He glanced over his shoulder at the supplies loaded in the sled and patted the saddlebags next to him on the seat. Relief filled him that the sale had brought in enough to carry them through the winter and a little beyond. He’d even had enough to buy Christmas gifts for his family and material for Cassidy to make garments for the baby.
His pulse quickened at the thought of the new child. It wouldn’t be long now. Just a few more weeks. A sense of dread clenched his gut as he thought ahead. Would he still have Cassidy when it was all over, or like little Jack, would the new baby be left motherless?
Cassidy had waved away all of his concerns, and even Ellen had tried to reassure him that Cassidy was the type of woman who bore children easily. Still, Dell knew from experience that God could be ruthless in His dealings when men broke their word. And he was determined not to break his word this time.
He had found himself praying more lately. For the baby and Cassidy. For the other children, who thankfully were beginning to accept Cassidy into their lives—all but Tarah. Most of all, he prayed for strength to keep his promise to God. In unguarded moments, he wondered if perhaps Reverend Marcus had been right when he said life had just dealt him a harsh blow. That Anna’s death had nothing to do with a bargain. And he remembered Cassidy said she didn’t believe God was a God of vengeance either.
Looking out at the glistening snow, Dell knew he was afraid to agree with her. Afraid to give in and be the husband Cassidy deserved, in every sense of the word. In spite of his resolve, somewhere deep inside, hope was beginning to glimmer.
Cassidy caught her breath as the sleigh glided over the icy ground. The moon, full and bright, cast a silvery glow on the snow-covered plain. Oh, what a perfect evening it would have been if only Dell were there to share it. She sighed aloud, her breath frosty white in the frigid night air.
The first trip Dell made to Abilene only kept him away for two weeks. But this time he and Johnny had already been gone five weeks, and Cassidy was beginning to worry about her husband.
She glanced sideways at Sam, and her heart swelled with pride—mother’s pride. He sat with the reins in his capable hands, looking confident, almost manly, as he drove the horses.
Turning, he blushed bright red as he caught her staring at him.
She placed a gentle, gloved hand on his arm. “I was just thinking of what a big help you’ve been since your pa’s been gone.” He swallowed hard as she continued. “I truly don’t know what I would have done without you.”
“I only wish Pa woulda made it back for the dance tonight,” he said softly. “I know how you’ve been looking forward to it.”
“I am disappointed,” she admitted. “But it couldn’t be helped, and there will be other dances your pa can escort me to.”
He nodded and turned his attention back to the horses.
Cassidy smiled, remembering the morning Dell had asked her to the Christmas dance. A small ache crossed her heart, making it feel as though it were bruised. She had hoped against hope that he would be back in time to escort her, but here she was again, going alone to a dance. Well, she wasn’t really alone, she reminded herself. After all, the children were with her.
A slight twinge pinched her lower back. Mercy, this seat was uncomfortable! Thankfully they were pulling into town. She’d be glad to get out and stretch her legs.
Sam pulled the horses to a stop in front of the little schoolhouse, maneuvering carefully around the other sleighs in the yard.
“Luke, help the girls,” he ordered, jumping down. “I’ll get Ma.”
Sam walked around to her side, almost losing his footing on the icy ground. He lifted the heavy quilt from her lap. “Be careful,” he admonished. “It’s pretty slippery here.”
She took his proffered hand, stepping down carefully. The rest of the children moved ahead of her, unmindful of the ice; but Sam stayed by Cassidy’s side. He didn’t release her until they were inside the building. Then he helped her out of her coat and led her carefully to a chair.
She patted his arm. “Thank you, Sam. Now go ask someone to dance.”
A bright red glow covered his face and spread all the way to his hairline. He glanced around until his eyes rested on Camilla Simpson.
Ah, so he still had a crush on the girl.
Camilla’s gaze shifted from the young man who whirled her around the dance floor to Sam, and a pretty blush appeared on her cheeks.
From the looks of it, the feeling was mutual. Well, Cassidy didn’t blame Camilla for having a crush on Sam. She only hoped the perky brunette was worthy of her special son.
