Letter Perfect

by Cathy Marie Hake

  “Of course I will. Let me move the lamp over here so you can read it more easily.” Josh rose, brought the lamp to her side, and put it down on the very table he’d delivered. July evening sun filtered in through the windows, but he still lit the lamp. Ruth wondered if he was trying to give her an opportunity to marshal her wits. As he pulled the other chair close to hers, he said, “I understand this is a private moment. You needn’t feel any pressure to share any of the contents with me.”

  Ruth gathered her resolve and opened the envelope. She unfolded three sheets of paper. After moistening her lips, she read the date aloud.

  Josh cleared his throat. “Ruth, your father fell into a coma that very day. These were his very last thoughts and words.”

  Already nervous, that one last fact tipped her over the edge. She hiccupped.

  Josh reached over and tilted her face up to his. “Ruthie, you don’t have to read it if you don’t want to. We can put the letter aside, or you can burn it. If reading this will upset you, you can simply ask me to make it disappear. I’ll honor your wishes.”

  She shook her head. “No. I have to read this. I really do.”

  Josh laid one big hand over the letter while his other hand continued to cup her jaw. He bowed his head. “Lord, come join us. Prepare Ruth’s heart for whatever is written in this letter and equip us for what lies ahead. We ask this in Jesus’ precious name, amen.”

  “Thank you,” she whispered. She took another slow breath and realized her hiccups were gone.

  Josh removed his hand and she looked down at the page. “‘My dearest Leticia,”’ Ruth looked back up at Josh. “He still held feelings for her?”

  “Yes, I believe he did. The one possession he treasured was his cigarette case. Until her letter came, saying you were to arrive, I hadn’t known Alan’s wife’s name. From the inscription on the inside of the case, I knew it was from her.”

  “That cigarette case is the one you asked someone to test to see about poison?”

  “Sadly enough, yes. As soon as this whole mess is over, I’ll make sure you get it.”

  “No. I have no need for such a thing. With everything that’s gone bad, I want you to have a memento.”

  “That’s mighty sweet of you, Ruth. I’d treasure it, but if you change your mind, I’ll understand.”

  She looked back down. “I don’t want to read his words just to myself. Do you mind if I read them aloud?”

  “I’m honored that you want to share this with me.”

  Ruth blinked and promised herself she would make it through the whole letter without crying. She started reading the spidery script.

  “My dearest Leticia,

  A gentleman came to the Broken P. I ascertained his services had been engaged by a Mr. Hadley to make inquiries about me. A very discreet individual, he would say nothing more about his task. I assumed Mr. Hadley had undertaken this on your behalf.

  My wife, you were all a man could ever pray for in a mate. It is to my everlasting shame that I was not the husband you deserved. For selfish reasons, I would have kept you by my side all these years; but I could not. I sent you away in hopes that you would not bear the brunt of my weakness for the bottle. Very belatedly, I beg your forgiveness.

  A young man named Joshua came into my life and with a mixture of impressive kindness and indomitable spiritual strength, he showed me God was far greater than my problem. In giving my heart over to the Lord, I found the strength necessary to eschew my weakness. Unfortunately, by then, it had been so many years since you’d left—a whole lifetime that could not be recaptured. My sins, though forgiven by the Almighty, still carried consequences. I’d lost the only woman I ever loved.

  The agent left, and months went by. A man by the name of Hadley sent me a short note. He said it was with your consent. In it, he revealed that you’d borne me a child—a delightful daughter. From the date of the birth he listed, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Ruth is ours—yours and mine. For all the grief I put you through, it humbles and gladdens me to know you’ve said you’d have married me again—knowing the pain I would cause you—just to be gifted with such a loving, enchanting daughter.

  Were my health better, I would travel to you. As it is, I pray you might consider coming west to permit me the honor of your presence and the joy of meeting our daughter. All I have is at your disposal.

  Yours most humbly and sincerely,

  Alan”

  Slowly, Ruth folded the papers and tucked them into the envelope. Tears rolled down her cheeks.

