Faye had never spoken of Gabriel again, yet prayed for his safety every night. No one deserved treatment like she’d received when she asked about him, and it broke her heart to see him beaten that afternoon. Oh yes, she prayed for him still, his young face etched in her mind.
“I haven’t mentioned my friend to anyone in a long time,” she muttered embarrassed, tucking an inky curl behind her ear nervously. The thought of those memories still made her feel on edge to this day.
“What happened to him?”
“I don’t know. I didn’t see him again.”
“Do you wish that you could have?”
“Oh yes. There is something very sweet about being called a fairy princess.”
“My daddy calls me that sometimes.”
“That is because of your name and I’m sure you are his little princess. My father always called me…,” Faye hesitated. He had actually called her a troublemaker, the very cause of her mother’s death, worthless and once upon a time?
“He called me sweetheart,” she finished flatly, the lie tasting so foul in her mouth.
3
Gabriel tipped back his worn leather hat and stared at the horizon. For October, it was certainly warm in the sun. He’d had worse, many times over, and had learned not to complain a long time ago. He waited for any sign of the rustlers that had been reported in the area. He’d not seen any indication of scuffles or thefts so far, but when the opportunity came to return home? He’d jumped at the chance. His family home had sat vacant for over a year now and it was beyond time to take possession of it.
Plus, he had Titania to think of.
The girl needed friends and a family. Not his family though. Oh no! He’d never put a child through what he lived during his younger years. It had been his dying wife’s last words as she slipped away from influenza.
“Take her home.”
He knew she’d meant her own home back in South Carolina but from what he could tell she’d not grown up with the best influences either. He’d met Anna while in the army. His father had enlisted him at the young age, lying to the officer and slipping him several coins. His cold words haunted him.
“Make something of yourself, boy,” he ordered, standing tall and straightening his jacket. “Be someone to be proud of and stop shaming your family name! It’s not normal to have such lofty ideas and fanciful notions. You need someone to toughen you up and the Corporal here will see to it.”
Toughen up, he’d said. Gabriel often wondered if his father knew that he exchanged one unbearable existence for another at times. He’d found himself wondering year after year when the next bullet or arrow would end him. Would he go gratefully? Would he regret dying? He’d been in a dark place when out of nowhere, he’d seen a beautiful woman trailing behind the army as they marched towards Monterrey, Nuevo Leon. She’d been stunning. Glaringly brassy red hair combined with a winning smile, she’d seemed like a fresh drink of water. Looking back now, he knew she’d been a loose woman. To his desperate, young heart? She’d been heaven. He’d married her that day, much to everyone’s delight.
“You don’t marry her, boy!”
“She’ll scratch that itch without your good name!”
They’d been married for barely two months when she found out that she was pregnant. There had been so many changes in his life. Marrying Anna and joining the Rangers instead of being a career army man. He’d met Jack Hays and very nearly choked on the confidence and pride shining from him. I want that type of confidence! That pride in myself, he thought idly as he stared at the men riding by. Hays was quite cultured and suave. His suit fit his shoulders just right, where Gabriel’s was snug and threadbare. His thick southern accent rolled off his tongue making his own words seem coarse.
When Hays spoke, people listened.
Gabriel was all ears too.
He’d joined the Rangers that afternoon and left the Army behind. Anna had been quite angry that she was being forced to leave her home she’d set up in their paltry tent, but the army life wasn’t right for her nor a baby. She needed a home and security. This he could provide and give her the peace she craved since she was always telling him to go away.
He’d built a one room cabin for Anna and when Titania was born? He was glad of it. Anna didn’t take well to motherhood. Impatient and extremely moody, she would cry for no reason, at times leaving him to help with their newborn. She was a wonderful child. So bright and intelligent with his distinct grey eyes. The men would tease him that the child would arrive looking like one of them, but no, she was the spitting image of him.
His Titania, his fairy princess, was breathtaking. A splash of freckles on her nose, surrounded by a halo of red curls. She’d been such a happy baby and loving child until Anna died. Now, she was somber. He fondly thought back on how he would tell her stories every night or read to her by lamplight. She’d smiled and asked questions. Now? It was as if the light had been snuffed from her. She needed others and to find her laughter again. To do so, she would need friends and a sense of security.
He couldn’t give her that on the road, nor could he leave his young daughter alone unattended. When Anna had passed, he’d attempted to resign from the Rangers. He’d grown close to his fellow Rangers, as their lives depended on each other, but felt drawn by his need to take care of his family. Distraction was dangerous in his line of work and worrying about how to give his daughter the stability she needed ate at him.
Instead of feeling dreaded guilt when he told them he was leaving… His team had practically ambushed him, informing him that he was needed back in his home town of Bright Star. He felt hope burning through him. His path and life would change again, detouring once more. Their understanding touched him. He swore then that he would do everything possible to help them however he could, when he was able once again. He’d felt as if a weight had been lifted off his chest and that finally something had gone right. He was going home and would be able to give Titania the home she deserved as well as maintain some sort of normality for himself in his chaotic world.
