The two other women huddled behind her and they all stared out. They whispered hurried questions: “Who is it? What’s happening? Why have we stopped?”
Mr. Smith scratched his head before accepting the envelope. They exchanged a few quick words, but she couldn’t quite hear what the men talked about. It quickly became obvious that the rider was no bandit. He thanked the driver and waved Sarah and the other ladies goodbye as he jumped back on his horse and turned around. Sarah frowned at the scene, not sure what to make of what had happened.
“I’m so sorry for the delay, ladies.” Mr. Smith turned his head to face her.
“Who was that, Mr. Smith?” the older lady spoke over Sarah’s shoulder.
“Oh, that was just a messenger from the post office.” He sat back in his seat and pulled the reigns. The horses reluctantly took up the strain of the wagon again. “There was a last minute delivery. They had just missed me earlier and wanted to make sure the package got delivered as soon as possible.”
“Oh…” While Sarah was relieved, a small part of her was a tiny bit disappointed. She settled back in her seat, heart still racing.
“Righty-o,” Mr. Smith said and cracked his whip. “We should still arrive on time. Please rest easy.”
Sarah picked up her things from the floor of the wagon and sighed. The daring rescue by a handsome hero would have to happen in the pages of her notebook instead.
* * *
The wagon stopped outside the Sheriff’s office located on the way into town. Ragged Pass, here I come, Sarah thought as she stepped out onto the solid ground. A middle-aged man stood outside the large two-story building. For a moment she thought it might be her betrothed, but he did not look like the man from the picture.
“Miss Jones?” He stepped closer.
“Yes…” Sarah looked back at the driver readying to leave. Was something wrong?
“Welcome!” The stranger greeted her with great enthusiasm. “Name’s Howard Thornton. I’m here to help you with your luggage and take you to meet Wade… err… Mr. Oakheart.”
Sarah breathed a little easier. “Nice to meet you Mr. Thornton, I don’t have much to carry.”
She quickly bade goodbye to Mr. Smith who had helped unload her two large cases from the wagon a moment earlier. The two ladies waved from inside wishing her the best of luck.
“Please come with me.” Howard led her inside the Sheriff’s office. Sarah was quite impressed with the man. Despite looking a bit scruffy he carried her luggage with ease. “The Deputy is waiting for you inside.”
At the mention of her future husband her excitement dampened. Why didn’t he come to greet her himself? She would find out soon…
Sarah stepped over the threshold and looked around the large sparse room. But for a coat hanger, two small desks, a small bookcase overflowing with paperwork, a large chair with some sort of animal skin draped over it and a collection of tools and guns leaning against the wall, there wasn’t much in there. Even the prison cells just about visible around the corner of the room were empty. Probably a good sign, she thought, but then she remembered her mistake the other day and wondered what a real bandit would actually look like.
Her steps echoed against the worn wooden floor. Or maybe it was her mind playing tricks on her?
But Howard did not stop there. He walked up to the stairs at the back of the room and placed her bags on the floor.
“He’s upstairs, Miss. I’m sure the both of you are eager to meet.” He grinned at her. “I’ll just wait down here with your things.”
He pulled up the chair closer and leaned into it. Apparently she was on her own now. With a moment of hesitation she walked up the stairs that seemed to go on forever. Her dress rustled against each step even though she clutched it with trembling fingers so as not to trip. Finally she stepped onto the landing and looked down the empty hallway. She was about to knock on the nearest door or shout ‘Hello’ when the bathroom door at the end opened.
“Have you seen my spare…” A tanned, bare chested man stepped out of with a stained shirt in his hand.
He looked up at her and stopped mid step obviously expecting to see someone else in her place.
“Uhm…” Even from the distance she could see his cheeks redden.