“Go ahead and ask her to dance,” she urged.
“Naw.” Sam stuffed his hands into his trouser pockets. “I can’t cut in on another fella.”
With a sniff, Cassidy waved a hand. “Looks to me like she’d rather dance with you.”
Indeed, Camilla seemed hard-pressed to focus on the young man with whom she was dancing, for her eyes kept roving to Sam.
“Think so?”
“Seems pretty obvious,” she said with a wry smile. “It’s perfectly all right for a man to cut in on a dance. Just go tap her partner politely on the shoulder. If he’s a gentleman, he’ll move aside.”
A look of indecision crossed Sam’s features.
“Go ahead.” Cassidy gave him a small shove.
With his hands still stuffed in his pockets, he cleared his throat and took a tentative step onto the dance floor.
An encouraging smile touched Cassidy’s lips as he glanced back at her. She inclined her head to spur him on. His back straightened, and he tapped Camilla’s partner on the shoulder. He received a scowl from the lad, but a shy smile lit Camilla’s face.
At the demonstration of new courtship, Cassidy’s heart ached with loneliness. Deep in thoughts of Dell, she jumped when a man’s voice broke into her thoughts. “It looks like we may end up in-laws.”
With an upward glance, Cassidy recognized Camilla’s father. She smiled. “Well, I wouldn’t count my chickens before they’re hatched,” she replied. “But you could be right. Sam’s pretty smitten.”
“He’s not the only one.” A baritone chuckle escaped the doctor’s lips. “Cammie’s been miserable for weeks, wondering if your boy would ask her to dance tonight.”
“Well, she needn’t have worried.”
Dr. Simpson took the chair next to her. “Uh, Mrs. St. John, I don’t want to appear rude, but I can’t help noticing your condition.”
Heat warmed Cassidy’s face, and a gasp escaped her lips at the man’s audacity.
He raised a hand in defense. “Pardon my boldness, but I am a doctor.”
“Of course.” Cassidy smiled.
“I’d like to offer my assistance when your time comes.”
“That’s generous of you, but I’m fine, really. I have a woman at home to help me.” She shifted in her seat as another twinge pinched her back. Would she ever be comfortable again?
“I realize you’ve had several children, Mrs. St. John, but you look as though you might deliver at any moment,” he persisted. “It wouldn’t hurt to have a doctor present at the birth.”
“This is my first child, Doctor. And anyway, I have five or six weeks to go.”
He frowned, and his gaze shifted to Sam and Camilla.
“My husband had four children before we met,” Cassidy explained. “And I took my niece to raise after her parents died.”
“And you said you still have a month to go?”
She nodded. “A little over a month.”
“Hmm.” His gaze roved over her bulging stomach. “You’re a large-built woman, so maybe you’re just carrying a big baby.”
Cassidy winced at the reference to her size. A big baby! She didn’t want her girl to be big.
“At any rate,” he said, “it might be a good idea to enlist my services when the time comes.”
“I’ll discuss it with my husband, Dr. Simpson. Thank you for your concern.”
The song ended, and the d
ancers drifted from the floor. Sam and Camilla made their way toward Cassidy.
Sam stretched out a hand to Camilla’s father. “How are you tonight, sir?”
The doctor grasped the proffered hand and gave Sam a good-natured grin. “Doing fine, son.” He glanced at Camilla. “How’d you like to dance with your pa?”
Camilla dimpled. “I’d love to.”
Sam stuffed his hands into his pockets and cleared his throat. “You don’t feel like dancing, do you?” he asked, his gaze resting on Cassidy.
Though she felt she probably shouldn’t make a spectacle of herself in her condition, she couldn’t resist. “I would be delighted.”
“Uh, okay.”
The hesitancy in his voice caused Cassidy’s brows to furrow. “You sure you don’t mind, Sam?”
His face colored.
So he was embarrassed to dance with her in her condition. “It’s all right,” she said, her heart going out to him. “We don’t have to.”
“No, it’s okay. It would be my, uh, honor,” he insisted, though Cassidy didn’t quite believe him.
