by Linda Broday
The men entered with Luke and she quickly moved to get him settled. As they slowly lowered Luke to the bed, he winced, the first time since the surgery he’d given any indication he felt anything.
Maybe this meant he was waking up.
Josie crossed her fingers and helped Doc make him comfortable.
Luke was safe within the walls of headquarters with everything at hand.
And he had his mother’s arms around him.
Now, she knew he had the very best chance.
When Doc stepped out to get something, she leaned over to kiss Luke’s lips.
“I’ll love you forever, my darling. Rest and gain your strength. Then come back to me. I’m waiting.”
Thirty-nine
The next morning, Josie chose to wear the pretty blue dress that Luke had loved. Then she went down for breakfast with Luke’s father and brothers. They celebrated the fact that he had survived the long trip and, though no better, seemed no worse.
The foreman, Pony Latham, entered, holding his hat in his hands. “Sorry to bother you, boss. Newt Granger rode up to the gate and wants to see you. He’s waiting in the parlor.”
Josie slumped into her chair, praying she wouldn’t have to see the ungrateful little beady-eyed man. She might not be too civil.
Stoker lowered his coffee cup and scowled. “What the hell does he want? I don’t have time for the sawed-off runt.”
“He didn’t say. Just that it’s important and you should hear him out.” Latham waited for a response.
“Hell!” Stoker pushed back his chair and strode out. Sam and Houston followed, probably to keep their father from strangling the man.
Josie wondered if Newt had come to declare more war or make peace. Or had he decided to accept their offer? Just exactly how much did it cost to build a town, anyway? Probably more than she’d ever see in a lifetime. If Stoker was out a whole lot more money than he’d planned on, he’d be mad at her for offering to give away so much without speaking to him. Finally, she couldn’t stand not knowing. She rose and crept to the parlor. She’d pressed her ear to the wall beside the open door, trying to hear the conversation, when Sam suddenly strode out and into her.
“I came to find you,” he said. “Pa wants you inside.”
Josie’s heart skipped a beat. “Is he mad?”
“Why should he be?”
“Having to build a town for Granger probably put your father in a bad mood. I never intended to offer that.” Josie scrunched up her nose. “It just sorta slipped out.”
“I think you should come and see for yourself.” Sam took her arm.
Josie took a deep breath, stilled her trembling legs, and pasted on a bright smile. Filled with determination to own up to everything, she braved the lion’s den.
The men stood when she entered. Stoker beamed and kissed her cheek. “I don’t know how Luke ever found you, but I’m mighty glad he did. Granger is returning my land and making peace.”
“And the town I promised him?” Josie asked weakly.
Houston grinned. “Granger and I are building it together since it’ll benefit us both.”
Newt Granger shook his finger at her. “You’re one smart young lady.”
Josie shook her head. “I just needed you to listen and end this feud.”
“You sure gave me a lot to think about.” Granger grinned. “You’ll never believe this. A fellow came to see me about my horses and bought two. He already paid me sight unseen for the one Stoker is keeping here.” Granger tried to reach for her hand, but Stoker batted it away. Granger frowned and went on. “Funny thing. The man proposed the very same thing you did about the annual horse race. He said it would put Grangerville on the map when we get it built.” He cocked his head and squinted. “Was that your doing also?”
“No, I’m afraid not. I’m really glad for you.” Happiness spread through Josie. At least this part seemed to have worked out.
Stoker held up the deed to his land. “I told Newt he could take the horse back with him today. You, my dear, fixed a problem that had festered for a long time.” He kissed her forehead. “You’re a beautiful angel.”
“Are you sure you won’t marry me?” Newt Granger asked hopefully. “You’ll be a mayor’s wife. Won’t that tempt you?”
Not in the least. Her heart was already taken. Luke wasn’t a mayor but he offered so much more.
Josie shook her head. “I’m sorry, Mr. Granger. I’m spoken for.” When the man looked ready to cry, she added, “One day you’re going to find the perfect Mrs. Granger and she’ll make you the proudest man in all of Texas. I guarantee it.”
