“And if it were Rosabelle out there? Would you make Mary stay at home?”
Will blanched. There was no making Mary do anything, and he should have been smart enough to realize the same about Rose.
“It’s not the same,” he muttered.
“To me, it is. Milly’s just as much mine as...” Rose’s throat tightened as she glanced at Silas, who wore a pained expression on his face.
“I’m sorry,” she said quietly. “I didn’t mean to offend. I...” She hadn’t realized the tears streaming down her face until she tasted the salt hitting the corners of her lips.
Silas’s eyes filled with tears, as well. “You don’t have to apologize. I’d do the same for Matthew.”
Rose nodded, wiped the tears from her cheeks, and turned her attention to Wes. “I want a horse, too.”
“If you won’t stay for your sake,” Will said, his voice solemn, “what about Matthew?”
She lifted her chin. “I’ll carry him wrapped around me in a sling the way Emma Jane did with Moses. We’ve taken to wearing our babies like that at the mission so we have them close but our hands are free to work.”
Silas shook his head slowly. “Maybe this isn’t such a good idea. Will’s right. I didn’t think about the baby, but he can’t—”
“I’m going and that’s final.” She looked from Silas to Will. “If you try to leave me behind, I will follow you. I know you two don’t want me out there alone, especially since it’s going to be getting dark soon. So you get what you need from the sheriff’s office, I’ll get my baby, and I will see you back here in a few minutes.”
Rose turned and stormed out of the livery. Was it foolish for her to think she could take Matthew on such a journey? Perhaps. But what other choice did she have? She couldn’t get the image out of her mind of how terrified Milly must be. And would be when a bunch of riders came upon them, and there was the inevitable argument between Silas and the Garretts. No, she had to be there for Milly.
When she entered the house, Uncle Frank had already rallied the rest of the family.
“I’m going to stay with you tonight until we get word. You don’t have to go through this alone,” Mary said before Rose could greet her.
“I’m going,” she said forcefully, not giving anyone room to argue.
“But Rose, dear...” Mary didn’t get much further because Rose stopped her with a glare. Mary nodded.
“I need to get some things for Matthew.”
“Now Rose, you can’t bring a baby,” Frank said, frowning.
“I can’t leave him alone, either.” She brushed past them, into the parlor, where Helen was holding him.
Matthew immediately reached for her, smiling broadly. He couldn’t talk yet, but she could almost imagine him saying, “Mama!”
She cuddled him close to her, kissing the top of his head. What would she do if someone took him? How hard would she fight? She could do no less for Milly.
The front door opened, and Will strode in. “You’re not bringing the baby,” he said, without preamble. “It’s the only way you can go, and if you argue, I’m locking you in jail for the night.”
“You wouldn’t dare.” She glared at him.
“Don’t try me. It’s bad enough you have to come, but in the dark, with the dangers we face, I refuse to put an innocent baby in harm’s way. And if you were thinking clearly, you wouldn’t, either. What would happen if the horse stumbled over a rock he can’t see in the dark and throws you both?”
“It’s a full moon.”
“And at our pace, full moon or no, a horse can still trip and kill you both. I won’t have it.”
Everyone in the room remained silent, and Rose noticed that Silas had entered, as well.
“Please listen to him. The pain of losing a child... Don’t do this to yourself. Don’t do it to me.” Then Silas looked around the room. “Don’t do it to any of us. We love Matthew, and I can’t put him at risk. I’ll help Will lock you in that cell if it means keeping him safe.”
Rose’s chest burned. They were right, of course. But what was she supposed to do? She couldn’t not go after Milly. And Matthew, he needed her.
“But I can’t leave him behind.”
At their nods, she realized that had been their argument all along. Their plan to keep her home, as well.
“Yes you can,” Mary said gently, putting her arm around Rose. “I have more than enough milk, and Maddie says that Matthew’s been enjoying runny porridge. He’ll be fine overnight.”
Rose looked at her sister, unable to see through the tears in her eyes. “But I can’t... I mean, I’m his... What if he...”
“I want to do this for you.” Mary hugged her tight against her, sandwiching Matthew between them. “You’ll never forgive yourself if something happens to him. And you won’t be able to live with yourself if you don’t go. Let me be the sister I’ve always wanted to be to you.”
Mary pulled away, then took Matthew from her arms. “Come to your auntie, little fellow. Your mama’s going on a trip tonight, but you’ll see her in the morning.”
Then she turned to her husband and smiled sweetly. “And someday you’ll learn that we Stone sisters will not be thwarted in the pursuit of rescuing a beloved family member.”
Will shook his head, a small grin at the corner of his lips. “I suppose it’s foolish to even try.”
Turning to Silas, Will said, “It’s also foolish to fight the inevitable when it comes to these women. I may have had my reservations about you, but it’s becoming clear where things are headed. You might as well face up to it and marry her.”
“We’re not getting married,” Rose said, gritting her teeth. How like her family to turn this into some bizarre courtship ritual.
