”

  She nearly groaned. Maybe it would be best if they both grabbed a plate and ate at the house. Claire shrieked, and Sarah noticed Cody running toward them.

  “We finished the cellar—all except for the door. Pa’s gonna let me help him build it tomorrow.”

  She walked down the porch steps, ruffled his hair, and handed Claire to him. The girl leaned in and gave him a slobbery kiss. Cody’s eyes widened; then he scrunched up his face. Lottie laughed along with Sarah. She pulled out her handkerchief and wiped off his cheek.

  “That’s yucky, Claire.” He turned and carried the girl to camp.

  Lottie playfully bumped Sarah’s hip, drawing her gaze.

  “Looks like Luke isn’t the only one in love.”

  Sarah gasped and covered Lottie’s mouth. “You hush before someone hears you.”

  Lottie chuckled as Sarah removed her hand. “You think those Peterson men don’t already know? You must think they’re dumber than sheep.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Why do you reckon none of them have tried to catch your eye? They know who you belong to.” With a proud smirk, she hustled toward the food.

  Sarah stood there thunderstruck. Had Luke said something to the Petersons? He had no right to do that, not that she was interested in any of Zelma’s sons. But if he had, he and she were going to have a powwow. She hurried to catch up with her new friend. “So what did Luke tell them?”

  Lottie swatted her hand in the air. “He didn’t have to say nuthin’. It’s obvious to anyone with a lick of sense that there’s something between you and that handsome cowboy.”

  What was obvious? If only she knew what it was that she and Luke were doing to attract attention. Did she stare at him? It wouldn’t be odd if she did since they were such good friends. But she didn’t think she did. Still, she would sure try not to do so in the future.

  With a heavy heart, Sarah waved good-bye to Lottie. Fred and Zelma drove their covered wagon with the twins riding their horses behind them. All of the men were armed in case of trouble. No one had come looking for Lottie, so maybe they wouldn’t encounter trouble. At least she prayed that would be the case. Lottie peeked out the back of the wagon and waved.

  Sarah did the same. Though she’d eaten Zelma’s pancakes, an ache had taken residence in her stomach. She hadn’t known Lottie long, but she’d enjoyed having her as a guest—once she’d shed her aromatic saloon garb an
d had washed the smoke and garish perfume from her skin.

  Claire’s belly laugh drew Sarah’s gaze to the old quilt she sat on. Cody had been tasked with keeping her occupied while Sarah washed the breakfast dishes, and from the looks of it, he was doing a fine job—although she wasn’t sure how long he could keep up his fervent activity. He ran around the quilt, and then when he managed to get behind Claire, he leaped close to her and said, “Boo!”

  Each time Claire jumped and then giggled. Sarah smiled at the sweet scene. Claire had certainly become more comfortable with them, but she still didn’t talk. It was hard to know what to expect when she wasn’t certain of her age.

  She returned to her task. The water would be cold if she didn’t get busy. As she washed each plate, dipped it in the rinse bucket, and then dried it, she listened to the rhythmic echoes of the hammer and saw. With the exception of Jack, who was working on the door to her cellar, everyone was building her barn. Amos, Johnny, and Luke had made good progress getting the frame up. The barn would be small, with just three stalls and a tack room with enough space for a bed, in case Jack or Luke visited her down the road, and a loft for storing hay. They also planned to construct a corral so that Dottie and the cow Sarah planned to buy could graze and enjoy the warm Oklahoma days without Sarah worrying about them running off.

  With the dishes dried, she returned them to the Petersons’ cook wagon and cleaned the mixing bowl and skillet then dried and put them away. She missed Zelma even more than Lottie. The woman had become like an adopted mother, and she dreaded the quickly coming day when the Petersons would leave permanently.

  And Jack was leaving—as soon as the barn was completed. She couldn’t help wondering if his desire to return home had something to do with Lottie. Her new friend hadn’t shared her age, but she had related with great pride that she had a sister, ten years younger than she, who attended the Sam Houston Normal Institute. Lottie hoped to be at Amelia’s graduation next spring in Huntsville to celebrate her sister becoming a teacher.