A firm belief had formed when she had lived in the Lucky Lady. All kinds of different men gathered there, and loneliness dripped from the faces of so many. Some of them yearned so deeply for a woman to share their life with. She knew that somewhere in the world a woman waited for every man. He simply had to look hard.
Belief that it would work the other way too had provided many months of speculation. She’d scoured the face of every man she met. One time she’d danced with a handsome, young gentleman and was certain he was the one she was waiting for. But he’d left town in the middle of the night, and she’d never seen him again.
Whether Luke survived or not, Josie had found her perfect mate. There was no other in all the world for her.
While the men finished their business, Josie wandered down the hall to the office. The ranch’s new preacher was with Luke. He turned when she entered. “Do you know if his heart is right, Miss Morgan? Mr. Stoker didn’t tell me much about this son of his.”
Josie stared at the ruddy-faced young man. He was so young; he couldn’t have been shaving long. Luke’s heart was just fine. It was the hole in his chest that was the problem. “His heart is strong,” she murmured.
“That’s a relief. So many men and women go unprepared to meet their Lord and Savior.” He held out his hand. “I’m Timothy Crutchfield.”
“Josie Morgan,” she muttered, shaking his hand.
“I’ll be going, but call me if he gets worse.”
Once the preacher left, she took the chair beside Luke and curled her fingers around his. He didn’t appear to be breathing. His chest wasn’t rising.
Oh God, had he passed? Terror struck her.
In a blind panic, she leaned to place her cheek to his mouth. Nothing except a small wisp of air let her know he still clung to life. But just barely. He was slipping away fast, moving alone where she couldn’t follow.
If only she could’ve married him. They’d have been happy for a short time, at least.
In the cool quiet, she brokenly whispered a vow to him. “I promise to stay by your side in sickness and in health, ’til death do us part. I’ll love you always, Luke. Now and forever, in this life and the next.”
She thought about adding something about obeying, but Luke would never believe that, so she didn’t.
Doc Jenkins entered and she moved aside, watching, hoping, praying. He muttered to himself as he examined Luke, then without a word, he left.
A short time later, a rough voice spoke from the doorway. “I have something to discuss with you,” Stoker said.
Josie wiped her eyes. “Sure. Can we talk here? I don’t want to leave Luke. He’s worsened and I’m terrified he’ll die alone. I can’t let that happen. He needs someone with him.”
“Here is fine.” Stoker sat in a chair next to her and took her hand. “I’m worried Luke won’t survive, and it shatters everything inside me. But I have to be practical. I have a rather delicate question to ask and I’m not sure exactly how to go about it.”
“It’s all right,” Josie said softly. “Just go ahead.”
Stoker cleared his voice. “If you don’t want to answer, I’ll respect your privacy.” He paused. “When and you Luke were alone… Uh, when you… Were you…uh, togethe
r?” Red streaks climbed the man’s neck and colored his face.
When Josie realized what he was asking—without asking—heat rushed to her cheeks. Oh goodness, this was embarrassing. Yet, she knew he had to know if he’d be a grandfather. She just prayed he wouldn’t look down on her for the happy times she’d spent in Luke’s arms.
“Yes. I could be with child.” There it was. She lifted her chin, feeling no shame in loving Luke.
“Then we’ll have to do whatever we can to protect that life.” Stoker looked very relieved as he rose. “Let me talk with Doc and I’ll know how to proceed.”
With that he strode from the room. Josie had no idea what Stoker could do, if anything. Everything hinged on Luke waking up, but now the likelihood of that seemed very remote.
She was still clutching Luke’s hand when Stoker, Sam, and Houston came in. Their grim faces struck fear deep inside her.
“What did Doc say?” she whispered.
Stoker sat beside her and patted her hand. “He’ll be lucky to see tomorrow’s sunrise. Doc’s done everything he can. We’re losing the battle.”