“Hello, I’m Sarah Jones.” She didn’t need to add ‘and I’m looking for my fiancé,’ since he was stood right there…
“Hello, Sarah.” He stepped forward to greet her, then he must have realized he wasn’t quite dressed for the occasion, as he quickly pulled the stained shirt over his well toned body. “I… uhmm… I’m Wade Oakheart. Please excuse me for a moment, I’ll be right with you.”
“No problem, I’m not going anywhere.” She covered her mouth and giggled.
The shirt had a large wet patch around the stubborn stain right over his heart. So that’s why he hadn’t come to greet her… Sarah smiled.
Wade disappeared into another room. He was taller than she expected. And quite dashing with his thick brows and intensely green eyes. The black and white photo didn’t do him justice.
“What’s this noise?” Another man stepped out from the door beside her. If she thought Wade was tall, this man was a giant! But a friendly one - he looked down upon her and his frown disappeared replaced instead with the warmest smile she’d seen in a while.
“Ah, the beautiful bride is here.” He looked around likely searching for the groom. “I’m Sheriff Robert Bradshaw. Welcome to Ragged Pass.”
He took her hand and planted a soft kiss.
“Sarah Jones.” She smiled back at him.
“Charmed. Now where’s that man of yours? He hasn’t abandoned you, has he?”
“Oh, no.” She shook her head. “I think he’s looking for a new shirt.”
The Sheriff laughed. “Typical… I assure you Miss Jones, Wade’s a good person, it’s well worth overlooking the first impression he might give off.”
“I shall take your word for it Sheriff Bradshaw.” She laughed with him.
Finally Wade appeared in the hallway again. He must have picked up someone else’s shirt as the fit wasn’t quite right.
“Well, let’s not all just stand in the hallway.” The Sheriff ushered her and Wade into his office.
“How was your trip, Miss Jones?” The Sheriff asked.
“Exhausting, but tremendous fun.” She couldn’t help but glance discreetly at Wade lingering in the doorframe. “So many amazing sights on the way.”
“Right, of course you must be tired,” the Sheriff gave Wade a scornful look.
“I’m fine, Sheriff. But thank you for your concern.” She assured the older man.
“That’s good to hear. Wade...” The Sheriff cleared his throat.
Her husband-to-be had been staring at the floor for the previous minute or so. Called out he looked up at the Sheriff and then Sarah. Wasn’t he happy to finally see her? I’m not physically displeasing, am I? Why was he so quiet? The heroes in her books always had plenty to say for themselves.
“I have to check up on good ol’ Howard. Hope you enjoy your stay in our town, Miss Jones.”
The Sheriff nudged Wade on his way out. He left the door open, but Sarah was effectively left alone with the Deputy.
“I’m sorry about that,” Wade muttered scratching his head.
“About what?”
“He gets a bit overexcited at times.” Ah, so it wasn’t about the shirt… “Especially around new people.”
“Oh, don’t worry about it. I’ve dealt with worse.” She giggled.
Wade raised his brow. “How’s so?”
“Sorry, I was referring to my charge back in New York. When she was little, Catherine used to run around like crazy when she got excited. Once she got going you could never get her to stop talking.”
“You’re right, I think there might be some similarity.” They both laughed.
Suddenly his cheeks reddened again.
“What is it,” she asked.
He looked down
at the floor.
“You’re pretty when you laugh.”
Sarah felt the heat spread through her face. “Thank you.”
She was no teenager, yet somehow they both stood in an awkward silence for a moment. She tried to connect the warm and kind man from the letters with the shy man before her. He wasn’t quite what she expected, did he feel the same? It wasn’t that she felt disappointed, there was something about him that instantly drew her in. But she knew it would take a little time before everything fell into place.
“Uhm, I’ve rented a room for you next to the one I’m staying at.” Wade cleared his throat. “I hope you don’t mind.”
“No, not at all. But you didn’t mention you were renting in the letters…” Sarah smiled. “Is your house somewhere far?”
Wade looked at the floor once more.
