Where the Heart Is Romance Collection

by Andrea Boeshaar

  When he released her, she fell backward but caught herself before hitting the ground. She held up her hand to stop him from grabbing her again. She looked at Gordon. “I’m all right. Pray for God’s protection.”

  He nodded.

  Satisfied that Gordon would be praying, Polly turned back to the Indian.

  Another scream tore through the air.

  She held her head high and walked past him toward the tepee. Whatever fate awaited her, God would see her through. She stopped at the entrance and waited for the man to open the flap. Her hands shook, and she clasped them in front of her before bending to enter.

  The flap closed behind her. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust. Two young women stood in the center of the enclosure, worry etched on their faces. Another very pregnant woman was squatting, holding on to two poles standing on each side of her. Sweat ran down her red, exhausted face. Then she arched her back and screamed.

  Polly hurried to her. She waited until the girl withered against the poles and then captured her face between her hands. “How long?” she asked the woman.

  The woman looked back at her, uncomprehending. Polly turned to the other two. “How long?”

  They looked at each other and shrugged. Either they didn’t know how long or they didn’t understand her. Polly searched the room until she found a jug of water. She poured some into a bowl and washed the dirt from her hands. Then she returned her attention to the soon-to-be mother.

  In a soft, reassuring voice, Polly spoke: “I want to help. So first, I’m going to pray.”

  Unsure if the laboring woman understood, Polly bowed her head and prayed: “Lord, please help me to assist this mother as she struggles to bring forth new life. Give me the wisdom to know what to do and her the courage to allow me to do it. Also, I ask for Your strength to sustain her. In Your name. Amen.”

  As soon as Polly disappeared into the tepee, Gordon was yanked to his feet. He was pulled by his bound hands to another tepee, where the men sat down around a fire. He stayed just outside of their circle. They talked in low tones, and their eyes often moved to the tepee that Polly had disappeared into. When they didn’t push him down or force him to sit, Gordon decided the best thing to do was join them. His thoughts moved to Daniel, and he prayed someone would look after the boy.

  Once more a scream carried from the interior of the tepee. Gordon wanted to go to Polly, but when he started to rise, a young man shook his head at him.

  The man who had taken Polly paced outside the tepee he’d shown her into. Gordon bowed his head and prayed. He asked for assistance, safety, and guidance.

  It seemed like hours before a young Indian woman stepped outside the tepee. She handed the man a jug and said something to him, pointing to the stream. He immediately ran to fill the jug with water.

  Once he delivered the jug to the woman, Polly’s captor joined the rest of the men around the fire. His brown gaze moved over Gordon, and he jerked his head toward him, grunting what sounded like a command.

  One of the men stood, pulled a knife, and walked behind Gordon. Gordon’s insides quivered, but he refused to show fear. To do so might mean his life and Polly’s. Instead, he maintained eye contact with the first man.

  At his nod, the knife swished through the air and Gordon’s bonds fell to the ground behind him. Gordon swallowed. His shoulders ached as he pulled his hands around. He rubbed his wrists and rotated his sore shoulders.

  The Indian in front of him nodded and motioned for Gordon to join them around the fire. Gordon followed and sat down beside him. He assumed this young man was the leader. The others seemed to follow him. One of the men went inside the nearby tepee and returned shortly with a bowl of dried fruit and jerky.

  Gordon’s stomach growled as the bowl was passed about the circle. Each man grabbed a handful of fruit and a piece of the dried meat. He didn’t expect the bowl to be shoved into his hands but smiled gratefully at the man who handed it to him.

  Like the others, he filled one hand with fruit and took a slice of meat. They nodded and grunted their pleasure. He’d always heard the Indians were savages and not to be trusted, but these men seemed pleasant enough. If I don’t take into account I’m their prisoner.

  He bowed his head and thanked the Lord for his food. When he looked up, the others stared back at him. Gordon chose to try the fruit first, and as he chewed he nodded his approval.