  “Sweetheart, I’m so sorry you never met him. Alan was a wonderful man. I hope you take heart in what he said, though—that your mother cherished you and spoke so lovingly of you, and your father longed to claim you as his daughter.”

  Ruth looked at Josh. “Can you believe this? It’s a treasure, Josh. God sent this to me as a gift, proof that my daddy cared.”

  “Yes, He did. I’m sure, had Alan not fallen into that coma, he would have told us all about you.” Josh nodded. “And he would have wanted to provide for your future, Ruth. That letter is more than sufficient proof for your claim.”

  “I don’t care about that, Josh. Truly, I don’t. My father credits you with leading him to the Lord. That is priceless. Though God will reward you in heaven, I want to show my appreciation. I want you to have my share of the Broken P.”

  “Ruth, leading your father to the Lord was a privilege. The thirst that once held him in bondage turned into a thirst for God. He blessed me constantly by sharing his insights and quoting a verse that applied to something we were dealing with.

  “All along I’ve said we needed to settle the will according to what Alan would have wanted. That letter tells me very clearly how he felt. Your generous spirit is incredible, but we ought to respect your father and abide by his wishes.”

  “Josh, if I sign over my share to you, you’ll still command control over the ranch.”

  “First off, I’d enjoy having you as my partner.”

  Ruth stared at him. “Are you running a fever? Were you out in the sun too long today?”

  Josh chortled. “I’m fine. After being around you, I’ve learned life is a lot more than saddles and grit. I got so entrenched in making my way through each day, I didn’t pause to appreciate what surrounded me. God’s used you to open my eyes.”

  “I’ve never received a finer compliment. Thank you.” She waited a moment, then mused, “Even if I want to make a gift to you, I have to legally pursue my inheritance. If I withdraw the claim, your father will still have equal footing with you.”

  “That’s true.”

  “Oh, I apologize! I’m so sorry, Josh. I didn’t mean—” Ruth groaned.

  “You haven’t offended me. What are you upset about?”

  “I didn’t want you to infer that I was saying your father is your equal in any way. When it comes to integrity, intelligence, and character, you stand head and shoulders above him.”

  The corners of his mouth tightened.

  “I haven’t been around many men, Josh.” She decided to be bold. “Of any of the men I’ve ever known, none could compare to you when it comes to your sense of ethics or the way you walk with the Lord. At times when I’ve been upset, you’ve held me up in prayer and lent me your strength. Please know how deeply I admire you.”

  Josh stared at her in silence. Ruth wished she could tell what he was thinking. Then again, maybe I don’t.

  “Let me escort you back to the house.” He stood, helped her rise, and blew out the lamp.

  Tucking the letter up her sleeve, Ruth sought to change the topic. “What do you think of the cabin now?”

  “I think Hilda will love living out here.”

  “I agree,” McCain said from the front step.

  CHAPTER TWENTY- FIVE

  McCain invited himself in. Crossing the threshold, he looked around the dim room. “I would have never imagined this place could look so inviting. You’ve done a wondrous job, my dear.”

 
; “Thank you,” Ruth murmured, wondering how long he’d been standing there. Intent as I was telling Josh how I felt, I didn’t pay any attention. I’ve had the creepy feeling that someone has been following me, watching me. It’s McCain. Josh moved so close to her just then that she could feel the tension singing through his muscles.

  McCain drew nearer. His eyes narrowed. “Have you been weeping, Ruth?”

  She nodded.

  “I understand. Seeing all of these lovely belongings probably made you homesick.” He patted her arm.

  Ruth wanted to jerk back and rub away his touch.

  “My, my. If I’m not mistaken, that chair is a Chippendale. So is the highboy.” McCain walked away and stood directly in front of the furniture. “Exquisite work. Flame mahogany and those wonderful cabriole legs.” He patted the front of the highboy just as he had patted her arm—a possessive move that made her shiver. As he continued to stare at the piece he said, “You must be relieved that the shipment arrived. Quality like this is unmistakable and worth a small fortune.”