“Yes, you are.” Will chuckled. “You’re both willing to risk your lives for each other’s children. Then there’s the fact that you keep looking at each other like you’ve gone days without food and someone’s just put a steak in front of you. You think we don’t notice, but trust me. We’re all counting down the days until the wedding.”
“That’s not love, that’s lust.” Rose glared at him. “And I’ve had more than my fill of that, thank you very much. So let’s stop being ridiculous so we can go after Milly.”
“Oh, I know the difference between love and lust,” Will said flatly. “And while I lusted after many a girl in my youth, I was never willing to die for any of them.”
He turned and gave Mary the kind of look Rose always wished a man would give her. “But I would die the most slow and painful death for my wife.”
Grinning, he added, “And I will admit that I still lust after her. The way I see it, a good marriage has both.”
Uncle Frank chuckled. “That it does. But Mary’s right. The longer we stand around talking, the more quickly daylight fades, and it’ll be that much harder to find them. I know they’re headed for Buena Vista, but I can’t see them getting even as far as Granite tonight.”
“That’s what we’re thinking,” Will said, turning his attention back to the task at hand. “If you wouldn’t mind rounding up some supplies, I’m going to see if I can get some of the other deputies to ride out with us. We should catch up with the Garretts on the road, and in the morning, we’ll head back. If it doesn’t work out that way, I’ll send a rider in the morning to update you on what’s happening.”
“Why not a telegram? You’ll be close enough to Granite, then you won’t lose a man.”
Will nodded. “Good idea. In fact, I’ll go by the telegraph office on my way and send a message to the sheriff’s office in Granite now. They can be on the lookout for the Garretts, as well.”
They finished making arrangements, then Will headed over to the sheriff’s office, and Silas went with Uncle Frank to get the supplies they’d need for the trip. Rose went
to change into her riding gear and give Matthew one last feeding before she left.
Mary followed so Rose could tell her what she needed to know about Matthew’s care.
Only Mary wasn’t interested in talking about Matthew.
“Will’s right, you know. Your attraction to Silas shouldn’t put you off. You should be encouraged that you have romantic feelings, as well as a deep love for each other’s children. I know you’re trying to keep things proper between the two of you, but the questions you ask about what level of friendship is appropriate speak to something deeper than lust. You two have everything you need for a successful marriage, so if not for your sake, perhaps you should think of the sake of the children.”
Gently brushing the top of her son’s head, Rose looked up at Mary. “I am thinking of Matthew. And it’s for his sake that I want to be wise in the relationships I pursue, not marrying to give him a father, or respectability, but a real family unit, like I see with you, Joseph, Polly and Emma Jane.”
“Maybe if you weren’t being so stubborn about what happened in the past, you’d be able to see that you have that with Silas. All of us can see that he loves you, so why can’t you?”
Because she wasn’t sure she could trust herself in making that determination. “I thought he loved me once,” Rose said quietly. “As many times as I’ve prayed, I’m not any closer to knowing how he genuinely feels. He told me today that he intended to court me, and that he would remain faithful in that courtship. But what is the true nature of his heart? Is it about the desire that everyone sees? Is it about a marriage for the sake of the children? Or does he truly love me, for who I am today, the sum of all my mistakes, and all the things that have brought me to this place?”
Matthew pulled away from his feeding, gazing up at her with a milky grin. Rose smiled down at him, then adjusted him to give him a good burping.
“I don’t know,” Mary said. “But I don’t believe the way he looks at you is purely lust. You’re right, though. You deserve to be fully loved, and I hope that when it happens, you can see it. Because sometimes, you seem to be so aware of your faults, that you’re blinded to the wonderful woman I’m honored to have as a sister.”
Mary’s praise still felt odd to Rose, but her sister’s smile was genuine. Mary had no reason to lie. But it didn’t make it any easier for Rose to know how to feel about Silas.
At least one thing was easy. Watching the delight on her sister’s face as she handed her her baby.
Chapter Fifteen
The ride was harder than Silas had expected. Will hadn’t been joking when he said it was no place for a woman or baby. The sun had finally gone down a little while ago, and he was grateful for the full moon lighting the way. Even so, it was hard to see the road before them.
He glanced over at Rose, who seemed to be keeping pace just fine. She was an excellent horsewoman, something he hadn’t known about her. Never had reason to, he supposed. Her family hadn’t been able to afford much in the way of horses for pleasure riding back when he knew her before. Now he’d been too busy working, and she’d been too busy with her family for them to find out things like that about each other.
Maybe Rose had been right about him moving too fast. About them not really knowing each other, or knowing enough about each other for it to be love.
As they rounded a bend, Silas could see the faint glow of a fire. Will signaled for them to slow up.
When they gathered, Will said, “Could be the Garretts, but it could also be some unsavory types. I can’t imagine bandits camping so close to the road, but it wouldn’t be one of the dumbest things I’ve ever seen ’em do.”
A couple of the deputies laughed at his joke, and one of them rode forward. “I’ll go check it out.”
Silas took advantage of the break to ride over to Rose. “How are you holding up?”