The grin that crossed his features was the same heart-stopping smile she’d seen so many times on his father. Another ache crossed Cassidy’s heart as he helped her to her feet.
She danced with her son until he stopped abruptly. She glanced up into his face, but his pleased gaze rested beyond her. Cassidy turned. Dell! He stood at the door, watching her, and when he caught her gaze, his face lit up into a smile.
Tears of relief filled her eyes, and she moved toward him as fast as her feet would take her.
Gathering her into his arms, Dell placed a light kiss on her lips.
“Dell,” she admonished, “people are watching.”
He shrugged and grinned. “If a man didn’t kiss his wife after not seeing her for a month, I’d think there was something wrong with him.”
Heat rose to her cheeks. “I’ve been worried sick,” she said. “How was the trip?”
“Later,” he said, his voice low and husky. “Right now I want to dance with you.”
Suddenly feeling light and carefree, she floated into his arms. “I’m so glad you’re home.” She pressed her head against his chest.
“I couldn’t stand you up, now, could I?”
Another twinge pinched at Cassidy’s back. She stiffened.
Dell held her slightly away from him, his concerned gaze searching her face. “Everything okay?”
“Oh, I’m fine,” she reassured him. “But I would feel better if I sat.”
“Let’s get you off your feet, then.” He led her gently to a chair. “Can I get you anything?”
“A glass of punch would be nice. Thank you.”
“Be right back.”
As he made his way toward the refreshment table, Cassidy scanned the room, looking for each of her children. Sam again danced with Camilla. Emily and Jack played together with a small gathering of children, and Luke stood in a corner with a group of boys his own age. She continued her survey of the room and frowned. Where was Tarah?
Cassidy’s eyes riveted to the door just as the girl slipped outside behind someone. Johnny!
Anger boiled inside of Cassidy. Was she being played for a fool? Tarah must have been seeing him all along!
She glanced back to the refreshment table. Dell was deep in conversation with the doctor. Well, she wasn’t going to wait and give Johnny a chance to paw her daughter! Lumbering to her feet, Cassidy grabbed her coat and scarf.
An icy gust caught the door just as she opened it. Stepping outside, she gasped at the intensity of the cold. The ground was slippery as she made her way carefully down the steps, eyes scanning the area for Tarah and Johnny.
Please show me where they are, Lord.
The sound of angry voices caught her ears, and she cautiously moved toward the sound. Tarah and Johnny stood beside Dell’s horse.
“You are not going to steal from my pa!” Tarah said hotly.
Johnny’s voice came back smooth as freshly churned butter. “I told you, we’re not stealing it from him. As soon as we get to Oregon and get settled in, we’ll start paying him back.”
“Why don’t we just wait until we have the money, then? I just don’t feel right going about it this way.”
“I told you, hon. It’s the only way. Your pa’d skin me alive if he knew I was in love with his daughter.”
“Oh Johnny…”
The sound of rapture in Tarah’s voice made Cassidy bristle. How dare he play on that child’s emotions! Without thought, she stepped forward. “Johnny Cooper, I thought I told you to stay away from my daughter!”
“Cassidy!” Tarah groaned.
Cassidy whirled around and pointed a finger at Tarah. “And to think I believed you when you told me you wouldn’t see him anymore.”
There was no defiance in Tarah’s face. “I’m sorry, Cassidy, but I love him. We’re getting married.”
Rage boiled inside of Cassidy. “Over my dead, cold body are you marrying the likes of that vermin.”
“Cassidy,” Johnny broke in, amusement edging his voice, “I’m crushed.” In his hand he held Dell’s brown leather wallet.
“What do you think you are doing with my husband’s money?”
“Now don’t get riled up. I’m just taking it to the ranch for him.”
She squinted, sizing him up. “Uh-huh, we’ll see. Come, Tarah,” she said firmly. “I think it’s time your father knew about this relationship. I never should have kept it from him to begin with.”
“Please, don’t.” Tears glistened in Tarah’s violet eyes as she pleaded.
