Trent was already tugging on his leg for attention. “I’ve got something important to tell you.”
“Is that right?” Quinn swept the boy into his arms. “What do you have to say for yourself, young man?”
Trent hid his face on Quinn’s shoulder with a sudden attack of shyness, which made his words a bit muffled. “You’re my second-bestest buddy besides Reece.”
“I am? Well, ‘second-bestest’ is good enough for me, cowboy.” He jostled the boy slightly so they could grin at each other before they exchanged a hug. Charlotte handed him Olivia next. He told the little girl goodbye with a kiss on the cheek that she promptly returned, much to everyone’s amusement. Reece was next. As they hugged, the boy admitted, “I’m going to miss you and Aunt Helen something awful. I wish we could all be together.”
“We’ll miss you, too, Reece. You’ll be in our thoughts and prayers no matter how far apart we are. Distance doesn’t stop family from being family.” Quinn glanced up to find Wade watching and smiled. “Your pa taught me that.”
After saying goodbye to Charlotte, Quinn offered his hand to his brother. Wade brushed it aside and went for a hug instead, which ended with them both pounding each other on the back. When they stepped apart, Wade put a hand on Quinn’s shoulder. “I hate that we’re saying goodbye again when it seems we’ve just said hello.”
“So do I.” A lump made its way into his throat even as his eyes began to smart. He fought back the feeling with a smile. “I can’t tell you how much this has meant to me or how much you’ve helped me in the short time you’ve been here.”
“It’s meant the world to me, too. I only wish I could have been here a long time ago. We’ve missed so much.” Wade shook his head and swallowed hard before turning away. “Charlotte, children, let’s get on the train. Helen, we’ll save you a seat.”
Quinn pulled in a deep breath then slowly turned to face his wife. She offered a tremulous smile that soon vanished. He cleared his throat, rubbed his jaw and tried to form the words to say goodbye. They wouldn’t come. He slipped his hands into his pockets. “Your parents will be waiting for you in Austin?”
“Yes.”
He nodded. “Send me a wire to let me know you’ve arrived safely.”
“I will.”
“Good.” Silence stretched between them until it was broken by the conductor’s call of “All aboard.” Quinn’s heartbeat ratcheted up in his chest. This was really happening. She was actually going to leave. “I guess this is it.”
“Yes, I suppose it is.” There were tears in her eyes when she met his gaze for the first time all afternoon. “Thank you, Quinn. Thank you for giving me the chance to be a mother even if it was only for a short time. It was everything I dreamed it would be. Now, all you have to do is sign this and return it to Judge Hendricks. He’ll take care of everything else.”
“What are you—”
She rose on tiptoe to kiss him deeply. Startled, it took him a moment to respond, and when he reached out to pull her closer, she was already disappearing onto the train. All she left behind was the package she’d been so fascinated with all afternoon. Was this what he was supposed to sign and return to the judge? He ripped the brown paper away to reveal the official-looking document inside. “‘Petition for an-nul...annul-ment.’”
Everything within him froze. He couldn’t seem to breathe as he examined the pages that would legally make it as though his marriage had never taken place. Helen had already filled everything out and signed her name on the last page right next to the blank spot where his was supposed to go. This was far different than just letting her live with her parents in another city. This would mean letting go of her and any hope of reconciliation. It meant he’d most likely never see her again. This was what she wanted?
His hands fisted, crumpling the papers in them as he stared at the train that hissed out more steam as it began a slow chug out of the station. Well, annulment wasn’t what he wanted. He was sick of this. He was sick of living his life expecting the worst then letting it play out right in front of him as though he had no choice or strength to change things. If God wanted him to have good things, an abundant life, a hope, a future, then why should Quinn be content to settle for anything less?
Helen was the best thing that had ever happened to him. He didn’t deserve her. That was true. He didn’t deserve God’s love, either. That didn’t mean that it didn’t belong to him...just as Helen did in the eyes of God and the law. She was his wife. He was her husband. He suddenly realized that meant it was no longer a question of whether he deserved her. The true question—the only question that mattered was, did he love her?
The answer was undeniable. Yes, he did. He just hadn’t dared to accept it or acknowledge it for fear that something would happen to take her away from him. Now what he’d feared was happening. Still, he had a choice. He could let her go or he could fight for her. It might not change the outcome of what would happen. However, for the first time in his life, he intended to try.
The train bellowed a whistle that sounded like an outright challenge, causing Quinn to realize his deep thinking had allowed the train to ease out of the station. It was gaining speed in an effort to leave Peppin behind. Without a second thought, Quinn jumped from the platform onto the track. He took off running after the train, ignoring the yells from the folks at the station questioning his sanity along with every misgiving and fear that rose up to tell him he was being a fool.
Quinn Tucker was chasing after more than he was entitled. What’s more, he planned to catch her. Once he did, God willing, he’d never let her go again.
* * *
Helen rested her head against the train window and fought back tears as the train picked up speed. Her seat’s window faced the opposite side from the center of town, so she’d have no last look at the place she’d called home or the man she’d called her husband. Perhaps that was for the best. Her conversation with the county judge had yielded a way of escape for Quinn. Maybe he would find someone else in time. Someone he wouldn’t think of as damaged.
