Memories she’d chosen to keep hidden all these years flooded her thoughts and dreams. Strange, but remembering yesteryear wasn’t as painful as she thought it would be. She’d always miss her mother and brother, but recalling their times together as a family warmed her heart and made her smile.
As she stared at the tomato plants, another memory made her smile widen. Thinking about Gage did that to her lately. She couldn’t deny her feelings for him, and that he made her heart flutter with happiness whenever he gazed into her eyes. His kisses were unforgettable, and not seeing him since she’d been kidnapped had been like living without food...without sunlight...without love. She needed him desperately, and why he hadn’t come to see her was driving her insane.
Although yesterday she’d had doubts on whether or not they would be happy married because of their arguments, she now knew they would be very happy. He would always make her happy.
The sound of wheels crunching on the rocky dirt road from up the street pulled her attention away from the garden and to the carriage making all the commotion. The carriage didn’t look familiar, so she pulled away from the yard and stepped closer to the road. The driver of the vehicle stopped the horses right in front of the house. The door to the carriage opened and a man stepped down.
Immediately her heart leapt. Gage! She wanted to run to him and throw her arms around him, but feared that would sap all the strength she had right now.
Waiting for him to look at her, she wrung her hands against her middle as anticipation danced inside her. Instead of looking her way, he turned and offered his hand to another person inside the carriage. When a woman’s gloved hand grasped with Gage’s, Adella’s hopes sank. Who was this other woman Gage was bringing here, and why was he gazing inside the coach while wearing a melting grin?
The other woman slowly exited the coach with Gage’s help, her head down as she watched her step. It wasn’t until the young lady raised her gaze and met Adella’s when recognition struck...and nearly had Adella weak in the knees.
“Lydia?” she shrieked as tears spiked her eyes.
“Ella!” Lydia cried out and ran to her sister.
Once Lydia’s arms were wrapped around Adella, she released the sob caught in her throat and tightened her sister in her embrace. Within seconds, Adella’s name was called again, and she saw through blurry eyes, Charity dashing toward her.
“Charity!” Adella shouted as she wrapped her youngest sister in an arm, holding them both tight to her. She kissed them both and pulled back to get a better look. “You have no idea how much I’ve missed you.”
Lydia laughed with tears streaming down her cheeks. “Probably as much as we missed you.”
“Oh, Ella,” Charity said happily, “there is so much to tell you.”
Adella released a sigh and nodded. “And I have so much to tell you.” She glanced back toward the carriage. Gage was walking away from it as it pulled out of the drive. She gave him a smile and mouthed, thank you.
He winked, his grin widening.
“But the first thing I want to know,” Lydia said, “is why you sent Mr. Grayson to come get us.”
“Yeah, I want to know that, too.” Charity cocked her head and arched an eyebrow.
Adella laughed. “Actually, I didn’t send him at all,” she answered, keeping her eyes on Gage. “I’m sure he went as a favor to me, though.”
He nodded and stopped beside them. “I knew you’d want to see your sisters.”
“Oh, I did. I’m just shocked that you could read my mind.”
“Come.” He swept his hand toward the house. “I’m sure Adella’s exhausted and needs to sit.”
Her mind screeched to a stop. They couldn’t go inside. Not yet...not until she told them about their father. “That would be lovely, Gage, but before we go inside, will you please go inside and hide my surprise? I need to tell my sisters about the surprise before they see...it.”
“Yes, I will.” He spun around and hurried toward the house.
“You have a surprise for us?” Charity cheered. “Oh, Ella, you’re the best.”
All Adella could do was smile, hoping her sister still thought of her as the best once she explained to them about what happened to their father.
She led them to the porch swing where she sat with Lydia beside her. Charity perched on the edge of the wrap-around porch. Adella had no idea how to start this. No matter what she said, it would come as a huge surprise. Would her sisters be thrilled to know they had a parent who was alive or would they want to hate him for never coming to find them as she had first felt?
