Love Inspired Historical November 2015

by Linda Ford

  He tucked the robe around her again, though it hadn’t shifted, and sat with his shoulder pressed against her, sharing his body heat.

  She wasn’t about to complain.

  The travelers were quiet as the stagecoach rattled along the trail.

  When they rode over a bump, Louise felt a cramp clutch her stomach. She breathed against it and fought the urge to bend over. The spasm ended and she relaxed. But midmorning, another one squeezed her muscles. She feared it was more than just being jostled, more than just her body revolting against the ordeal she’d put it through. Was it the baby? But again it passed after a moment and she leaned back against Nate.

  Hours later, when they stopped to change horses, Dutch did not allow more than enough time to hitch up the fresh team before he said they must be on their way. She’d barely got out to stretch her legs.

  At the first stop in the afternoon, Nate turned to Louise. “You should stay inside this time.”

  “I can’t.”

  “It’s cold and the wind has come up.”

  “I can’t. Really can’t.”

  He finally understood her meaning and nodded. “Very well. But make it quick.” He helped her down and escorted her across the yard, where he gave her some privacy.

  “You weren’t wrong,” she said when she rejoined him. “The wind has a real bite to it.” It also carried hard pellets of snow.

  Nate rushed her back to the stagecoach and she didn’t object, welcoming the protection of the thin walls. “Sit in the middle this time. I’ll sit next to the window.” Even with the heavy curtains down, a draft came through the opening and she gladly relinquished the spot.

  But if she thought Nate meant to give her extra attention, she soon discovered he had other things on his mind. He lifted a corner of the curtain and watched outside.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked after several miles of this.

  “Nothing. Just watching the weather.”

  She leaned closer and peered over his shoulder. Snow came down, thick and wind driven.

  He glanced at her and shook his head.

  She nodded, understanding he didn’t want her to say anything and alarm the others. Her own concern was enough to deal with. She faced straight ahead, avoiding Missy’s questioning stare, and pressed her palms to her round belly. She’d had no more cramps. That was good. But if they got stranded out in the open…

  Now would be a good time to trust God. Please get us safely to shelter.

  They stopped once more to change horses. The passengers took one look outside, saw the wind-driven snow and remained huddled inside, except for Louise. She had to exit the coach despite the cold. Again, she clung to Nate’s hand as he sheltered her against his side across the yard.

  When they returned to the coach, Sam tied the horse to the back of the wagon and climbed up beside Dutch.

  Louise had been in the West all her life. She had experienced raging snowstorms. She knew Sam rode up there to help watch for the trail.

  They had not gone far when the coach stopped and tipped as the men climbed down.

  “No need for worry,” Dutch called. “I’m only checking on the horses.”

  But when they didn’t return to the seat, Louise knew they were on the ground leading the animals through the snow. Her lungs grew so tight it made breathing difficult. She wished she could blame it on the cold but it was fear.

  She again peered over Nate’s shoulders into a solid white wall. She grabbed Nate’s hand under the robe and squeezed hard.

  He tried to smile but didn’t succeed in hiding his worry.

  She prayed as she had never prayed before, because never before had she been worried about so many others besides herself and her baby. She had no desire to freeze to death in the white fury. She meant to get to Eden Valley Ranch in time for Christmas and the safe arrival of her baby. After that, as Nate said, she would move on with her life. And stop trying to hold on to the past.

  Please, God, guide us through this storm.

  *

  Nate wished he could be in two places at once—at the front helping guide the horses and in the stagecoach, making sure Louise was safe.

  His fingers grew numb from the way she squeezed his hand. She had seen the storm, felt its fury when she left the stage. She had more reason than the others to fear being stranded.

  Out of nowhere he remembered something he’d heard, that too much anxiety could bring on birth. Seemed being in a snowstorm might qualify as a source of anxiety, and if the grip of her hand meant anything, he figured she was plenty worried.

