by Kirst, Karen
Sophie ground her back teeth. The endless posturing spiked her aggravation. It was clear who did this. Enough talking, already. They needed to go searching for Nathan. Now. Before it was too late....
Caleb rode into the yard then, and the men turned as one to wait. He dismounted while Rebel was still in motion, boots slamming to the ground.
“Landon’s skipped town,” he declared, thumping his hat against his thigh in frustration. “Most of his things are cleared out. Jedediah’s coin stash is gone, too.”
“Do they have any idea which way he was headed?” Sophie asked.
“None. I say we round up a search party and spread out across the area.”
The sheriff headed for his horse. “I’ll gather the men. We’ll need a day or two’s worth of supplies.”
“My wife and daughter-in-law can help with that.” Sam pivoted and made for the door.
“Meet me at my office in an hour.”
Another hour of waiting and agonizing. With a frustrated groan, Sophie stalked over to Caleb, who was riffling through his saddlebag. “I’m going with you.”
Beneath the low brim of his hat, brown eyes touched hers. “I know.”
Having expected a battle, she fell back a step. “You aren’t going to try and talk me out of it?”
“If you were any other female in this town, I would. But you’re capable, an excellent shot and a so-so cook. I can live with that.”
Nodding gratefully, she lowered her suddenly watery gaze to the ground. Caleb placed a finger beneath her chin and lifted her face. “Hey, we will find him. I won’t accept any other outcome, and I know you won’t, either.” His gaze probed hers, making her feel exposed. “He’s lucky to have someone who cares about him as much as you do.”
She didn’t deny it. What would be the point?
“I’m gonna run to the mercantile for a new canteen,” she said. “I’ll meet you at the sheriff’s.”
“All right.”
On the ride into town, Sophie’s mind wandered to Landon and their many encounters, the subtle signs she’d stubbornly ignored. Forcing a kiss was nothing compared to kidnapping. She’d never dreamed the seemingly charming young man would be capable of such evil....
Straightening in the saddle, she thought of their last outing and the remote location he’d led her to. “What if?”
Crossing the bridge at a fast clip, she slowed her horse when she caught sight of the young Thompson brothers playing marbles beside the barbershop. They looked up at her approach.
“Davey. Grant.” She leaned over the saddle horn. “I need you to do me a huge favor.”
Grant, the older brother, scrambled up. “Certainly, ma’am.”
“Go to the O’Malley’s and find Caleb. Tell him I’m headed up to Lookout Point. If you do this, I’ll personally take you to the café and you can choose any dessert you want.”
Davey’s eyes rounded. “Truly?”
Nodding, she urged, “But you have to hurry, okay?”
“Yes, ma’am!” Holding their caps, they ran off.
Please, Lord, don’t let this be a huge waste of time.
Her gut told her this was right. She had to pursue it. She just hoped her impulsiveness didn’t cost Nathan his life.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Nathan smelled the bear before he saw him.
Resting his head against the tree—gently this time—he squinted against the early evening sunlight slanting across the forest. The scene was a peaceful one. Trees all around, a sloping mountain stream gurgling over moss-covered rocks, white and yellow flowers bobbing in the thick grass carpet. No clear sign of danger, but he knew it was there. Somewhere.
It didn’t matter if he sat motionless. The predator would catch a whiff of his scent, the sweat drenching his shirt and the blood from the head wound matted in his hair. And the fish. Black bears weren’t all that aggressive, but with a ready meal available, who knew what the outcome might be.
He prayed harder than he’d ever done before.
When he opened his eyes, his heart jumped into his throat. There, on the opposite bank, stood a massive animal. This was no youngster. This was a full-grown adult, his black eyes shiny, his nose bouncing as he sniffed the air.
Although it was a futile act, Nathan tugged again on the metal restraints around his wrists, wincing at the sting of skin rubbed raw. Even if he could get them off, he doubted he’d be able to free himself from the ropes securing him to the tree.