Swallowing hard, she moistened her parched throat and then took a deep breath. “Oh, dear. I fear I don’t know how to start to tell you what I’ve discovered while staying here with Aunt Lillian and Uncle Marvin.” She licked her dry lips. “First I want to apologize for lying to you by telling you I had gone to a teaching convention. After that doctor was shot and killed in Lewiston, it brought back very upsetting memories for me.”
Lydia tapped Adella’s leg. “It did for me as well.”
“And me,” Charity said softly.
“Charity? What do you remember about that night we had to leave our home?”
The youngest sister frowned as she removed her bonnet. The sun’s rays touched Charity’s light brown, ringlet hair, making it shine. “I remember most of it. I don’t remember how we found the St. James, but I do remember Ma and Jacob, and how frightened they were and how they made us go into that tunnel.”
Adella nodded. “The word around Lewiston after Doctor Johnson was shot and killed, was that the Buchanan Gang was responsible. I was so afraid to think they were that close to us. I knew I needed to find answers about that night our family died, and I felt in my heart that coming here to Bonner County would help me discover the truth.”
“Did you?” Lydia asked.
“Yes. The sheriff here and some of his men helped tracked down the gang. I tried to help, and in the process I got myself kidnapped by them.”
Both sisters nodded. “Mr. Grayson mentioned what you had done to help out the sheriff in capturing the outlaws.”
Closing her eyes, Adella gently rubbed her forehead. The bruises from Buchanan’s fist were still tender. “While I was being held captive, I met one of Buchanan’s men.” Hesitantly, she opened her eyes and looked at her sisters. “It was a shock to see this particular person, mainly because I have believed him dead for...seven years now.”
Both Lydia and Charity’s eyes grew wide, and as Adella explained to them about meeting their father and hearing his story, the girls’ eyes filled with tears. Lydia’s shocked expression turned to anger, which Adella was prepared for since she had those very same feelings, too. Charity just listened as tears streamed down her cheeks.
“So, he’s alive?” Lydia whispered on a choked sob. “He wasn’t arrested and taken to jail with Buchanan and the other men?”
“Pa is alive, but he wasn’t arrested.” She took a deep breath. “Pa was there only because he thought his family had died in the fire. He didn’t know we were still alive. If so, he would have moved heaven and earth to find us.”
“But...he still stayed with Buchanan’s Gang.” Charity sniffed and wiped away a tear.
“Pa didn’t feel he had a choice because they had kidnapped him. If he had found a way to leave Buchanan and had gone to Uncle Marvin for help, Buchanan would have killed them as well.” Adella shook her head. “That man is pure evil.”
“Where...is Pa now?” Lydia questioned quietly.
“Are you two ready to see him?” Adella asked. “If you don’t think you can handle it, I won’t take you to him.”
Lydia lifted her chin and squared her shoulders. “I’m ready.”
“Me, too.” Charity nodded.
Adella stood and took a step to the front door, but Gage was there opening it to greet her.
“Are you ready?” he asked, hesitantly.
“Yes.” She smiled the best she could through her tea
rs. “Have him come out.”
Lydia and Charity rose quickly. Charity shuffled closer to Lydia, and wound her arm around her older sister’s. Both pair of eyes stayed on the front door.
Finally, Pa walked out and stopped, gazing over his other daughters. Tears pooled in his eyes and his lips quivered. Adella was grateful that he had trimmed his hair and shaved since she last saw him. Although the years had aged him greatly, he still resembled the pa she remembered from when their family was complete and happy.
No words were spoken—but then none had to be since the tears streaming down everyone’s cheeks and the happiness glowing in their eyes relayed their joy for the long awaited homecoming. Pa made the first move toward his younger daughters. He opened his arms wide, silently inviting them to come. Together, Lydia and Charity rushed to him, falling against his chest, sobbing uncontrollably.
