by Unknown
Val’s face went pale a split second before he ran and jumped onto his saddle.
“I’m coming with you,” Marlena announced before turning to Morgan. “Please, can I take your horse?”
“Go on, quickly,” he answered and she spared a glance at Dalton.
“We’ll follow you,” he said with a nod, and she climbed onto the saddle in her chemise and robe, bare feet and all, kicking the horse in Val’s wake.
Marlena wiped at the tears streaming down her cheeks as she ducked and dodged tree branches. Val had a few narrow scrapes in front of her as well, but neither slowed their pace.
“Please God,” she said aloud. “Don’t take her.”
When they cleared the tree line, Val spurred his horse on at a greater speed and she struggled to keep up, having no boot heel or spur to dig in. She’d never been to their ranch and could not find it if she lost Val, so she leaned forward to rest her head against the horse’s neck and gave him more rein to speed up.
The two-story log home loomed ahead and chickens squawked and scattered as they ran across the lawn and skidded to a halt before the front door. The rocks and dirt bit into her heels as she jumped from the horse, but it didn’t slow her. She followed Val into the house and up the stairs, all while Jess’s screams rent the air and pierced her heart.
They ran through a bedroom door and Marlena’s hands flew to her mouth at the vision of Jess contorting in pain. Sweat beads slid down her cheeks and forehead, her fists curled around wads of bedsheets. Dr. Argyle Cameron and the midwife stood beside a dresser, assessing the gruesome-looking medical instruments set atop it.
Val went to his knees beside the bed and grabbed his wife’s hand. “I’m here, Jess.”
“What is it?” Marlena asked the doctor. “What’s wrong?”
“Not to worry,” his aged voice rasped. “All is well. Your sister is about to deliver.”
“Lila said there were complications,” Val said, a plea in his eyes.
“There were,” Dr. Cameron answered, leaning against the dresser. He wore his age haggardly, the stress and worry wrinkling his face even more. “The baby was breach and wouldn’t turn. I was about to operate when I sent Lila for you, but then the baby turned on its own. The head is now in position and I can defer to the midwife. I’ll be down in the parlor if I’m needed.”
He left the room and Marlena made to follow him, but Jess’s tired voice called out to her.
“Stay, Marlena. I want you here with me.”
Marlena went to the bed, grabbing her sister’s hand, only to feel a deathlike grip as Jess winced through another contraction.
“Quickly, Jess,” the midwife said. “Push her out before she can change her mind and turn again.”
Fiery pain shot through Marlena as Jess nearly broke every one of her fingers in her vicelike grip, but it was worth it. One long push brought the baby into the world, and a flood of emotion welled inside of her. Tears rushed to her eyes and laughter bubbled from her chest.
“You were right, Jess!” she announced. “It’s a girl.”
“And with a strong set of lungs,” the midwife added.
Jess collapsed back against the pillows, heaving with relief. Val showered her with kisses, not caring that Marlena was there to witness the fat tears rolling down his cheeks. The midwife bundled the baby and handed her to Marlena. She cradled her niece, who continued to scream her presence to the world. Jess’s face was white with exhaustion, but she managed a smile.
“My little Evangeline.”
“All is right in the world,” Marlena whispered, releasing her own tears as she handed the baby to Jess. Within moments, Evangeline suckled quietly and Jess reached out to grasp Marlena’s hand.
“Thank God you’re all right,” she said.
“Thank God and Dalton,” Marlena replied.
“You belong with him,” Jess announced. “I like Harrison, but you belong with Dalton.”
Marlena nodded. “I know. Things are about to change for the better, Jess. I don’t want to miss another minute of moments like this.”
Jess smiled and let the tears fall. “You’ve made me a happy woman. And you can stay here at the ranch as long as you need.”
“There won’t be a need,” she returned. “Dalton has made me a fine home.”
A hiss of laughter bubbled from Jess’s chest. “Good thing I finished your wedding gown then, eh?”
“You finished it?”
Jess nodded. “I had nothing else to do but worry and pacing was out of the question. It’s all finished and in the spare room.” Her eyes darted over Marlena’s chemise and robe. “Where are your clothes?”
“It’s a long story, one that can wait.”
Jess turned to her husband. “Val, show her to the spare room, will you? And grab some of my clothes for her.”
Val leaned down and kissed Jess’s lips. “I’ll be right back. Then, I’ll take the baby so you can get some rest.”
Jess nodded and pulled her husband down for a longer, lingering kiss. Marlena pecked Evangeline’s cheek before following Val out of the room.
He left her in the spare room and she eyed the sparkling white gown resting on the bed. Like her concert gowns, the neckline scooped down and rested slightly off-shoulder. Layers of lace scalloped from the top of the bodice, which had intricate beadwork and embroidery to accent it. The full skirt boasted an extravagant bustle and ruffled train. It was the finest piece of sewing she’d ever seen, and the thought of wearing to marry Dalton warmed her skin and cheeks.