Sophie’s beautiful face drifted through his mind again, and he felt the sharp pang of regret. He prayed she was safe. That Landon’s threats had been empty, intended only to torment him.
Nathan must’ve blacked out, for the next thing he knew the beast’s rancid breath blasted his head. Looking up, he willed himself to stay absolutely still.
“Nathan!”
He jerked. Was he hallucinating?
“It’s going to be okay.” Sophie’s voice rang with promise.
There. To the left. He glimpsed her dear, sweet face, the pucker of determination on her forehead, the glint of the battered Winchester in her steady hands.
The bear shifted closer, his plate-size paws with razor-sharp claws about a foot from his feet. The metallic taste of fear entered his mouth.
“Uh, Sophie...” She loved bears. She wouldn’t—
Three quick reports of the rifle blasted through the forest. Again, Nathan jerked. The beast weaved on his feet before falling to the earth with a shudder. Nathan stared. It had been a clean shot, the second and third shots unnecessary. Guess she wanted to make certain...
Then she was there beside him, kneeling in the dirt, hands running over his arms and legs, checking for breaks. Blue eyes large and beseeching, she smoothed his hair, his cheeks. Her face lacked all color. Where she’d been cool and steady in the face of danger, she was now shaking like a leaf.
“No need to look at me like I’m going to disappear before your eyes,” he rasped, relief swamping him at the sight of her safe and sound. Thank You, God.
“I’ll be right back.”
He got a little nervous when she disappeared into the woods. But she returned a minute later, leading her horse, canteen in hand. Water. Kneeling again, she lifted the canteen to his lips and helped him drink.
“Slow down,” she murmured. “A little at a time.”
Taking it away before he’d gotten his fill, she pulled out a knife and, going around to the other side of the tree, worked to free him.
“I’m sorry about the bear,” he said, knowing her actions would bother her later.
The tension around his shoulders and chest went slack as she cut through the last rope. He scooted upright. Coming around, she studied the fallen animal with a frown. “It was either him or you. Besides, it won’t go to waste. The meat and hide will go to a deserving family. You can help me decide who in town needs it most.”
Crouching behind him, her fingers skimmed his hair. When they encountered the knot, he sucked in a breath.
“What did Landon do to you?” Outrage and horror marked her words.
“Not as much as he could have.” Twisting, he studied her. “You haven’t seen him today, have you?”
Her brows winged up. “No. Why?”
He shook his head. “Never mind.”
Frown deepening, she bent to study his bound hands. “I can’t get these handcuffs open,” she lamented.
Nathan stiffened. “Did you hear that?”
“What?” Scrambling up, she skirted the bear and grabbed her rifle.
“Sounds like we might have company.”
Sophie helped him stand, then aimed her weapon in the direction he indicated, prepped for danger. When his brother rounded the bend, they both sagged with relief.
�
��Caleb!” Sophie lowered the rifle. “I didn’t know how long it’d take you to get here.”
Assessing gaze taking in the scene, Caleb dismounted and strode over. “You okay, Nate?”
“I’m fine, thanks to Sophie’s quick thinking.”
Caleb looked at the bear, then transferred his gaze to her. “How did you know to look here?”
“Because this is where Landon brought me that day.”
Remembering, Nathan felt fury burn in his gut. “We have to find him.”
Caleb grunted. “That ‘we’ doesn’t include you. You, dear brother, are going home and going to bed. As soon as we cut those handcuffs off.”
“I’m fine,” he protested.
Faced with their disbelieving stares, he insisted, “I’m just a little worn out, is all. And in need of a bath. After I get a fresh change of clothes and a bite to eat, I’ll be as good as new.”
His brother shook his head and strode to dig in his saddlebag for a pair of pincers. While he worked to cut him free, Caleb addressed Sophie. “Take him home. After I take care of this bear, I’ll meet up with Timmons and the men.” He clapped Nathan on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, we’ll find the louse and bring him to justice. We’ll make sure he doesn’t hurt anyone else again.”