  Gordon sat and waited for hours, hoping Polly would return. He wasn’t sure what was going on, and since he’d not heard her scream coming from the tepee, he continued to pray.

  The other men worked on arrows and bows. They sharpened their knives, and after a few hours of waiting, one of the men left. When he returned he had a deer slung over his horse. The other men joined him, and they skinned the deer and cut the meat up. As time passed, the men’s dark eyes darted between the tepee and their leader.

  When Gordon thought he could no longer stand the waiting, another scream tore from the tepee.

  Polly’s captor stood. He hurried to the tepee that the scream came from.

  Gordon stood and stretched. No one stopped him, so he decided to follow the leader. When the man arrived at the tepee entrance, he stopped and turned around.

  Dark eyes filled with concern stared at Gordon. He’d seen the same troubled look in many men’s eyes in his day. This man needed prayer. Gordon laid a hand on the Indian’s shoulder, bowed his head, and prayed: “Lord, I don’t know what is going on in there, but I ask You to give this man assurance and to give me strength to help him. Amen.” He raised his head and found the dark eyes still studying him, but now they were filled with moisture and thanks.

  Gordon patted his shoulder and nodded. He hoped the Indian would understand that he was there for him. His concern for Polly nagged at him, but he knew his place was with this man during his time of need.

  Polly’s sweet voice sounded through the hide of the tepee as she sang, “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!”

  Realization dawned. Polly was delivering a baby. A few minutes later the sound of its cry split the evening air.

  Gordon pounded the Indian on the back and smiled. He called through the door, “What did you deliver?”

  She laughed. “A baby.”

  “I know it’s a baby! Boy or girl?” He continued to pat the brave on the shoulder.

  “It’s a boy! A big boy, maybe ten pounds or more.” She laughed. “And the mama is going to be fine.”

  Gordon grabbed the man’s hand and pumped. He smiled his widest grin and signed that the baby was a boy. The thought that the Indian man might not understand him never entered his mind.

  The Indian gave a whoop and danced about. His friends ran over to join him. He spoke rapidly to them and then pointed at Gordon and made the same sign for boy that Gordon had made. They threw their heads back and laughed. He felt heat enter his face and neck.

  A young woman pushed the flap back and exited the tepee. She held a small bundle wrapped in animal skins. The baby whimpered when she handed him over to his father.

  The men all stared into the chubby little face. His father looked up at Gordon and then gently unwrapped the baby. He grinned when he looked upon his newborn son.

  Caught up in the joy around him, Gordon still couldn’t help but wonder. Now that the child had been born, what was to become of Polly and him?

  Chapter 8

  Polly was having the same thoughts. Mother and child were lying at the back of the tepee. Since this wasn’t her normal approach to midwifery, Polly didn’t know if she should pray over the family or not. The mother smiled at her over the little boy’s head.

  She bowed her head and prayed: “Lord, please bless this family and keep them safe. In Jesus’ name. Amen.” Polly raised her head and returned the woman’s grin.

  One of the other ladies motioned for Polly to follow her outside. Polly stepped into the cool night air and inhaled. Her back a
ched from the bent-over position she had maintained most of the day. The stars twinkled down upon her, and she marveled that a full day had passed. How had Gordon passed the time? She glanced around.

  Gordon sat beside a fire. He stood and walked over to her with a smile. “You did well.”

  Polly returned his smile. “Thank you.” She rubbed her lower back. “It was a hard labor, but the mother is doing fine.”

  He nodded and looked up into the star-filled sky. His handsome features were reflected within the light. Light-brown hair fell across his forehead. Dried blood caked his temple. She wondered if his head still hurt from the blow that had knocked him out.

  An Indian man exited one of the tepees and knelt beside the campfire. One of the women who had been with Polly throughout the day entered another tepee with an armload of skins. The camp seemed alive with activity, and at the moment the Indians didn’t seem to be paying any attention to her and Gordon. For that, she was thankful.

  Polly gulped. “I’m sorry I got you into this, Reverend. I should have listened to you.”