  He’s not interested in my feelings. All he wants to do is assess the value of my belongings. I don’t care—as long as he leaves me alone.

  Josh looked down at her. “I hope you find comfort in surrounding yourself with familiar things.”

  “They do hold many memories. Happy memories.” She slipped her hand into the crook of Josh’s elbow. He understood the real value in her inheritance lay in reminiscences.

  Josh covered her hand with his—a simple act that reassured her he would rescue her from his father. Casting a quick glance about the room, he said, “It’s getting dark.”

  McCain wheeled around, returned to Ruth’s side, and gave her a chilling smile. “I’ll take you back to the house. I’m sure my son has several chores that demand his attention.”

  She clung tighter to Josh’s arm and looked up at him, silently pleading with him to spare her his father’s attention.

  “Actually, Dad, I wanted to discuss a few things with Ruth.”

  Josh started walking, and she hastened to fall into step alongside him. “You mentioned commissioning church windows.”

  “Yes! Yes, I did.” Relieved that Josh gave her a topic, Ruth gushed, “It will make me so happy to have them. Do you know of an artisan who would take the commission?”

  “I remember the St. Rose of Lima Church on 7th and K Street in Sacramento. The stained-glass windows were magnificent. Perhaps you could draft a letter of inquiry to the church.”

  Ruth came to a stop on the porch as Josh halted and motioned to his father. “Come on, Dad.”

  “You go on ahead. I’ll nose around and see what the girls have done out here.”

  “No!” Ruth blurted out the word, then regretted it. She didn’t want him prying around her house, but it was far preferable than having to be in his presence.

  “Why not?”

  Ruth couldn’t concoct a single answer.

  Josh smoothly said, “You know women, Dad. Ruth is probably planning a little housewarming party. You’ll ruin her surprise if you snoop.”

  “Far be it from me to ruffle feathers.” McCain exited the cabin, and Josh shut the door. McCain offered Ruth his arm.

  “Forgive me.” She swept her hand downward. “I’ll need one hand free. When I had this dress made, my shoes must have had slightly higher heels.” She tucked her hand back into Josh’s arm, then filled the other with a fistful of her skirts.

  “We can’t have you trip again.” McCain fell in step beside her. “I’ve never forgiven myself for not balancing you better that first day we went to town.”

  “Let’s not dwell on that.” Ruth turned to Josh. “About the windows … I suppose we need to have measurements.”

  “You’re just full of plans, aren’t you?” McCain’s chuckle sounded forced. “A library and stained-glass windows.”

  “Mama always said knowledge and beauty are never wasted.”

  “I’m sure she wasn’t thinking about buildings when she said that, my dear; she must have been referring to you.”

  Ruth could feel the tension in Josh’s arm. “Actually, she was referring to a breathtakingly illustrated book. I’ll have to share that book with you, Josh. I’m positive I packed it.”

  “You still have boxes to unpack.” His voice held certainty, though he’d not actually seen the other rooms in the cabin.

  “My son’s roamed about the place?” McCain’s voice sounded sharp.

  “Of course not!” Ruth gave the older man an outraged look. “I resent the insinuation that I’d ever allow a man such liberties.”

  “Now, now.” McCain flashed her a conciliatory smile. “I wouldn’t ever think such a thing of you, my dear.”

  Ruth scowled at him. “You shouldn’t think such a thing of your son, either. Josh is too much of a gentleman to ever compromise a woman’s reputation.”

  McCain pretended not to have heard her. He raised his hand and waved. “Toledo! I need to talk with you.” He stalked off without saying another word.

  Josh stared at his father’s back. “Ruth, I don’t care what you have to do to avoid it. Don’t be alone with him.”

  Josh stopped by the cottage the next afternoon to check in on Ruth. Laney stood by the mantel, arranging several little knickknacks. Skirts spread about her, Ruth sat on the floor, pulling books from a crate.

  “Hello, fair maidens,” he said by way of greeting.