Sophie caught his wince. “Doc Owens is going to be paying you a house call.”
“I don’t recall agreeing to this.”
They ignored him. And he wasn’t really in a condition to fight the issue. He was weaker than he’d first realized. Leaving Caleb behind, he and Sophie set off.
Halfway down the mountain, as dusk descended, he remarked, “You do realize you saved my life back there.”
The smile that had been absent too long transformed her face. “I guess.”
“I suppose it was your turn to be the hero, huh?”
“Me? A hero?” She laughed it off, carelessly shoving her ponytail behind her shoulder. “I don’t think so.”
“Oh, yes, you are. Your quick thinking, your skill and bravery, saved me. You are very much a hero in my eyes, Soph.”
She ducked her head, but not before he glimpsed her look of pleasure. “I couldn’t have done any of that without God’s help.”
He smiled at her humility and firm faith. If anyone had a reason to doubt, it was her. She was one amazing woman. Why had he waited too late to see it?
* * *
Sophie waited until Doc left to go upstairs to Nathan’s room.
“Your mom sent up another bowl of soup for you.” She hesitated beside the bed. “Do you want it now or should I put it on the table?”
Shifting beneath the blue-and-white quilt, he eyed the steam rising from the bowl. “I’ll wait for a bit.”
Upon their arrival two hours ago, he’d eaten two full bowls along with three biscuits slathered in butter and honey. His mother must be trying to make up for the meals he’d missed.
Sinking into the hard-backed chair that had been scooted close to the bed, Sophie folded her hands in her lap, unable to keep from examining him with her gaze. His hair and skin gleamed from a recent washing. Scruff yet darkened his jaw. The only visible signs of his ordeal were the bandages encircling his wrists.
“I’m fine.” His lips lifted in a smile meant to dispel her serious mood. “The only reason I’m in this bed is to avoid a fuss from you and Ma.”
“Just reassuring myself,” she quipped, grateful the sick, terrifying feeling was gone. He was safe.
Josh appeared in the doorway. “I have news.”
“Spill it.” Nathan scooted up and settled against the headboard.
“I’ve just come from town, where they received a telegram from Sheriff Timmons. He has Landon in custody.”
Sophie squeezed her eyes tight. There’d be no more looking over her shoulder, no more worrying he’d return someday to wreak further havoc in their lives.
A warm hand covered hers. Looking up into Nathan’s familiar gaze, he gave her an encouraging nod. To Josh, he said, “Where did they catch him?”
“The outskirts of Sevierville.”
“I assumed he would’ve headed for North Carolina.”
“He may have needed supplies first.”
Mary’s voice drifted down the hall. Stepping inside the room, she smiled and smoothed her apron over her hips. “You have a visitor. Come on in.” She motioned.
Hat in his hands, Frank moved into their line of vision. Sophie froze. Could it be possible she hadn’t given a single thought to her fiancé in more than twenty-four hours? Reality came crashing in like a rogue wave, her brief happiness and relief slipping away.
His gaze fell on her and Nathan’s joined hands. “I, uh, heard about your ordeal, Nathan, and Sophie’s role in rescuing you. She’s something, isn’t she?”
Nathan’s expression closing, he smoothly removed his hand. “Yes, she certainly is.”
“I’m glad to see you’re both all right.” He smiled nervously at Sophie. “Mother doesn’t care that your actions were honorable. She doesn’t think you should’ve involved yourself in what was a man’s responsibility. However, I think she’ll cool off by Saturday.”
Sophie couldn’t think of a single response. Saturday. Only four days away.
“Bonnie is a fool.” Nathan’s demeanor turned frosty. “And so are you, Frank Walters, if you allow her to soil your relationship with Sophie. This young woman is a treasure. You ought to treat her as such.”
Sophie gaped. Josh cleared his throat, suppressing a smile. Mary shifted from one foot to the other. And Frank? Not surprisingly, he didn’t take offense.