  He tried to recall what he knew about the birth of babies. Very little. Ask him about a horse or cow about to give birth and he knew every warning sign. Such knowledge proved of little value under the present circumstances.

  There was little he could do except pray.

  Since working at Eden Valley Ranch, he had learned the value of prayer and turned his thoughts to asking God for help. Our Father who art in Heaven, guide us safely to the way station. Keep Louise and the baby safe. And the others, too.

  The stage stopped moving. Were they stuck? Lost? He ached to join Dutch and Sam but couldn’t bring himself to leave Louise’s side. If they were lost or stuck, he wanted to be right there, helping her, protecting her.

  Slowly the stage continued on. He tried not to imagine the men peering into the blinding snow, eyes crusted with frost, having to wipe ice from the horses’ nostrils so they could breathe.

  There was nothing he could do but continue to pray and hold Louise’s hand, providing as much strength and comfort as he could.

  The interior, already dim because the heavy curtains were down, grew even darker as the storm clouds shut out the sky.

  Nate quit looking out the window. No need to see what he already knew—there was nothing to see but white. Looking only let in a cold draft.

  Missy’s eyes, about all that showed above the buffalo robe, were wide.

  He wanted to assure her they were going to be okay, but apart from God’s hand leading them to safety, he could not give such assurances.

  Both Adams men had their eyes closed. Nate guessed they were praying.

  He didn’t have to look at Miss Rolfe. He knew she’d be wishing she’d stayed with Peace despite the man’s protests.

  Aside from praying and observing his fellow travelers, Nate wondered about the cattle of the Eden Valley Ranch and the nearby ranches. Chances were, this storm would not go that far north, but then again, it might. Snowstorms could be deadly on cattle if they drifted too far or ran out of pasture.

  Good thing Eddie Gardiner had the foresight to bring his animals down to lower pastures, which were less burdened by snow and, even more, Eddie put up hay to see the cattle through times when the snow was too deep for them to find grazing.

  The afternoon passed slowly. Without being able to see sun or sky, he couldn’t tell how late it was.

  Louise’s head dipped, then settled on his shoulder. Good, she’d finally fallen asleep. What better way to pass the uncertain hours until they reached shelter?

  It took him a moment to realize the coach had stopped moving. He was instantly alert but managed not to move a muscle so he wouldn’t disturb Louise.

  Dutch opened the door. “You folks follow me.”

  Nate glanced past the driver. He could see nothing but white, swirling snow. The whine of the wind filled his ears.

  Nate held Louise back as Dutch helped the others down, then he dropped to the ground and reached up to help her. He wrapped her heavy shawl about her and pulled her into the protection of his arms. She was his wife. He would not let her go until they found shelter. It might only be a pretend marriage, but at the moment, his responsibility felt very real.

  His concern felt like more than responsibility—a thought he didn’t have the time or desire to analyze at the moment.

  “Stay close,” Dutch said, leading them into the snowstorm.

  “Where are we going?” Miss Rolfe asked, her vo
ice quivering.

  Dutch, his head bent into the wind, didn’t answer.

  Nate continued to pray. Could You please see us to safety?

  Through the snow a dark shape appeared before them. After another ten feet he made out a cabin. A door opened to reveal warmth and soft light, and one by one they hurried inside.

  “Thank You, God,” Nate said, still holding Louise in the shelter of his arms, close enough he felt her relieved sigh. He wanted to tell her that this was surely a sign God had not forgotten them.

  He looked around. “Where’s Sam?”

  “He’s still with the horses,” Dutch said. “I’ll help him and then be back. By the way, meet Dusty. He’s an old cowpoke.” He introduced the leather-faced older man who lived there. His eyes were faded blue as if a hot sun had soaked away the color, and his thinning blond hair hung raggedly to his shoulders. Still, for Dutch and the rest of them he was a welcome sight, and so was his home. “Dusty, my man, I have never been so glad to recognize the tree at the side of the road in all my life. I knew where I was when I saw it. Almost ran into it.” He left them in Dusty’s care and went out to tend to the horses.

