“That’s the biggest ranch around, according to folks at the saloon,” offered Fitzpatrick. “The owner lost his wife not too long ago. He probably thinks your wife is single.”
Murphy’s frustration built. “Fitzpatrick, were you kicked in the head by a mule?”
“Why would you even ask such a thing? I’ve done everything I know how to make you happy.”
“Happy?” Murphy sputtered.
“Yes, I want you home. You were happy there. My plan was to get Brooke out of the picture. You two don’t even like each other. Then you could sell the farm and take MJ home. I could see your struggle with Brooke. She is beautiful and she’s a feisty one. I wonder if it’s because she has red hair. She’s too smart for her own good and she’s capable of profiting from working this farm. You were in a jam, and I helped you.” Fitzpatrick sounded rather proud of himself.
Murphy concentrated on his breathing. He was so angry he was afraid he’d hurt his brother. They had always wrestled at home, but they pulled their punches. He wanted to punch Fitzpatrick, a lot. He slowed his breathing and tried to hold his anger in. When had he ever said Brooke was in the way? Oh no, was it because he said a wife would be a millstone around his neck? He said many things to get out of courting anyone. He’d often told Fitzpatrick he did not want a wife ever. Now his words were haunting him.
* * *
Brooke hugged a pillow to herself and rocked back and forth. Repeating over and over, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
She put the pillow back and closed the curtains. Guy was still there, but she wouldn’t ask for his help. She wouldn’t try to jump out the window. She would put her faith in God.
After changing into her nightgown, she went into MJ’s room. His hair was tousled, and he appeared to be so peaceful. What had he thought of the last few days? Did he know Murphy planned to send her away tomorrow? It was common knowledge when a person went into an asylum they never came back. For some reason, God seemed to want her to be taken away. Surely, though, He would protect her child.
She left the room and slowly closed the door so as not to make noise. She went back to her room and as she opened the door she was pulled inside. At first, she thought it was , but it was the doctor instead. She pushed at him, but he was much stronger than he appeared. He put his hand over her mouth and held her.
“You don’t have to go tomorrow, you know. I could change my mind.” He changed his hold on her and touched her face with one hand, inhaling deeply. “With the proper… persuasion.”
She squirmed and then bit his hand. With a snarl, he let go and she bolted from the room. She practically flew down the stairs and into Murphy’s brawny arms.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” he asked, softly.
“He—he—he grabbed me in my room.” She couldn’t help the tears that fell.
“Who? Guy?”
“No, the doctor.” She shivered.
Fitzpatrick was by her side in an instant.
“What? Are you sure?” Fitzpatrick asked.
Murphy held her close. “Tell me.”
“I went to look in on MJ and the doctor was in my room when I returned.” Her legs felt wobbly. “I need to sit down.”
She gave a brief cry when the doctor came down the stairs. She grabbed a quilt and wrapped it around her, then huddled in the corner of the sofa.
Dr. Hunt tilted his head and then righted it as he stared at her. “This happens. I’m not surprised. I should have insisted on sleeping down here. Brooke, surely—”
“It’s Mrs. Kavanagh, and I refuse to allow you to twist everything I do or say into something not normal. You know you were in my room and you told me you might change your mind about me having to leave, that you could be persuaded. I didn’t give you a chance to tell me how I could change your mind. I have my suspicions.”
“I’ll go get my bag. I can give her a sedative. This often happens.” Dr. Hunt turned to go upstairs.
“Don’t take another step,” Murphy growled.
Fitzpatrick started for the stairs. “I’ll get your things, Hunt. Your services are no longer required.”
“I can’t leave!” he blustered. “It’s dark.”
Fitzpatrick acted as though he didn’t hear the doctor and hurried upstairs.
Murphy grabbed Brooke’s rifle from above the mantel and kept it trained on Dr. Hunt. “I can’t understand how I could have believed you!”
“You believed me because I’m right and because you wanted her gone. It’s easier to send a wife away than it is to kill her.”
She gasped and swallowed hard. She didn’t want to believe him, but…
MJ ran down the stairs and hopped onto the couch and then put his arms around her. “My ma is staying here with me. The rest of you can go. We were just fine before any of you came!” He turned toward her and whispered, “Right Ma?”