  “It’s all right, Miss Polly. God knew what was going to happen, even though I didn’t. I think it’s a good thing you were here to deliver the baby.”

  Why did he have to be so kind and understanding? She rotated her shoulders and looked up into the heavens with him. “What do you think they are going to do with us now?”

  He sighed. “I’m not sure. We need to put our faith and hope in God that all will go well. Something that helps me is remembering Philippians, chapter 4 verse 13: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’”

  She smiled. “That is one of my favorite scriptures.”

  “Mine, too.”

  Polly frowned. “Do you think there is a search party looking for us?”

  Gordon shook his head. “They have to get over the mountains, and I don’t believe the Indians were foolish enough to leave a trail to follow.”

  Tears stung the back of her eyes. “So they left us behind?” Her voice cracked.

  “I promise I’ll do everything I can to get you to Oregon.” The strength in his voice gave her hope.

  Silence hung about them. Crickets sang and frogs croaked. If only they weren’t in danger, it could have been a peaceful time.

  The Indian by the fire stood and walked toward them. Gordon straightened his shoulders and stood a little taller, placing himself between the man and her. Polly felt a moment of pride and fear. She’d grown to care about Gordon and prayed the Indians wouldn’t harm him.

  He motioned for them to follow him. Gordon reached back and took her hand in his. Even in their dire situation, Polly couldn’t ignore the tingly feel of his warm palm against hers. They followed the Indian to a tepee. The man pulled the entrance open and motioned for them to enter.

  Gordon led the way inside, pulling Polly in behind him. A fire burned in the center of the room, casting dancing shadows against the hide. Skins were piled against one wall. Polly wondered if they were as soft as they looked.

  The man entered after her. A few moments later, one of the women who had assisted Polly during the birthing entered also. She carried two bowls of steaming stew.

  The smell of rich meats and spices caused Polly’s stomach to growl. When was the last time she’d eaten? Yesterday noon? Time seemed to have sped by, and in its passing she’d had no chance to eat or sleep. Both actions were demanding her attention now.

  Polly offered a wobbly smile and took one of the bowls. She moved to the fire pit and sank down onto a thick fur. Weariness seeped into her bones.

  Gordon joined her but didn’t sit. He took the bowl the woman held out for him.

  Polly sensed his unease. It hung in the air as thick as the soup she scooped out with the spoon-shaped bone the woman supplied. Polly sipped at the delicious stew. Small bits of spicy meat and vegetables in a rich gravy washed over her tongue. “This is very good, thank you.” She offered another weak smile.

  The Indian woman returned the smile and then departed. Polly held her breath as the man stepped closer to them. Once more Gordon blocked her view by stepping in front of her. She leaned to the side and looked up at the Indian man.

  He didn’t seem to be a threat. His dark eyes studied both her and Gordon; then he motioned for them to eat. His hand moved in a sweep to indicate that the furs at the back of the room were intended for them to sleep upon.

  Polly was surprised when Gordon shook his head. He motioned toward his bowl and then to the furs, shaking his head. The Indian man’s expression showed signs of confusion.

  Gordon tried again. He motioned that they would eat, and then he pointed to Polly and the furs. The other man nodded, but the look of confusion remained in his dark eyes.

  Polly felt confused, too. She continued to watch as Gordon pointed to her and the furs and then at himself and the tent door.

  “What are you saying?” Polly asked.

  He spoke without turning to look at her. His eyes remained locked on the other man. “I can eat here with you, but we cannot stay the night alone in here.”

  Understanding dawned. “Oh, I see.” A chill ran up her spine and into the hair at the back of her neck. How could he protect her if he left?

  The Indian motioned for them to eat. At Gordon’s nod, he turned and left.

  “Where will you sleep?” Polly asked, once more wishing she’d not dragged him into this mess.

  Gordon eased down beside her. He looked into his bowl. “Right outside the door. I won’t leave you, but I can’t sleep alone in the same room with you. We are going to have a hard enough time, when we return to the wagon train, convincing some people that this trip has not compromised your reputation.”