Adella covered her mouth as a cry escaped her throat, too. She stood back and watched the happy reunion. Within seconds a strong arm wrapped around her shoulders and a hard, male body pressed next to hers. She looked over her shoulder at Gage. His eyes watered with emotion as he gazed down at her. She turned and wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head against his chest.
It didn’t take long before the crying was over and Pa began to ask the girls questions about their lives. They all moved into the house and gave Aunt Lillian and Uncle Marvin hugs—along with the cousins. The rest of the afternoon was spent talking, laughing, and reliving memories from long ago.
At this moment, everything was perfect, and Adella was content with the world. She loved Gage and anticipated their wedding, and was happy that her family would be in attendance. Smiling, she leaned back against the sofa and sighed. Her belief in God had returned, and with that brought a multitude of emotions. Deep in her heart, she knew God had blessed her family. Now she understood that God gave her trials to make her stronger, which in this case, had worked.
Without a doubt, she felt His love for her...the burning in her bosom testified to that. In the back of her mind, she berated herself for her unbelief and those years her faith had been weak, but she also knew that God would forgive her and give her another chance.
THAT EVENING, GAGE joined Clint and the rest of the family for dinner. Lillian and the girls had prepared a banquet fit for a king. Gage compared the meal to what his own ma prepared for Thanksgiving, but without the turkey.
He smiled, thinking of seeing his family again. He’d written them to tell them about the wedding, and they would all be there—even his brother Peter and Cecilia who lived in Texas. Gage knew his family would love Adella and her kin. What’s not to love? They were all hard-working, caring people who loved the Lord and showed Christ-like love to everyone.
Gage moved his attention to the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. Adella sat beside him, staring at him with an equally devoted gaze. Every chance he got, he reached under the table and grabbed her hand, linking his fingers with hers. Life was finally good, and it would only get sweeter from here on out.
Just before they finished supper, a knock came on the door. Aunt Lillian excused herself to see who had come calling at suppertime.
“Mayor Tidwell. To what do we owe this wonderful surprise?” she exclaimed.
The Mayor was short and stalky with only a small patch of hair on his head, but he was one of the friendliest men Gage had ever met.
The mayor’s smile reached ear to ear. “I was told that the sheriff and Mr. Grayson were here.”
Gage glanced at Clint. Confusion washed over Gage, and he could tell by Clint’s expression, his friend felt the same. Both of them stood and moved away from the table. They strode into the front room, and within seconds the rest of the family followed. Mayor Tidwell smiled and stretched his right hand out in greeting. Clint shook it first then Gage.
“Men,” the mayor said, “it is my privilege to present you with the reward money for the capture of the Buchanan Gang.”
In unison, the whole room echoed with gasps.
The mayor waved his hand in the air to quiet everyone as he continued, “I know most of the banks in Idaho have already given their rewards to the sheriff and his men, but I believe because of Clint’s determination and Gage’s willingness to rescue his fiancée, the reward should go to the two men who did the most in planning the downfall of Buchanan’s Gang.”
Gage glanced at Adella. Although she smiled at him, there was no sparkle in her eyes. She’d wanted to catch the gang herself so she could pay for Marvin’s surgery. Yet, in a way, she helped more than anyone.
“Actually, Mayor,” Clint spoke as he stepped closer to him. “I think you’re wrong to give me the reward. I was just doin’ my job and I think someone else deserves this reward more than me.” He glanced over at Gage. “What do you think?”
Gage could read his friend well. “Yes, I agree that the reward should go to someone else.”
The mayor shook his head. “You two are being stubborn, just as I was warned you’d be.”
“No, Mayor, I’m downright serious.” Clint turned his attention to Adella. “I think Miss Adella Lancaster deserves my share. She did more in helpin’ us find those varmints than anyone else I know.”
Adella gasped and stumbled against her father. When Clint took the bag of money from the mayor and brought it to her, Gage’s heart picked up rhythm. This was the right thing to do.
“Here, take it.” Clint held the bag within her grasp.
Tears filled her eyes as she stared at the reward money, then she lifted her eyes to Clint. “Really? You think I deserve this?”