“You’re absolutely right.” Coming forward, he settled a hand on Sophie’s shoulder. “I’m very fortunate she agreed to be my wife. I’ll do my utmost to be a good and faithful husband.”
She had to get out of there. Before she shook off his too-familiar touch and announced she didn’t want to marry him. That Nathan was the only man for her.
Bolting to her feet, she edged toward the door. “I, um, have to get going. Will is no doubt tired and ready to return home.”
“I’ll escort you.” Frank took a single step.
She put up a hand. “No, thank you. I’m tired, too. I need to go home and clean up.” Avoiding looking at Nathan, she said, “Goodbye, everybody.”
And then she fled, desperate for solitude.
* * *
Sophie was getting married tomorrow.
The fact dominated his every waking moment, weighing him down, making him feel like a man condemned.
Lugging a crate full of crocks to be washed, he turned the corner and smashed into Caleb. The crate slipped from his hands and crashed to the barn floor.
“Why don’t you watch where you’re going?” he demanded, crouching to inspect the damage. He lifted a jagged piece. “See what you made me do?” he huffed, hurling it down, impatience humming through him.
Caleb thumbed his hat brim up. “What I made you do? I was minding my own business when you came out of nowhere.”
Pushing upright, Nathan’s fists clenched. “You could’ve warned me you were there.”
Caleb’s eyes narrowed to slits. “You’re being unreasonable. What’s with you? I know you had a terrible ordeal, but these past few days you’ve been a bear. Even Ma doesn’t wanna be around you, and that’s sayin’ something.”
Nathan grimaced as shame swept through him. Caleb was right. He’d been grumpy and short with anyone and everyone who’d crossed his path. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have taken my foul mood out on you.”
Righting the crate, he began to gather the pieces strewed across the straw.
Caleb bent to help. “You didn’t answer my question. What’s bothering you? I’ve never seen you this unsettled.”
That’s because he’d ne
ver had his world upended before.
“Is it what happened with Landon? He’s in jail awaiting trial. He’s never coming back.”
“No, not that. It’s this whole wedding fiasco. Sophie shouldn’t have to marry if she doesn’t want to.”
Caleb frowned. “I agree. But what can we do?”
With the crate in his arms, Nathan walked back to the counter and plunked it down. “I did the only thing I could think of—I offered to marry her myself. She chose Frank instead.”
Caleb rocked back on his heels. “You proposed to Sophie?”
“Yeah.”
“I can’t believe it.” He huffed out a rusty laugh. “You’re in love with her.”
Nathan, hand poised to toss a shard into the waste bin, stilled. Stared at his brother. “No, I am not.”
“Oh, yeah.” Caleb nodded, grinning infuriatingly. “You most definitely are.”
Laying the shard on the counter, Nathan jammed his fists on his hips. “Just because Sophie’s happiness is important to me doesn’t mean I love her.”
“Her happiness is just as important to me, brother, but that doesn’t mean I’m prepared to make her my wife.”
“You’re wrong.” Seizing his hat from the counter, he smashed it on his head. “I’m going out for a while. Not sure what time I’ll be back.”
Caleb kept right on grinning. “Tell Sophie I said hi.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
“I don’t wanna move to Frank’s.” Will slumped onto the bed stripped of linens, his narrow face sullen and wan, blue eyes brimming with accusation. Watching his home being dismantled was upsetting him as much as it was her.
Sophie wished she could make this transition easier. Carefully placing Granddad’s folded quilt into the shallow trunk at her feet, she went to sit beside him. “I know you don’t, but Frank’s mother can’t take care of their farm all by herself. It makes more sense for us to live with them. Eventually our animals and things will be moved over there.”
Sam O’Malley had promised to care for her animals until Frank finished the barn addition.
The pitiful way Will looked at her, like an abandoned puppy, broke her heart. “Do you have to marry him?”