Returning home had brought back a flood of memories, some good and bad. It also brought opportunity for he and his daughter to reconnect. Being gone for days at a time when needed had been tough on the young family. Titania had always been upset when he’d left but she had developed some sort of anchor in her mother. Now that she was gone, he understood feeling alone or lost. He’d felt the same so many years ago when his father had left him to join the Army.
Remembering back, he thought of how his parents had argued and how much he’d disappointed them. He never understood why they couldn’t feel pride in their only son. When he looked at his daughter, his chest burned with intense love for his child. A father’s love. He recalled the sermons at the church near the edge of town, the few he’d attended, that talked of honoring thy mother and father. He struggled then and simply couldn’t now. He would do anything for his child including laying down his life, yet his father had abandoned him. He would never abandon Titania.
As a boy, he’d dreamt of gallant battles between knights, damsels in distress, dragons and fairies. Looking over the swath of hills, he smiled to himself grateful that there were no monstrous dragons to fight and while the knights were gone… Replaced by cowboys, outlaws, and Indians – he always wondered what became of the young girl he’d met long ago. He could have sworn that he’d been blessed to find a fairy hidden amongst the bramble. Her dark hair nearly glowed in the bright sun giving it almost an inky shine. She looked so out of place, so wary at being found, he’d been instantly enchanted.
Shaking his head and smiling to himself as he reminisced, he realized now that fairies didn’t have angry parents in reaction to her being alone with him. He’d have never harmed her, rather he wanted to talk to her. He’d been infatuated by the idea of her being magical and looking back now after all he’d been through. He knew now that fairies weren’t real nor was he blessed or watched by an angel from above. He’d lost his faith long ago when
he’d been abandoned.
Afraid, scared and alone, he’d found strength inside of himself because prayers at night never went answered, it seemed. If he cried, he was harassed endlessly by other men that called him a sissy boy. He was just a boy! A boy that needed direction, love, faith and stability in his life. To have that taken from him, stripped from him? It made him hard, cold and unwavering in his dedication to his daughter. She would never, ever suffer like he had.
He'd swear his life on it.
4
Word had spread among the students of her class of Titania’s mother’s death. Faye’s heart nearly broke as she watched the young, silent girl through newfound eyes. Before she had just thought she was nervous about being new in town or perhaps maybe she was having trouble ciphering. A few of the children still struggled with their lettering and she spent extra time with them often. Now, she realized it was so much more. The young girl was hurting in ways she couldn’t express or didn’t know how.
Sunday she’d not seen her at church nor did she spend time playing with the other boys and girls much when they did have free time together. She often sat alone, lost in her own thoughts. This would need to come to an end if she was ever to heal or move forward. Faye knew only too well that dwelling on what hurt you, hindered you. She’d found such relief in feeling that she wasn’t alone anymore. That she could trust in her faith and reach out to others if needed. This sweet girl needed to know this too.
“Titania, would you see me after we adjourn class today? The rest of you may go and don’t forget to do your tables tonight. We’ll be having a quiz tomorrow to see how you are progressing. Dismissed.” The loud groans of disappointment at her reminder would have normally made Faye smile in remembrance of her own reaction to hearing an assignment given out. Today, she tuned them out and watched them exit the building quickly, staring at the quiet red-haired young girl that remained in her seat dutifully.
Her crestfallen look told Faye that she anticipated that she’d done something wrong or was in trouble. This wasn’t the case and made her wonder if things were all right at home with her father or whomever she was living with. Her downcast yes and silent nod made her wish she’d have pulled her aside privately instead of mentioning it around the others. She had no intention to make her feel badly.
“I’m glad you stayed, Titania,” she began happily, hoping that she might respond to an energetic, friendly ambiance. “I could use your help and advice, if you’ve got time to hear me out?” Again, came the silent nod.
“Wonderful! I am planning on bringing cookies or a few pies to church on Sunday and could really use an extra set of hands preparing them. My friends are busy with their children and preparing their own goods to bring to our church social and my mother passed away a long time ago, so I’ve no one.” Faye nearly smiled at the surprised grey eyes that suddenly glanced up at her in reaction.
“Mine did too,” she admitted quietly.
“Then we shall be a pair of motherless hens together and rely on each other! Does that sound good? When I need something, I will reach out to you - and if you need something, you can always know I will happily lend a hand. Now, shall we make cookies or pies?”
“Both?” Faye couldn’t resist a chuckle at her wistful smile and hopeful wide-eyed gaze. She patted her hand happily.
“A girl after my own heart! I’ve got quite a sweet tooth as well, little lady.”
“I have to check with my father.”
“Of course! I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she countered happily. “I don’t want to take you from chores or duties, nor do I want your lessons to falter if we spend a little time baking together. Just tell your father that we’ll send home goodies for him to try and you are both welcome at the social on Sunday. See if he approves and perhaps we’ll spend Saturday cooking together.”
“Yes, Miss Miller.”