“Well, no. I haven’t bought a house yet.” He lifted his head. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier. I was hoping everything would be ready by the time you arrived. But apparently there’s more to buying a property than I expected.”
“That’s fine with me.” Sarah gave him an encouraging smile. The very thought of her own place filled her with excitement. So what if she had to wait for it a little while longer… “I don’t mind where we live as long as we’re together.”
“We will be together. I will protect you with my life.” He looked up right at her. There he is, right there, her romantic hero ready to do anything for her.
Sarah was lost for words. Moved by such devotion she smiled back at him in silence.
“You haven’t changed your mind after coming here, have you Sarah?”
The way he said her name made her heart flutter. Of course she hadn’t changed her mind. With every moment she was falling more and more in love with the place. And with him.
“No,” she whispered. “I can’t wait till the wedding.”
Chapter 4
A man in a black tailcoat, black pants and a white undershirt smiled back at him from the reflection in the mirror. He rarely fussed about his looks beyond making sure his clothes were clean and his face shaven, but today was a different matter.
He parted his hair to the side leaving a few loose curls hanging above his forehead.
“You’re the most handsome groom I’ve ever seen.” Howard’s face appeared in the mirror over Wade’s shoulder. “Now you just need to decide who you’re marrying?”
“What?”
Howard laughed. “Well, you’ve been staring at the mirror for ages. I was starting to think you might want to marry your own reflection.”
“Howard!”
“Loosen up Wade. You look like you want to punch me. And let me tell ya it’s not a good look for your wedding day…”
Wade rolled his eyes. For some reason everyone thought joking around would make him feel more at ease. It didn’t. Marriage was serious business. And with a lady like Sarah… He couldn’t help but worry that she might change her mind at the last moment.
“Do you think Sarah will like it?”
Howard laughed again.
“Man, she only has eyes for you. I don’t think it matters what you wear.”
“Sure it does.” Wade grumbled. He wouldn’t want to ruin their perfect day.
He couldn’t wait to see her walk down the aisle. While he was left with Howard, his bride was in the skillful hands of the Sheriff’s wife. Anita helped do Sarah’s hair and makeup and they had fussed together over the dress for a week. Those two had become instant friends. For better or worse… Wade thought.
“Why don’t you take a sip of wine?” Howard was already on his second glass. “You look tense.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Why not?” Howard finished off his glass.
“It’s my wedding day, Howard. I don’t want to be reeking of alcohol.” He shook his head while adjusting the bow tie on his neck.
Wade checked the time on his grandfather’s pocket watch. He let out a sigh and rubbed his hands together. He couldn’t wait to see her, yet it was still too early to leave for the church. He paced around the room, constantly glancing out the window to see if the horses were ready. Would he be late? No... he can’t be.
The stable boy better not slack off. Not today. It might break her heart if he were to be late for his own wedding. Wade sat down on the sofa and wiped the sweat from his brow. The chain rattled as he pulled out the pocket watch again. Why am I so nervous?
“Are you sure you don’t want any?” Howard asked again.
“No. No drinking.” Wade vehemently shook his head.
“Suit yourself.” Howard shrugged his shoulders and took another swig before leaving the room.
Wade finally had some time alone to think about the past week. Sarah had been all he dreamed of and more. Even her chatty demeanor didn’t bother him. She spoke from the heart and knew what she wanted. And she wanted him! It made his head spin to think about it. He was truly blessed. And to think he almost didn’t post that ad.
She complimented him perfectly. He couldn’t wait to come home to her, eat the food she prepared, listen to her talk about her day and kiss her goodnight before going to bed. He closed his eyes for a moment. Their home. Wade smiled.
It was his wedding gift to her. With the Sheriff’s help he had got the last few details sorted and what looked like it would’ve taken another few weeks to complete had all been done. Their new home was ready and waiting for them to move in right after the ceremony. He had even managed to sneak in a few pieces of furniture.