Meanwhile, she’d find a way to be content on her own while cherishing every memory of the eight weeks she’d been his wife. She could only imagine what Austin society would say when she turned up only a few days after her wedding reception husbandless. Right now, she really didn’t care. The only thing that mattered was that she’d left her heart back in Peppin with a man she’d probably never see again.
Helen slid forward in her seat as the train abruptly slid to a stop. Her hand shot out to keep Trent, who sat next to her, from doing the same. She exchanged an alarmed look with Charlotte as Wade stood to peer out the window. He spoke over the confused murmurs coming from the other passengers in the train car. “Maybe there’s something on the tracks.”
Reece squeezed in between his father and the glass. “Maybe it’s outlaws.”
That brought Trent out of his seat. “I don’t see anything.”
“Boys, sit down.” Charlotte’s voice was commanding enough to make even Wade comply. Meanwhile, the folks across the aisle began opening their windows, allowing the cold to seep in along with the conductor’s irritated voice. “That brake is for emergencies only. This does not constitute an emergency.”
“It does to me.”
Helen felt her eyes widen at the sound of the deep, familiar voice. A gasp eased through her lips and her heart thundered in her chest as she hurried down the aisle toward the door. It eased open from the outside and she found herself staring down at Quinn. He froze, with his hands braced on either side of the doorway as though ready to jump inside and...do what exactly?
Hope battled with alarm and uncertainty as they stared at each other for a long, drawn-out moment. His searching gaze traced her every feature before returning to hers. He must have seen something he liked, for his blue eyes deepened while his dimples flashed in a reckless grin
she’d never seen before. A strange weakness filled her knees. His strong hands caught around her waist and hers automatically braced on his shoulders as he swung her down to stand in front of him. Her fingers slid from his shoulders to push away from his chest once she found her bearings. It did little good since he didn’t release her. “What is going on? What are you doing here?”
He ignored her questions completely. “Helen, please don’t go.”
She was dreaming. She’d fallen asleep on the train and was dreaming. “What did you say?”
He spoke louder, as if that would somehow help her understand. “I want you to stay.”
Before she could think of a response, a collective “aw” sounded above her head. Helen glanced up and her eyes widened. All the passengers on her car had crammed together at the open windows. They weren’t the only ones. People were hanging out the windows down the length of the train to watch. The engineer had climbed down from his station to stand in the tall grass with his hands on his hips. Even a few folks on the platform of the train station a good distance away had stopped what they were doing. “Land sakes, Quinn. You stopped the train.”
“Yeah, I sure did.” He didn’t look the least bit repentant about it, either. Nor did he seem fazed by all the attention they were garnering. He led her a short distance off and positioned her so that she faced away from the train. Suddenly, it felt as though it was just the two of them beneath the wide Texas sky. His gaze had lost none of its intensity. “Did you hear what I said, Helen? I don’t want you to go to Austin. I want you to come home with me.”
It was exactly what her heart was aching to hear. Well, not exactly. Still, it was the closest he had ever come to a profession of love. Even so, it didn’t change anything. She slid out of his one-armed embrace and took a step back. “Quinn, as much as I would like it to work out between us, I don’t think it will. It’s better that you file the petition for annulment. Where is the petition?”
His jaw tightened at the mention of the annulment before his lips settled into a smirk that was entirely too distracting. “Don’t know. Don’t care. Why wouldn’t it work?”
She glanced away, rubbed the nape of her neck and pressed her lips together.
“Helen.” That one word issued a command impossible to ignore.
“It’s going to be hard enough to stop thinking of myself as damaged. If I was living with a husband who saw me that way, it would be nigh on impossible. I can’t do that to myself.”
A blank look was followed by one of pure confusion. “What are you talking about? Damaged how?”
“The accident. I can’t have children.” She frowned when his confusion didn’t ease. “Quinn, I told you this.”
“I know you told me. I just don’t understand where you’re getting the idea that any of that matters to me. I never said that made you damaged. I never even thought it.”
She stared at him in disbelief. “Then why did you look so devastated?”
“I thought you were saying you had no use for me. You married me for the children. The children were gone and I couldn’t give you any more. You thought it was because...?” He shook his head. “Not at all. I mean, sure I’m disappointed that we won’t be able to have any children. However, if I looked devastated, it was because I knew I was about to lose you.”
“It was?”
“Yes, it was. It seems we’ve both been a little confused. Let me clear something up for you right now. You are not damaged.” He eased closer, his hands cradling the loose fists she hadn’t even realized she’d made. “You are intelligent, beautiful and caring, among so many other qualities, all of which make you an incredible woman. So much so that I almost let you go because I know I have no hope of ever deserving you.”
“What changed your mind?”