“I look forward to it,” Faye told her with a warm smile. “Now, if you’d like to help me tidy up perhaps we’ll walk together from school as well since your path very nearly mirrors mine. Is your home much farther down the road?”
“Some ways, but it’s alright.”
“Well a young lady shouldn’t be walking alone after dark, so we’ll just need to hurry upon our way. Two hands are better than one, don’t you agree?” Faye was tempted to walk her all the way home; however, she must obey strict rules set down by the town on her behavior. Walking from a widower’s house by herself after dark would certainly be unseemly, regardless of the reason. They rushed through the small chores and Faye refilled the coal, knowing that she would need to bring more in the coming winter. Perhaps she’d bring firewood as well. Her hands were quite ruined from having to do some of the hard labor at her own home, but easily hidden with delicate gloves worn by the ladies to functions.
As they exited the school, she was relieved to see that Titania seemed to be responding to the offer of friendship. Maybe she’d felt a kinship with her after admitting that her own mother had died. It was a shame that she’d not missed her as much as Titania obviously did, but there was so much unspoken dramatics and tension in the home her parents provided. She dealt with guilt, not sorrow. Walking together, she found it was easy to befriend the young girl. She was extremely bright once coaxed out of her shell. By the time they got to where they’d part on the road, she was skipping and swinging her lunch pail happily.
“Remember, go over your numbers tonight for tomorrow. See if your father can help you with them and if not? I’ll be at the school early preparing for class.”
“Yes ma’am!” Faye was surprised to see her continue skipping down the lane as she expected to see the solemn crestfallen look again. No, the child needed to feel that she had a friend and honestly? She could use one as well. Watching her until she was just out of sight, she finally turned and walked the remainder of the way to her home off in the distance. Shutting the door behind her, she pulled the pin from her hair and shook it loose down her back. Maybe she would make some bread and bring in extra to share with her tomorrow. The idea would keep her up for a while, giving her time to prepare her lessons, but it would also give the opportunity to cement the fact that she could be counted upon if needed.
Quickly mixing the dough, she stoked the fire inside of the small potbelly stove that warmed her house. Placing the large ceramic bowl atop, she covered it with a slightly damp cloth to keep it moist and warm to make the fragrant yeast rise. As the temperature rose inside, she opened a window to allow in some of the cooling evening air.
Wistfully, she heard the birds calling and an occasional scuttling of some creature in the woods off in the distance. There were plentiful deer and rabbits in the area because her home bordered that same creek that ran through most of town. The same one where she’d met her grey eyed friend so long ago. Feeling impulsive, she threw a shawl over her head and disobediently headed out the door into the darkening sky. Faye could hear the mayor’s voice now in her mind.
“Miss Miller, we expect our teachers to be of the highest decorum. We do not expect you to be unseemly, nor spend your idle time fancifully. If you’re unsure how to apply yourself, read your bible. Teachers don’t smoke, nor do they ride in a buggy with another man.”
The strict list of rules went on and on, rolling through her mind. The mayor would dismiss her in a heartbeat if he caught her strolling through the woods in the dark, but how could she not when the land seemed to be almost mystical? Calling to her?
Glancing back at her home, she continued forward rebelliously. She’d always been headstrong according to her mother, but now she’d found most times that she could refrain from her inclinations. The full moon rising in the distance was too beautiful to pass up an evening stroll. As she walked, she found herself following a rabbit that led her down towards the creek. She loved this part of the creek as a young girl. The water cascaded over several mossy rocks. Large weeping willows dangled their branches over a deep pool that she’d jumped in several times as a girl during the
summers. Her mother had hated it, making it that much more appealing. She still was tempted to relax in the cool waters during the summers but now that she’d grown into a woman, she dared not do so.
Standing there, she shut her eyes happily and just breathed in the calm around her. She felt comforted, treasured to be among God’s handiwork and… watched? She felt goosebumps rise on her arms that had nothing to do with the cool temperatures. Opening her eyes, she glanced around and saw a riderless horse on the opposite side of the creek not far from her. Silently, she stared and began to back away.
“Wait!” she heard a deep voice calling out quietly, almost hesitatingly. Faye turned and ran blindly into the deepening darkness of the night. She could not be caught out here by anyone! If it got back to the mayor, she’d lose her position and her chance to make a difference. She heard the man call out again, this time farther away. He was not following her. She’d not seen him, where he was hiding, nor who it was. She didn’t recognize the voice either. She darted into her house and barred the door.
“Please God, don’t take this from me just when I feel like I’ve found my place,” she breathed fearfully. She always knew that things happened for a reason and it wasn’t for her to understand, but this time? She would beg and plead for someone to be on her side, to comprehend her needs. “If this is not my path, then please give me the strength to understand and recognize it when the time comes.”
Breathing heavily, she leaned back against the door and found her hand laying over her frantic heart that thumped in her chest anxiously. Without knowing who it was that had spotted her, she was certain that her days as a teacher there in Bright Star were numbered.
Lawfully Betrothed Page 2