“I’m sorry, but you’ve left me no choice.” Cassidy lifted her skirt and turned.
Tarah gave a sharp intake of breath. “What do you think you are doing?”
Cassidy turned in time to see Johnny’s pistol raised above her.
“Johnny, no!” Tarah screamed.
Pain exploded in Cassidy’s head, and blackness claimed her.
Dell frowned and glanced around the small room. Cassidy was nowhere to be seen. He motioned Sam from the dance floor.
“What’s wrong, Pa?”
“Have you seen your ma?”
Sam shook his head. “Maybe she went to the…”
“I don’t think so. She’s been gone awhile.” He grabbed his coat. “Just to be sure, I’ll go out and check. You gather up the rest of the kids and ask if any of them have seen her.”
Dell returned to the schoolhouse a moment later after confirming Cassidy wasn’t in the privy outside. The children were gathered around, concern written plainly on their faces.
“Where’s Tarah?” he asked.
Luke shrugged. “I saw her go outside with Johnny a while ago.”
“Johnny Cooper?” Dell asked with a frown. “What would she be doing with him? Besides, I told Johnny to take the supplies home.” Anxiety gnawed at his stomach. “Stay here,” he ordered.
Dell grabbed his saddlebag from its hook on the wall and opened the flap.
Feeling around for his gun, he frowned. His wallet, carrying the money they’d brought back from the sale of the stock, was missing.
“That no-good, thieving…” So he had been right not to trust Johnny. He kicked himself mentally. He should have gone with his gut instinct in the first place. Taking his holster from the bag, he slid it around his hips and buckled it into place. There were more important things than money right now. But he’d deal with Johnny once Cassidy and Tarah were safe. Slinging his saddlebag over his shoulder, he hurried into the frigid winter night.
His gaze scanned the schoolyard. Spying something lying a few feet away, he moved toward the object. Cassidy’s scarf lay on the ground. As he bent to pick it up, he stared in horror. Drops of blood, crimson against the white of the snow, spotted the area.
Cassidy! Oh God, no. Please, no.
Panicked, he ran back inside.
“What’s wrong, Pa?” Sam asked.
Dell grabbed the boy’s ar
m and led him away from the rest of the children. “I found this outside,” he said, holding up the scarf. “And there was blood on the ground beside it.”
“We gotta find her, Pa! What do you think happened?”
“I’m not sure, but it looks like Johnny took her and Tarah.” Dell swiped a hand across his forehead. “What I can’t figure out is why he’d do it. If he just wanted to steal the money from the sale, he could’ve done that.”
“It was Tarah, Pa,” Sam said hesitantly. “She told me a while back they were going to be married as soon as she was of age.”
Rage clouded Dell’s senses as Sam went on. “Cassidy must have caught them together.”
Dell shook his head, still unable to put it all together. All he knew was that he had to find Cassidy and Tarah.
“Sam, I’m going to unhitch one of the horses from the sleigh so I can go after your ma and sister. I want you to be extra careful and take the children home.”
“I want to come with you, Pa.”
Dell placed a hand on Sam’s shoulder. “I know you do, son. But I need you to look after the children for me. Can I count on you?”
“Yes sir.”
“All right, then. I’ll be home as soon as I find them.”
“Everything okay here?” Dr. Simpson stood before him.
“My wife and daughter are missing.” Dell showed him the scarf. “I found this outside on the ground, along with some blood. I’m going after them.”
Doc frowned. “You need another man to ride along?”
“I sure could use you,” Dell said. “I think my ranch foreman may have kidnapped them.”
“Let me get my bag and tell my wife I’m coming with you,” he said.
“Thanks. Do you have a saddle horse?”
Doc nodded. “I had a patient to see before I came, so I rode here.”
“Good. I’ll meet you out front.”
By the time Dell loaded the children into the sleigh and sent them off toward home, Dr. Simpson was ready to ride.
“Let’s take a moment to pray,” the doctor suggested.
“I thought you were a doctor, not a preacher,” Dell said gruffly, mounting his horse.
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