“Of course, li’l lady. You were the one who saw the bandits in time to warn Gage before they set fire to the house. If it hadn’t been for your kidnappin’, I wouldn’t have known where in the blazes that Buchanan Gang was located. And if it hadn’t been for my love-sick friend tryin’ so hard to rescue you, I don’t think Buchanan’s Gang would have been caught.” He smiled. “Take the money, Adella. I don’t need it.”
Grabbing the bag, her hand shook. Tears streamed down her cheeks when she turned and walked over to Marvin. She knelt beside his roller-chair and kissed his cheek.
“You can get that surgery to fix your legs, now.” Her voice cracked.
Marv’s eyes filled with tears. When he smiled, his lips quivered. “Thank you, Adella. Thank you so much.”
The family gathered around Adella and Marvin, and each took their turn in hugging and kissing. Soon, Adella stepped away and walked directly into Gage’s embrace. He held her against him tight, enjoying the feel of her softness in his arms and inhaling her flowery scent. He kissed her forehead, wishing he could do more than that, but it just wouldn’t be proper in front of her whole family.
She tilted her head back and looked into his eyes. “Everything is going to be perfect now.”
“I believe you’re right, my darling duchess.” He winked. “The good Lord blessed me that day I nearly ran you over, and I’m so very grateful that you entered my life.”
Adella’s gaze softened and she lowered her attention to his mouth. His heart jumped with anticipation, although he knew she wouldn’t dare do something so bold in front of the family.
Before he knew what was happening, she had lifted on her tiptoes and pressed her mouth against his, flinging her arms around his neck. He hitched a breath due to the surprise, but then tightened his hold on her as he answered the passionate kiss.
Within seconds, cheers echoed in the room...enough to make them break apart and laugh. Her cheeks were dark with embarrassment, which made him chuckle with her. Life with this amazing woman would definitely be enjoyable no matter how he examined it.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Gage grumbled as he walked across the wooden floor in the living room and passed Clint who lounged on the sofa. Gage stopped in front of his friend and glared. “Why aren’t you acting nervous? Tomorrow is your wedding day, too.”
Clint stretched his arm across the back of the couch and laugh
ed. “Because, my friend, out of the two of us, I’ve always had more patience.”
Gage folded his arms across his chest and tilted his head. “Yeah, well, it’s not fair that I’m acting like a nervous groom and you aren’t.”
Clint exaggerated a grin. “You have every right to act like a horse who’s stepped on a rat’ler. Falling in love with Adella has happened too quickly for you. I, on the other hand, have known for years I was in love with Violet, and I suspected she was in love with me...until you showed up.”
“Yeah, I know,” Gage chuckled lightly, even though humor was not the emotion he felt right now. His insides were wound so tight he thought they’d snap at any moment. He turned and headed back across the floor. “I just need to see her again. I need to hold her, and make certain she’s not going to back out.”
Clint laughed. “I think you’re goin’ to make it to the altar. That woman loves you.”
“What do you think I should do?” He stopped his pacing and faced Clint. “I won’t be able to sleep until I see her tonight.”
Clint shook his head, his grin widening. “I don’t think you’re goin’ to get any sleep t’morrow night, either.”
Gage smiled as embarrassment heated his face. “I never thought I would feel like this. I’m scared to death, yet I know I won’t be able to live without Adella.”
“I know ‘xactly how you’re feelin’.”
“You have a strange way of a way of showing it.”
“Oh, believe me, deep in my heart, I’m a li’l nervous, but I know I’m doin’ the right thing. I love Violet more than life itself.”
“I suppose you do feel like me.” Gage studied his friend another moment then asked, “Exactly how long have you been yearnin’ after Violet?”
Clint’s eyes widened, then he straightened in his seat. For the first time Gage could remember, his friend blushed. “Does it matter?”
“I’m just curious.”
“Promise you won’t be mad?”
“I won’t be mad.”
Reach for Heaven Page 28