  “I expect you’re all cold to the gills,” Dusty said. “Why don’t you step up to my stove and warm yourselves while I make some fresh tea.”

  “Tea has never sounded more welcome,” Archie said. He introduced himself and the others.

  They needed no second invitation to stand by the stove. Soon they began to shed their mittens and scarves, and then their heavier outerwear.

  Except for Louise, who huddled by the fire, her shawl drawn close.

  “Louise, is something wrong?” Nate asked.

  She didn’t even look at him, but worse, she didn’t object to what she called his fussing.

  He glanced toward Missy, seeing his concern reflected in her eyes.

  Louise sucked in a deep breath and shook her shawl from her shoulders, holding it in the crook of her arms. “I’m quite fine, thank you. But that cup of tea will be most welcome.”

  He’d never been so glad to hear her say she was fine.

  Nor so uncertain it was true.

  Dusty served tea in a big blue enamel pot that Nate discovered, at first taste, had recently been use to boil coffee in, giving the tea a most unusual taste.

  Sam and Dutch returned, shaking snow from their clothes.

  “We won’t be going anywhere until this lets up,” Dutch announced. “Sure hope it doesn’t turn into a three-dayer.”

  Nate stared out the window at the darkening sky. Out here, he knew snowstorms often lasted three days. He hoped this one didn’t. Taking the stagecoach had already slowed his journey a good two days. Add three days due to the storm and he’d be in danger of missing the mountain man.

  He had no intention of losing his chance to buy that land. Surely they were far enough away from Rocky Creek that Vic wouldn’t follow them. Besides, would the man even want to leave the comfort of home to venture into the trials of winter travel?

  So that left Nate with the option of leaving Louise and Missy to complete the trip on their own while he made up for lost time on his fast horse.

  He stayed at the window even though there was nothing to see. For some odd reason, he didn’t want Louise to see the expression on his face and perhaps read his determination.

  Chapter Ten

  Louise watched Nate, tension in the set of his shoulders. There was nothing to see out the window. What was he thinking? Whatever it was, how would it affect her? Dutch had suggested they might be stranded three days. No doubt that weighed heavily on Nate’s mind. Would he leave them at the first opportunity?

  She shivered at the thought. At least if anyone noticed, they wouldn’t think it odd. They had all been chilled to the bone before they reached this stopping house.

  She’d meant to pray through the hours of their afternoon travel in the blinding snow. After all, she had much reason to call upon God, to seek His help and trust He’d answer. Not the least of which was the baby kicking at her ribs.

  But to her surprise and annoyance, she’d fallen asleep. If her position when she’d wakened meant anything, she’d spent the afternoon practically curled in Nate’s lap.

  No reason she should be embarrassed. He was, after all, her husband.

  She almost laughed at the presumption of her thoughts.

  Still half asleep and completely confused by her feelings of safety and security in his arms, she’d stood by the stove unfocused and distant until Nate’s concern had jerked her to attention.

  Then she’d been foolish enough to agree to a cup of tea.

  She forced herself not to grimace as she swallowed another mouthful. It was wet and warm. That was the best she could say about it.

  With a barely audible sigh, Nate turned from the window and sat at Louise’s side, his hands around the cup of tea Dusty had handed him before he joined them at the table.

  Dusty perched beside Missy, crowding to her side, though perhaps it was unintentional as the bench was not wide. He turned to Missy. “You’re a pretty little thing. Did you know that?”

  Missy gave the man a look that would have discouraged anyone with half a brain. “So I’ve been told.” Ice dripped from every word.

  “Can I get you sugar for your tea?” He’d offered none to the others.

  “I don’t care for sugar, thanks.”

  Dusty edged closer, though there was wasn’t enough room to insert a knife between them to start with.

  Louise scowled at the man. His face looked like weathered leather, full of deep wrinkles. And he was old enough to be Missy’s father twice over.