By the time she dressed and left the room, Barrett and Heath stood in front of their mother’s bedroom door, pressing their ears to the wood. Their tongues stuck out of the sides of their mouths in a look of pure concentration, and Marlena laughed.
“What are you two doing?”
“We’re trying to hear our sister,” Barrett answered.
“She’s a quiet thing, ain’t she?” Heath said and Barrett chuckled.
“We’ll break her of that.”
Marlena shook her head as her eyes rolled. “She’s probably sleeping, and deservedly so. She and your mama had a rough morning. Let’s leave them be, shall we?”
The door suddenly opened and Val walked out with a bundle tucked in his arms. The twins jumped up and down, trying to get a view, so he knelt to give them access. Marlena smiled at the three little faces of Jess’s children. And to think, all those years they’d believed she couldn’t bear any. It filled Marlena’s heart to see Jess’s life full of family, and there was a sudden ache in her own womb.
The front door opened and Marlena peered down the stairs to see Morgan and Lila shuffle through the portal.
“Hazel!” Barrett and Heath cried as the little girl came in next, followed by Sarah. The boys ran down to greet their friend.
“We have a sister now,” Barrett said.
“Yeah, and she ain’t no bigger than a meatloaf!”
Lila looked up and locked worried eyes with Marlena. “Jess?”
“She’s fine,” Marlena assured. “She’s sleeping. Everything went well.”
Lila sighed and leaned back against Morgan before addressing the boys. “Where are your cousins?”
“They’re outside playing crack-the-whip,” Val answered. “Why don’t you kids go play?”
The boys each grabbed one of Hazel’s hands and scampered off. No sooner had they made space in the entryway than Dalton came through the door. He and Marlena locked eyes and she ran down the stairs and leapt into his arms, pressing a smile to his lips. He caught her and welcomed her kiss.
“All is well, I presume?” he said when they finally pulled apart.
“It’s better than well,” she said. “It’s perfect. I can’t wait to be your wife and hold your babies.”
Val cleared his throat and Marlena felt a rush of heat to her cheeks as she surveyed the smiling faces around them. Sarah stepped forward.
“Well, there is already a wedding planned here in four days. We n
ever had a chance to cancel the plans once Harrison left.”
Marlena sucked on her bottom lip and turned to Dalton with a giddy smile. “And there is a beautiful wedding gown in a room upstairs.”
He peered sideways at Marlena and chortled. “You don’t have to ask me. Everyone here knows I’m all in.”
“It’s settled then,” Val announced. “Jess will be thrilled.”
“My only request,” Dalton said after clearing his throat, “is that we wait until I hear from my mother. She should be in Placerville by tonight and I expect to get a telegram. I want her here when we marry.”
Marlena took Dalton’s hand in hers. “Of course. Let’s go for a walk.” She still had something to discuss with him. They went out the front door and ambled around the house, taking in the rose garden and fruit trees, the expanse of green graze land littered with cattle. The children ran and played, their laughter filling the air. Marlena glanced around.
“Where’s Indigo?”
“I left him back home. His paws were still raw.”
“Home…” Marlena repeated and Dalton stopped their promenade to face her.
“Do you not want to live at the homestead, Marlena? Because we can live wherever you want. I know how much music means to you. If you want to tour then I’ll go with you.”
She grabbed his hands and placed light kisses on his knuckles. “I love the homestead, and I don’t want to tour.” His shoulders relaxed, so she continued quickly. “But I don’t want to abandon my music.”
His brow scrunched and he peered into her eyes for an explanation.
“Music is a gift that should be available to all,” she said. “Not just to those who can afford it. Working with the children at the orphanage…that fulfilled me more than anything else in my life. It not only gave them hope. It opened the eyes of the community in so many ways. Some of those children have real, wonderful potential with music. There’s more work I can do in Virginia City.” She wrapped her arms around his waist and he did the same. “If only there was a way we could have both a life at the homestead and in the city.”
Dalton lifted her chin with his finger and lowered his mouth in a soft kiss. “We can.”
She pulled away. “We can?”
“I have fifty thousand dollars in my account, remember? That ought to be enough to fund the finest music school west of the Mississippi, shouldn’t it? Now that there’s no contract to buy out, I can’t think of a better use for that money. And we’ve already got two of the best singers here to teach. That alone ought to draw paying students.”
Marlena’s heart expanded so much she feared it would burst through her chest. With a yelp of laughter she jumped up into his arms, throwing her legs around his waist. She planted a long, fiery kiss on his lips, running her tongue along his as she caressed his face.
“I love you, Dalton Cunningham,” she whispered.
He smirked and rubbed the tip of his nose against hers. “Now, that’s a song I could listen to every day.”
Epilogue
Snow drifted over Virginia City and Marlena watched it through the windows of the second floor music room. After dismissing her class, she’d lingered to wait for Dalton. Their packages had arrived that afternoon and he’d gone to pick them up after delivering his latest furniture order. Sarah entered the room behind her, bringing Marlena her fur-lined cloak.