Sure, all of his savings were gone, but what had he been saving for if not for this? Wade opened his eyes at the sound of hurried footsteps in the hallway outside his room.
The door swung open and a pale Howard with an empty glass in his hands stood in the doorway. His face screamed ‘bad news.’
“What is it?” Wade asked. It took all of his willpower not to raise his voice.
“Something’s happened.” No… She called it off… Howard took a deep breath. In the meantime the sheriff appeared beside him
“Wade…” Robert’s voice sounded worn out. That’s exactly how I’d break the news to a friend… She must have had a change of heart. Was it something he did?
“What is it?” Wade repeated his question, his fist clenching around the pocket watch.
Sheriff Bradshaw removed his hat and placed it on the small table. He filled Wade’s empty glass with wine and silently took a few sips. Wade swallowed hard. Could it be something worse than her calling off the wedding? Maybe something happened to Sarah.
Robert brushed a hand through his hair and gave Wade an apologetic look.
“You know I wouldn’t ask you if it wasn’t important.”
“Ask me what?”
The Sheriff sighed.
Wade held his breath. The suspense was wrecking him inside.
“It wasn’t just rumors.” The Sheriff placed the glass back on the table. “Of all the days those bandits just had to choose today.”
Bandits? A weight fell off his chest. Compared with the other scenarios that had been racing through his mind bandits were a welcome option. He could handle bandits…
“The bank has been robbed.” Howard finally broke the news.
“What?” Wade turned to Howard. His relief might have been short lived. “When did it happen?”
“An hour ago,” said the Sheriff. “We have a lead. But I’ll need everyone for the search, I’ve already sent out word to form a posse.” The Sheriff gave him a remorseful stare.
Wade could only mouth a silent ‘Oh’ when he finally realized the gravity of the situation. He was the Deputy, the Sheriff’s right hand. Naturally, his services would be required. And when it came to protecting the people, he would always give it all he had, which might mean postponing his wedding.
“If it were just some rustlers causing trouble I wouldn’t bother you… But a bank robbery. I hope you understand.”
“It’s alright, Sheriff.
I’m sure Sarah will understand.” He wasn’t all that sure, but he couldn’t walk away from his job. The town needed him. Half the guests would be taking part in the search too. What kind of wedding would that be!
“Very well.” The Sheriff rubbed his temple. “Get changed.”
Wade nodded and the Sheriff left the room. His heavy steps echoed down the hallway as Wade thought about his latest dilemma – how to explain it to his bride. The shame he would bear for bailing out from their wedding day. And worse, how would Sarah feel toward him after this day?
“Wade?” Howard must have noticed his silence and tapped him on the shoulder.
“Yes, I’m coming.” Wade answered right away without understanding what Howard just said.
“If you are unsure about this, I’m sure the Sheriff will understand.”
But the problem was there was no good decision. Whatever he chose the other side of him would suffer. Should he follow his heart or his duty?
“Wade, we’re running out of time. It’s either we leave for the bank or hurry up to the church.” Howard was itching to get going but obviously didn’t want to leave Wade behind.
“Alright. I’m coming with you.” With shaky hands, Wade hastily unbuttoned his black tailcoat before taking it off. “We need to send word…”
“The Sheriff sent for a posse, they’ll know.”
“No. I don’t want any guessing. Can we send someone to explain to Sarah?” He wasn’t sure she would even know what a posse was.
“Of course. My cousin Tom can deliver the message.”
Wade grabbed a piece of paper he found lying on the bed to scribble a message for Sarah. He asked for forgiveness, briefly explained the situation and apologized profusely again. He prayed it would be enough.
“Here. And please tell the boy to beg Sarah for my forgiveness.” Wade handed the folded paper to Howard with a heavy heart. “Thank you. This means so much to me.”
“I understand, Wade.” Howard nodded and gave Wade a comforting squeeze on the shoulder.
Sarah's Journey (Valentine Mail Order Bride 4) Page 3