Josie’s mouth quivered and the words she needed to say were stuck inside her. This was it. In a matter of hours, Luke would be gone.
She’d never feel his touch moving over her body, his lips on hers again. Never see the sinful smile once more that promised heaven and made her heart flutter like an army of butterflies. Oh God! How could she bear to lose him?
“What Pa is trying to say is that we need to move fast,” Houston said. “We’ve sent a man down to get Preacher Crutchfield. We want you to marry Luke before he passes.”
Forty
Josie sat in stunned silence. Surely she’d mistaken Houston. She couldn’t marry someone in a coma. She knew they were all upset and their hearts were breaking, but couldn’t they see Luke’s condition?
Things were in bad shape if she was the sanest one.
“What are you talking about?” Josie asked. “Luke can’t even speak.”
“Marriage by proxy,” Stoker explained. “It’s when one party or the other is unable to be present and someone stands in for him.”
“I see.” Only Josie didn’t. Not really. She had a lot of questions, such as who would stand in and if she’d want to say the vows burning inside and professing love to someone other than Luke? That would make her feel very uncomfortable.
And what would Luke say? Not that he could say anything now, nor, according to Doc, would he be likely to again.
Still, she had to put aside her feelings and think of Luke’s child that could be growing in her belly. It would need a name. She’d shoot anyone who said a word against the innocent babe.
Her mother had faced a similar problem when Josie was born, but the men who frequented the saloon had protected them both. No one said a disrespectful word with them near. The Legends would do the same with her child. Her heart swelled with love for this family.
Sam touched Josie’s arm. “We think you should do this. It’ll protect both you and Luke’s child.”
It occurred to her that being a widow was a sight better than an “almost wife.”
Josie stared into their faces. “All right, I’ll do it.”
“Excellent.” Stoker draped an arm around her shoulders. “I can’t imagine how hard this is for you. It’s bad enough being Luke’s pa, but to be the woman he loves… I admire your strength and courage.” He pulled her into a hug.
“You’re family, Josie,” Houston said in a strangely husky voice. “Here’s what’s going to happen.”
He explained that she and Sam would stand together. Sam would announce that he acted on behalf of Luke. Reverend Crutchfield would then ask her and Sam to take the marriage vows. Simple enough.
But was it? Even simple things could go awry.
* * *
An hour later, she stood beside Luke’s bed with her heart breaking. She loved him with every inch of her body. She was only half-aware that Sam was the one next to her holding her icy hand.
Stoker, Houston, and Noah were in attendance. They’d explained to the boy what was going to happen. Noah appeared to sense her uncertainty and slipped his small hand into hers.
“Luke would want you to do this, Josie,” he whispered.
“Are you sure?” she asked.
“Yep. He likes you a whole bunch and he’d marry you if he could wake up.” Noah glanced up at her with worried eyes. “Will he ever quit sleeping?”
Josie pondered how to answer. She couldn’t steal his hope. That wouldn’t be fair to the kid. “Sure. He’s going to open his eyes and everything is going to be just fine.” She prayed God would forgive her for lying. Surely it wasn’t a sin when it was to comfort a scared kid.
Crutchfield cleared his throat and tried to act twenty years older, pushing back his shoulders and trying to turn his boyish voice into a deep baritone. It didn’t work. Stifling laughter, she idly wondered if he was a real man of the cloth. Or was he like Luke and had stolen his identity off a dead man?
In the minutes that followed, she repeated the vows, trying not to think it weird that she uttered them to Sam. When Luke’s brother bequeathed all his worldly possessions to her, she pinched herself to keep from laughing, sternly reminding herself that Sam was a stand-in. Nothing more.
The moment she’d dreamed of and waited all her life for seemed to be nothing but a joke.
Just get through this, she lectured herself. She could do anything for Luke’s child.
Was this how Houston’s wife, Lara, had felt when she’d had to marry an utter stranger? The woman had been incredibly brave. And so would Josie.