“I fell in love with you. I’m pretty sure it happened the night of Ellie and Lawson’s shivaree. If not then, it might have been when you thought I wanted you to milk the chickens, or when your kiss caused a hailstorm, or seeing your determination and patience in teaching me to read, or the time you called me Bear. I’m not sure. However, as I stood on the platform with that petition in my hands, watching as you rode out of my life, one thing became clear. I love you, Helen Tucker. I’m asking you to give me a chance to show you how much. I’m asking you to come home.”
Those were the words she’d been longing for him to say. Hearing them spoken was like stepping into a daydream. She was afraid she’d blink and all of this would vanish. She’d find herself back on the train, staring out the window wishing for something she’d never have. Yet, he stood before her with his heart in his eyes confirming his words. She couldn’t contain her smile. It started in the depths of her soul and spread until it reached her lips. He traced the upturned corner of her mouth. “Does this mean yes?”
“It means I love you, too.”
“You—” Surprise gave way to searching. “You really love me?”
“With all my heart.”
A grin spread across his face. “And you’ll come home?”
She nodded. “And I’ll come home.”
He whooped. Catching her waist again, he lifted her into the air and whirled her in a tight circle, much to the delight of the onlookers, who let out a cheer of approval. She laughed and clung to Quinn’s hand as he led her back toward the waiting train. Wade stood beside the conductor with a grin on his face and her luggage sitting in the grass at his feet. Her nieces and nephews raced toward her. She knelt down to receive their hugs, kiss their cheeks and tell them goodbye. Her in-laws each gave her a hug before ushering their children back onto the train. The conductor gave them one last scowl that reluctantly changed to a smile as he shook his head. Mumbling something about Peppin being a crazy town, he signaled the engineer and hopped back on the train.
Helen waved at the children and shouted, “Thank you!” in return to the strangers calling out well-wishes as the train lumbered down the tracks then sped away. A quick glance at the station told her most of the folks had gone about their business. Awareness rushed over her and she turned to find Quinn already watching her with an expectant smolder in his eyes. A blush warmed her cheeks. He might be ready for a kiss or two, but she had important business to take care of first. Placing her hands on her hips, she tilted her head and lifted a brow. “Quinn Tucker, what is that you said about not deserving me?”
“No idea.”
She narrowed her eyes. She erased the distance between them until they stood toe to toe before poking him in the chest. “Hey, focus for me here. This is important.”
“I’m listening.” He caught her wrists and guided her arms up so that they encircled his neck before wrapping his arms around her waist.
She gave him a doubtful look but continued, anyway. “You said you were going to let me go because you didn’t think you deserved me. Why would you think such a thing?”
“I may be a little smarter than I originally thought. Still, I’m not rich or handsome or...” He must have realized it would not be wise to continue. Perhaps her glare clued him in.
“How dare you say those things about my husband? You certainly are smarter than you think. Book learning is not the only measure of intelligence. While you are excelling at that, you are also intelligent in other areas such as practical wisdom, life experience, human nature, musical ability. I could go on and on.” She leaned back in his arms. “As for finances, you don’t give yourself enough credit for going from a child with a hungry belly to a man who owns his own land. Besides, I’ve lived rich in money. I’d a thousand times rather be rich in love.”
“I believe you. Now you don’t have to tell me I’m handsome.”
“You make my knees weak.”
He lifted a brow. “I make your knees weak?”
“Remember how I sort of stumbled the first time I saw you with your new haircut and a shave?�
� She smoothed the collar of his gray coat even though it didn’t need fixing.
“Yeah.”
“Well, right after that I...” She bit her lip then shot a glance heavenward before letting out a small sigh. “Truthfully, I sort of swooned. Just a little.”
“I made you swoon.” He grinned, looking all too pleased with himself.
“And when you gave me that look just a minute ago I could hardly breathe.”
“What look?” he asked. She gave him her best rendition of his earlier smolder, which only made his blue eyes darken. “I see what you mean. So...what happens when I kiss you?”
“Now, that’s a hard one.” She gave him a mischievous smile. “I can’t seem to remember...”
Recognizing her invitation for what it was, he lowered his forehead to hers. “I do. Lightning.”
Then he set out to prove it.
Epilogue
One year later...
Helen was certain she must be dying. There was no other way to explain the peculiar way she’d been feeling of late. She’d tried to downplay her illness to Quinn, but there was no mistaking the mounting concern in his eyes. She’d come to town alone today, hoping a visit to the doctor would provide her some insight and tell her things weren’t as hopeless as she feared. Tension filled the air as Doc Williams finished the examination. “I’d say you have about seven months left.”
Dread filled her sensitive stomach. Tears filled her eyes. Her mind began to race. How on earth was she going to tell Quinn? They’d been married—truly married—for little over a year. They’d thought they had an entire lifetime to spend together. She’d had no idea that lifetime would be so short. “Seven months. That’s such a small amount of time.”
“Yes, and it will go by even faster than you think.” He was far too intent on flipping through a calendar to notice the quiet sob that caught in her throat. “That puts your due date around the end of July.”
She blinked. “Due date? I thought that term was only used for women who are expecting, not someone who is...” She couldn’t say the word. Not yet. She swallowed. “Someone who has so little time left as I do.”
The Texan's Inherited Family (Bachelor List Matches) Page 22