The moonlight glinted off her dark hair, and despite the fatigued expression on her face, she looked absolutely lovely. He knew he wasn’t supposed to think of her in that way, but he couldn’t help himself. Besides, it wasn’t like she was dressed to impress him, or any man. Covered in dust and her hair such a mess from the wind that she’d be humiliated if he pointed it out, she was a vision.
The beauty he saw shining out from her reflected the strength of a woman who’d ride harder than most men, leaving behind a beloved baby. For his daughter that she loved as her own.
“A little tired, but I’ll be fine.” Rose smiled at him, exhaustion written all over her face.
“I’ll admit I’m going to be sore tomorrow, but as long as I get Milly back, it’ll be worth it.”
“I feel the same way,” she said, letting out a long sigh. “I didn’t realize this would be so difficult.”
He watched the lines deepen on her forehead. “Difficult?”
“I haven’t ridden like this in, well...” Rose shook her head. “It doesn’t matter.”
The rider they’d sent to the fire came back, the horse’s hooves thundering as though it hadn’t been ridden hard already.
“It’s them,” he called.
The rest of the riders needed no further encouragement. Will waved an arm, and they all spurred their horses, headed toward Milly.
Though the fire only appeared to be less than a mile away, it seemed like it took twice as long to breach that distance as it had to get all this way from town. As they drew closer, Silas could see the figures of three adults huddled by the fire, but not Milly.
Where was his daughter?
When they finally arrived at the campsite, Rose drew back, motioning for him to do the same.
“I think she’s probably in the wagon. Hopefully asleep, so let’s get to her first, before all the commotion wakes her up.”
He followed her lead as she rode around to the back of the wagon, opposite to where the rest of the riders were headed. Will seemed to notice them breaking off, turning his horse their way. Silas shook his head and pointed to the wagon. Will nodded, then motioned for another rider to follow them.
They dismounted before they got too close, and the rider Will sent reached for the reins. “I’ll hold the horses. You go get that little girl.”
Quietly, Silas and Rose slipped to the side of the wagon. Silas noticed that Will waited to make his final approach on the camp until they started climbing in the wagon.
“She’s here,” Silas whispered, his heart thudding in his chest louder than the hooves of the approaching horses.
Rose brushed past him, landing in the wagon with a thud. Silas looked over at the Garretts to see if they’d noticed Silas and Rose in the wagon, but by then, Will and his men had gotten their attention.
Though he got to Milly first, Rose wasn’t far behind. He brushed his little girl’s face with his hand, and her eyes blinked open sleepily.
“Papa?” Her little voice was the sweetest sound she’d ever heard. “What you doing here? Granmudder say you no want me no more.”
Even in the dim light, he could see that her face was stained from having shed so many tears.
“Your grandmother lied. They took you without my permission. I’ll always want you, Milly.”
His daughter reached up and wrapped her arms around him. “I want my Rosey.”
“I’m right here, my sweet,” Rose said, coming alongside him.
As quickly as Milly had fallen into his arms, she leaped over to Rose and held her tight. “I no want that udder lady. She not my Rosey.”
Milly twirled her fingers in Rose’s hair. “Is okay if you doxy. You my Rosey. An’ I love you.”
Rose cradled his daughter to her chest, her shoulders rising and falling as though she were sobbing.
It wasn’t proper, and Silas knew it went against how he agreed to treat Rose, but he couldn’t help it. He wrapped his arms around them both.
Rose was indeed crying, but before Silas could say anything to comfort her, Milly spoke.
“Rosey, you no cry. I were good girl for Granmudder an’ da udder lady. Now you wif me, and everything will be good.”
Then she looked up at him. “Papa, why you cry? Are you sad to see Miwwy?”
“No.” Rose shifted her weight, allowing him to take Milly in his arms. “I am very happy to see you, and that’s why I’m crying.”
“Crying for being sad. We happy. We no cry. If Granmudder hears us cry, she be mad. So no cry.”
For the first time since seeing Milly, Silas remembered where they were. He looked over the side of the wagon, where the Garretts were talking to Will and his men. From the other direction, he saw another set of riders heading their way.
He held Milly close. “Sometimes people cry when they’re happy. And I’ve never been happier in all my life.”
Milly smiled up at him. “I happy, too. I stay wif you and my Rosey forever. No go wif Granmudder.”
“You don’t have to.” Silas kissed the top of her head. Then he sighed. He didn’t have it in his power to promise that Milly would have Rose forever. Who knew what the future held for Rose, and whether she would meet someone else who would take her away from this place?
The thought made him feel sick.
Rose gave Milly a squeeze. “You can have me as long as you need me.”
Milly struggled out of his embrace. “Where Ma-few?”
“He stayed home with his aunt Mary.”
“But he no sleep if I no sing to him.” She started to sing “Jesus Loves Me,” but in true Milly fashion, sang it at the top of her lungs.
Which drew the attention of the Garretts.
“Millicent!” Mrs. Garrett broke away from the crowd of men and started toward them, but Will grabbed her.
Milly groaned. “Granmudder no like singing.”
“You can sing all you like.” Rose smiled at the little girl, then turned to Silas. “I’ll stay with her if you’d like to go sort things out with them.”
For the Sake of the Children Page 18