  Laney let out a surprised shriek and dropped a small porcelain figurine. It bounced on the plush Turkish carpet, then landed on the edge of Ruth’s skirts. “Josh! You scared me half to death!”

  “You look very much alive,” he teased. Turning to Ruth, he pulled a bouquet of wildflowers from behind his back. “I thought these would look nice somewhere around here.”

  Ruth’s jaw dropped and she went pale as Laney gasped.

  “What’s wrong?” Josh strode over to Ruth.

  “You didn’t leave those other flowers on the doorstep this morning?” Laney asked in a baffled voice.

  “What flowers?” Josh scowled. He followed Ruth’s gaze and spotted a vase full of blossoms over on the table he’d brought. “I had nothing to do with those.”

  “Ruth, you have two men giving you flowers!” Laney clasped her hands together at her breast. “This is so exciting!”

  “No, it’s not exciting.” Ruth’s voice shook.

  Josh stared at her. Is she upset with me? Does she think I’m trying to court her because she has an inheritance?

  Ruth set aside the book she’d been holding and rose. Even through the plethora of her petticoats, Josh could tell she nearly stomped each step. She went to the table, picked up the vase, and slipped past Josh at the door. A second later, the flowers sailed through the air and Ruth returned. She forced a smile. “Thank you, Joshua. Your flowers are beautiful. They will look nice in here.”

  He popped them into the vase and waited until Ruth set the arrangement on the table. “I’m glad you like them.”

  “I’ve never seen a lovelier bouquet.” Ruth stepped back from the table.

  Laney scooted beside her. “Neither have I.”

  Stepping up to them, Josh said, “You can enjoy them more later. For now, why don’t we all spare Hilda from having to track us down for lunch?”

  Laney turned sideways and clasped Ruth’s hand. “Does Josh know?”

  “Know what?” he demanded.

  “Daddy,” Laney said. “He’s been acting oddly. Mostly about Ruth. I think the flowers must have been from him.”

  “The only flowers I see are the ones Josh brought.” Ruth’s jaw jutted forward, and the stubborn glint in her eye dared anyone to challenge her.

  “I’m glad you like them.” He reached up and gently tugged on one of her loose curls. “Though they’re not half as pretty as you.”

  Laney looked from Ruth to him and back again. She squared her shoulders and pasted on a smile. “If we weren’t so busy, I’d insist upon our painting the arrangemen
t.”

  “You have been busy.” Josh cleared his throat. “But perhaps after lunch you could make a little time to go visit the O’Sullivans. I’m sure they’d love to see you.”

  “No.” Ruth shook her head. “I need to move everything here.

  Today.”

  “Of course you do.” Laney flashed Josh a smile. “I’ll bet my brother can spare someone to bring your trunks over. In fact, I’m going to invite myself to be your very first guest and spend the night with you.”

  Ruth looked at him. “We could pay a visit to the O’Sullivans tomorrow.”

  He nodded. “I’ll take you over.”

  Josh didn’t want Ruth away from his protection, and he argued with himself as he personally moved Ruth’s trunks to her father’s old cabin. With Hilda and Laney here, Ruth has sufficient protection from Dad. He can’t very well make a move when they’re at her side. But Ruth is the woman I love. I need to protect her.

  “Josh,” Laney whispered to him as Ruth went into her bedchamber to put things away, “I don’t understand Daddy’s behavior, but he’s far too old for Ruth. He doesn’t love her like you do.”

  “You’re pretty smart for being so young.”

  “Nothing would make me happier than to have a sister. When are you going to ask Ruth to marry you?”

  “Soon. We have some problems to iron out first.”

  The problems grew more complicated by supper. Dad had gone to town and came back with a friend. “Boaz Crocker is a cousin to one of the men who’s intending to lay a railroad to the east,” Dad said by way of introduction.

  “Crocker.” Josh shook his hand.

  Dad smiled at Crocker. “My daughter will be down shortly. She’s recently returned from finishing school.”

  “I’m sure she’s a very accomplished young lady.”

  Josh smiled. “Actually, Laney and Ruth have been over at the cabin all afternoon.”