  If he wanted to pay attention to a lady, he should bother Rowena. She wanted a man.

  Dusty leaned against Missy.

  She scowled at the man, but he paid her no mind.

  “Let me out,” Louise said, forcing Nate to stand so she could slip from the bench. She marched to the other side of the table and jammed her fists on her hips. “I’d like to sit beside my sister-in-law,” she announced, not caring that everyone stared at her.

  Miss Rolfe nodded.

  Louise accepted it as encouragement and tapped her foot.

  Dusty ignored her.

  Louise poked him on the shoulder. “Would you please move?”

  He merely spared her a brief glance full of stubborn denial.

  Nate took a step that brought him to Dusty’s side. “The lady asked you to move.” There was no mistaking the challenge in his words.

  Slowly Dusty swiveled his head toward Nate. “Don’t seem like it’s any of your business.”

  Nate gave him a feral smile. “Considering she’s my wife, I think it’s completely my business.”

  The two men stared at each other, the moment crackling with tension.

  Then Dusty jerked to his feet. “Have it your way. After all, you’re guests of the company that pays my wages.” Each word dripped with resentment. He stomped to the stove and began banging pots and pans, making it impossible for the others to carry on a conversation.

  Louise settled in beside Missy, and Nate sat back down.

  “You don’t have to take care of me,” Missy said.

  “I know.” Louise realized she hadn’t been giving Missy much thought for the past couple of days, occupied, as she was with her own concerns. From now on, though, she’d pay her more attention.

  She lifted her gaze to Nate’s. He grinned widely. She couldn’t think what he found so amusing. Unless…

  Did he think she’d sprung to Missy’s defense too readily?

  Well, little he knew.

  His smile fled and his eyebrows went up as if he’d read her thoughts. “It’s nice to see your concern for Missy,” he murmured, then got up and returned to the window.

  She’d judged him wrongly. He wasn’t mocking her; he was complimenting her. What was the matter with her? He’d been nothing but kind and helpful on this journey. But something about the way he looked out the window put her nerv
es on edge. Somehow she knew—or thought she did—that he regretted having agreed to marry and accompany her. It had slowed him down.

  She went to his side. “You’re worried about the storm, aren’t you?”

  “We’re warm and safe for the night.”

  “You don’t have to stay with us any longer. Missy and I can make the rest of the trip on our own.” She kept her voice low, though she doubted anyone could overhear her with Dusty’s racket.

  “I hope you’re not suggesting I go out in this.” Nate didn’t take his eyes from the darkened window.

  “Of course not, but when it’s safe to leave, don’t worry about me…us.”

  “We might not be leaving anytime soon if this storm doesn’t let up.” His voice had deepened with what she took as disappointment or worry.

  “I’m sorry.”

  He shrugged. “You’re not responsible for the weather.”

  Maybe not for the weather but the delay.

  Short of apologizing again, there seemed nothing more to say and she returned to the bench.

  Dusty set a pot in the middle of the table and added a stack of plates and spoons. “Dig in if you’re hungry.”

  She was, but the stew had an unpleasant odor. The others ate as if it was okay, but after one mouthful, she couldn’t eat more.

  The evening stretched before them. Louise took out her book and started to read, grateful Peace had lent both her and Nate a book. She sat at one side of Missy, Rowena on the other, making it impossible for Dusty to get close to her.

  Nate sat at Louise’s other side, also reading, as were the others, except for Dusty, who prowled from one side of the narrow room to the other, muttering under his breath, making it hard to relax. Nate, she noticed, would turn one page and then watch Dusty go back and forth.

  Louise inched closer to Nate, though they were already crowded on the narrow bench. If Dusty grew violent or even just belligerent, she wanted to be where she knew she would be protected—next to her husband.

  She almost laughed at the thought.

  Nate must have heard or felt her capping her humor as he looked at her, a question in his eyes.

  She shook her head. He’d never understand even if she could explain without sounding like an absolute idiot.