“When do you two head out?” she asked.
“As soon as Dalton gets back. We’d like to go before night falls, although I expect it to be a bit warmer in the valley.”
Sarah peered through the window at the sky. “It should be a light dusting tonight. I don’t think the snow will give you much trouble.”
“I hope you’re wrong,” Marlena said. “The children will be very put out not to have snow on Christmas morning.”
“Well, it’s still a week away. They may yet get their wish. Are you excited?”
Marlena nodded eagerly. “It will be the first Christmas with all of us together. What are you and Hazel going to do?”
Sarah shrugged, “We’ll likely spend the day at the orphanage.” Her eyes suddenly turned sad and Marlena pressed her lips together.
“Still no word from Peter?”
Sarah shook her head. “I’m not surprised he didn’t answer my letters, but I thought for sure he would answer Hazel’s.”
Marlena placed a hand on Sarah’s shoulder. “I still think you did the right thing, telling her the truth.”
“She’s a remarkable girl, my Hazel. So well-adjusted and mature. She reminds me of you.”
“No,” Marlena said with a shake of her head. “That girl is all you. She is a natural on the stage. The Christmas concert those kids put on was spectacular.”
“We owe all of it to you, Marlena. Without your heart spurring this all on, these kids’ lives would be very bleak. Mine, too.”
They hugged as Dalton called the horses to a halt in front of the school.
“That’s my cue,” Marlena said and they descended the stairs together while Marlena pulled on her cloak and gloves. Hazel waited at the bottom of the stairs to exchange a hug and holiday greeting. When Marlena opened the door, it wasn’t Dalton who greeted her, but a tall man in a beaver hat with wide strong shoulders and a mesh of coppery hair clinging to his jaw.
“Can I help you?” Marlena asked, but moved aside at Sarah’s sharp gasp behind her.
The man stepped into the entryway and removed his hat, leaving a sprinkling of snow on the floor. His eyes locked onto Sarah for a suspended moment before moving to the little girl beside her. Tears flooded his eyes and his nostrils flared.
“You must be Peter,” Marlena said and he finally tore his gaze from Hazel to shake Marlena’s hand. “You are most welcome here.”
Dalton came up behind her. “You ready to go, love?”
“Yes,” she closed the door behind her, levying a parting smile to the family standing inside before she climbed up into the buckboard. “Indigo, here.” The dog jumped onto her lap from the back of the wagon and she covered him with a blanket.
They stopped by Ellie’s on the way out of the city and exchanged gifts, taking a pot of hot coffee with them when they left. The snow ceased as they wound down the mountain, leaving the remaining drive a pleasant temperature. Dalton reached over and squeezed her hand.
“How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine,” she replied. “I believe the worst of the sickness has passed. According to Sarah, the first few months of pregnancy are the most uncomfortable.”
“Well, all the same, let me know if you need to stop and rest for a bit.”
She chuckled. “I will, I promise. Have you had a chance to read the letter that arrived today from your mother?”
He nodded. “She sends her love. Says Urban’s business is doing well in Placerville. She’s happy there and absolutely thrilled to learn she’s going to be a grandmother.”
Marlena rubbed a hand over her belly, anxiously awaiting the day she’d feel those glorious flutters from the inside. “Jess is going to be excited, too. I can’t wait to tell her the news.”
“Speaking of news, I heard something interesting at the mercantile today,” he said.
“What’s that?”
“Old man Perkins has died.”
Marlena nodded. “Yes, I did read something about that in the paper today. Do you really believe all that hullabaloo about his fortune? That he buried it somewhere out in the desert?”
Dalton shrugged. “It makes sense. The man was paranoid. I heard he couldn’t even remember where he buried it, that he lost his own map.”
“How much do you think is out there?”
“Thousands.”
“I expect we’ll start seeing the desert floor pock marked with holes now. Every man and his brother will be out here looking for it.”
Laughter shook Dalton’s shoulders. “There’s a lot of desert to cover, and with no clue where to start? It’s like looking for a piece of barley in a pil
e of sand. No thank you.”
She nodded in agreement. “I have no desire to go treasure-hunting. I’m quite happy with the riches I’ve got.”
“Me, too, Little Mrs.” He wrapped an arm around her, hugging her close. “Speaking of treasures, is it too much to ask for a private concert?”
She smiled up at him. “Never.”
After a brief peck, her voice filled the night sky, belting to the clouded blanket overhead and reaching the farthest cluster of sagebrush in one Christmas carol after another. She ended with her favorite, for their arrival at the ranch of Jessica and Valentine Kelly did indeed come upon a midnight clear, and as their buckboard rattled up the drive, a group of anxious family members gathered on the porch steps, joining her to sing the final verse.
For lo!, the days are hastening on,
By prophet bards foretold,
When with the ever-circling years
Comes round the age of gold
When peace shall over all the earth
Its ancient splendors fling,
And the whole world give back the song
Which now the angels sing.
The End
Coming Soon…