When Crutchfield concluded the ceremony, Josie twisted the little emerald ring on her finger—a gift from her mother on her sixteenth birthday. She laid her hand on Luke’s chest. She prayed he’d forgive her for vowing to love Sam.
Noah leaned over to whisper in Luke’s ear. “I’m sorry I can’t save you like you saved me and Rowdy. If you’re ever lost, just ask God to show you the way like I did. He’ll bring someone to help you. Please try to wake up. I miss you. So does Josie and Papa Stoker.”
Stoker laid a big hand on Noah’s head. “We have to let him go, son. It’s the way it has to be.”
“No! I can’t.” Noah stumbled from the room.
When Josie tried to go after him, Stoker said, “The boy needs some time alone. I’ll check on him in a bit.”
Everyone filed out, leaving Josie with Luke. They all might’ve given up waiting for a miracle, but not her.
Josie planted her fists on her hips. “Now you listen here, Luke Rafael Legend. I didn’t just say my vows to Sam for the fun of it. You and I are a team. The least you could do is quit worrying me and wake up.” She paused. “Furthermore, I need you. I don’t know the first thing about taking care of land, raising cows, or being Josie Legend.”
That responsibility scared the daylights out of her.
“And you just can’t walk away from everything you always wanted. You have your dream now. Even a shiny new name that will protect you from glory seekers. No one will bother Luke Legend.”
She kissed his lips gently. “I’ll give you one more day to sleep. But you’d better open your eyes come morning or I’ll…I’ll run off with your brother Sam. We’re married now, you know.”
* * *
A steady stream of visitors went in and out of Stoker’s office all morning. Everyone saying last goodbyes to the man who’d touched their lives.
Sam and Houston told Luke how much they loved him and what it meant to them having him for a brother.
Noah crept in and perched on the bed. He kept up a running dialogue about Rowdy and Rafael the cat and the latest trouble the animals had gotten into. “It’s a hard job trying to take care of them,” Noah said, sighing, then left.
Doc Jenkins came in after lunch to
check Luke. He raised his head after a minute of listening, wonder in his eyes. “Well, I’ll be thunder. His breathing is stronger and color is returning to his face.”
Josie jerked up from the chair in which she’d been dozing. “Are you sure, Doc?”
“Of course. I’m positive. Don’t count Luke out just yet.” He patted her shoulder. “He’s not out of the woods yet by any stretch, but he’s improving.”
“When do you think he’ll come around?” she asked.
“If he keeps on this way, it could be soon.” Doc scratched his head. “Now I wonder what in God’s name swung the pendulum to our favor?”
Josie shrugged.
Maybe laying down the law to the mule-headed outlaw that she loved more than anyone else on earth?
* * *
That night, Josie slept soundly in a real bed, the first good sleep she’d gotten since she couldn’t remember when.
She dreamed of dancing with Luke. He wore his black trousers with the shiny conchas up each leg, and a short Spanish jacket that showed off his lean waist. With hunger in his eyes, he strolled to where she sat, bowed, and asked her to dance. His arms tight around her, Luke swung her about a floor made of soft, fluffy clouds. He called her his princesa and stared deep into her eyes. He spoke of his everlasting love for her and how much she’d changed his life.
When Josie woke, it was still dark out. She lay there, hugging herself, trying to recapture the feeling of the dream, and Luke’s words of love.
Rafael meowed and jumped from the bed as she threw back the covers and swung her legs over. “Sorry about that,” Josie muttered, lighting the lamp. “Poor kitty.”
Picking the kitten up, she gently laid him in the cushion of covers. Josie threw on her clothes and hurried downstairs.
In the soft light of the office, Stoker rose from the chair beside the bed and stretched. “Now that you’re here, I’m going to change and get coffee. Would you like some, daughter?”
“Yes, please. That would be wonderful. How’s Luke?”
“He stirred a lot the last hour or so. Seemed restless. I think that’s a positive sign, though he never opened his eyes.”