  Polly noted that he didn’t say if they returned to the wagon train but when. His strong jaw worked as he chewed. Determination shone in his eyes, and she could see that his mind was searching for a way of escape.

  Someone tapped the flap of the tepee. Gordon stood and pulled it open. Polly tried to see who their visitor was but couldn’t see around Gordon. He returned with a jug of clear water. “It seems our every need is being considered. I don’t believe they plan on harming us.”

  “It seems the only reason they took us was so that I could help deliver the baby. Do you think they’ve been watching our train long?” She yawned.

  Gordon picked up his bone spoon again. “It’s possible, but I think they just grabbed the first woman they could in hopes that she could help. This camp is small and filled with young adults. Other than the baby, I’ve not seen any children and no elders.”

  “Lucky for them, they found the midwife’s apprentice.” Polly finished the stew and set her bowl aside. She stood and looked in the pile of skins for a small, clean piece of soft rawhide.

  She felt Gordon’s puzzled gaze follow her as she found what she was looking for. She poured water into a bowl and dipped the hide into it. Would he allow her to clean his wound?

  “What do you mean ‘apprentice’?” He tilted his head to the side and allowed her to wash away the blood from his temple.

  Polly chewed her lip. “I’m not a real midwife, Gordon. I’m just an assistant. My Mamadele is the real midwife.”

  Gordon enjoyed the sweet way she said his name, almost as much as the sensation of her light touch upon his brow. She reminded him of a butterfly unsure where to land. The tremble in her voice shook him. Was it insecurity that caused her to snap at him from time to time? He had to reassure her. “Polly, you have been a midwife since the night you delivered Laura Joy for Mrs. Edwards.”

  She gnawed at her bottom lip as she set the rag in the bowl. “That’s a nasty cut. I’m afraid it might scar.” She rinsed out the small hide.

  He hated that she moved away from him. A wide yawn escaped before she could cover it. Her bonnet hung down her back, and her hair had come loose sometime during the day.

  Polly had proved that she was a strong woman. She’d not slept in thirty-six hours, and yet she’d stayed with th
e mother until she was sure both of her patients were safe. Gordon continued to admire her hair. He wanted to run his fingers through the silky-looking strands. The thought startled him, and he cleared his throat. “Well, I need to go so you can get some sleep.”

  Polly walked to the pile of hides. She scooped up an armload of skins and passed them to him. “I am pretty tired.”

  Her soft smile caused his heart to melt. The more he got to know Polly Schultz, the more he wanted to know her better.

  She bent over once more and scooped up another armload of skins. “I am moving my bed closer to the door, to be closer to you.” She walked to the left of the entryway and dropped her skins. “Why don’t you take those out and come back in for more. There are plenty here, and I don’t want you to get cold.”

  Gordon grinned while he did as she instructed. He dropped the skins on the right-hand side of the door so that they would only have the tepee wall between them and then reentered for another load.

  For a brief moment, he couldn’t find her. He turned in a complete circle looking for her. And then he saw her. She’d curled up on the furs and snuggled down. She resembled a kitten, purring away. So sweet and beautiful. Gordon knelt down and covered her with a soft skin. Her bonnet lay off to the side, and her hair was fanned out on the furs.

  Polly smiled in her sleep. Gordon sat back on his heels and studied her face. What sweet dreams was she having? Was she reliving the birth of the Indian baby? Or perhaps another child’s birth?

  That simple smile melted another part of his heart. Gordon frowned. At the rate he was going, Polly would have his heart before they even got to Oregon.

  Chapter 9

  Polly awoke to the sun shining through the top of the tepee. She stretched and yawned, enjoying the sensation of soft furs under her body. Her feet hurt as she pushed up and stretched again. How long had she slept? She combed her fingers through her hair, pulled it up, and repinned it into a neat knot at the back of her head. Small tentacles of hair slipped free and brushed her cheeks. Since there was nothing that could be done about that, Polly picked up her bonnet and tied it under her chin. She then brushed off her dress and limped toward the door.