Brooke nodded at her brave boy. When she glanced at Murphy, he looked as though he’d been slapped in the face. As soon as they got rid of the doctor, she’d have MJ tell Murphy he didn’t mean him.
Fitzpatrick’s steps were louder than usual as he came down. He threw the doctor’s belongings out beyond the porch and then took the doctor by the scruff of his neck and threw him out too. He slammed the door and then locked it.
“Brooke I’m sorry for my part in all this. I’m going upstairs to Murphy’s room.” He didn’t wait for an answer.
Murphy put the rifle back and then he sat on the couch. He tried to put his arm around his son, but MJ shrugged it off.
* * *
Murphy’s stomach lurched as though he’d been punched in his gut. He changed seats, so he sat opposite his family. “I’m not sure what to say. MJ, I love you and no amount of rejection from you will ever change that. Grownups make mistakes, and I made a big one. I’m sorry you had to take sides between your ma and me. I admire the way you stuck up for your ma. It’s a sign you’re becoming a fine man.” He’d hoped for a bit of softening from them both, but they still glared at him.
“Brooke, I’ve been thrown off kilter ever since I saw you at the lawyer’s office. I really believed you were dead. I didn’t look at another woman once since I got to Texas after the war. You always filled my heart. It was especially hard loving you so much and feeling cheated we didn’t have enough time together. I relived every day we had together over and over. I couldn’t bear to hear your name. That is why I didn’t tell my family. I needed to grieve in private. Did I sit on a porch or two? Yes, I did, but mainly to make Fitzpatrick mad. He thinks women should fall at his feet. So far none have.”
He shifted in his seat. Their glares were lessening. “I came to Arkansas alone so I could have my memories to myself. The first thing I did was visit a grave I was told was yours. It was a hard journey to make. When I found you alive, I wanted what we had before I had to go back to war, but you believe what your father told you. Thinking about it, why wouldn’t you believe him? As far as you were concerned, he’d never lied. It devastated me that you didn’t want me in your life. And when I saw MJ—well, I never knew my heart could expand so big to hold the love I have for both of you.”
“You wanted to send my ma away!” MJ clenched his fists.
“I never wanted her to leave. I was concerned that something might be wrong. Fitzpatrick agreed with me and pointed out things I never noticed. I never intended to have your ma declared insane and sent away.”
Brooke’s eyes went wide, and she licked her lips. Her chest still rose and fell rapidly, but Murphy thought he might be making progress.
“I am not sending your ma away,” Murphy repeated. “If she has any problems, we will work through them together, but I am beginning to think I’ve made some mistakes. I don’t want to send her away, and I also don’t want to leave you or your ma again.”
MJ glanced up at his mother. She put her arms around him and pulled him close. “Your
father and I are married, and they are sacred vows we said before God. We need to try as hard as we can to get along. I even found a job with a house we could use, but we’ll stay here instead. I want to make a go of this farm. It’ll be yours someday, MJ.” She glanced at Murphy as if she wanted to add something but then glanced away. “I think it’s time for bed. I’ll tuck you in, MJ.”
Murphy stood. “I’ll see you both in the morning.” He was pleasantly surprised when MJ ran to him and gave him a quick hug around his legs before he ran up the stairs. He turned away when he realized a tear was trailing down his face.
He needed fresh air. He walked out onto the porch and studied the trees in front of Brooke’s window. He stared, closed his eyes, and looked again. There was Guy sitting high in one of the trees. Murphy glanced at the window and was relieved Brooke had pulled the curtains closed. He tiptoed toward the tree.
“Ahem! Nice night for tree climbing?”
Guy startled and almost fell, but he was able to grab onto a branch and steady himself. “A little birdy told me you didn’t think I’d be back. I’ve been waiting to see if Brooke needed help climbing out of the window.”
Murphy frowned. “It’s time for you to go home, Guy.” He realized yelling wouldn’t help.
“Yes sir, Mr. Kavanagh!” He climbed down and ran toward his home.
Murphy shook his head and felt worse than he already had. He needed to talk to Brooke tomorrow. They needed to figure out what in tarnation was going on.
Chapter Twelve
The atmosphere in the house was tense, but Brooke kept a smile on her face for MJ’s sake. Fitzpatrick had been sent to the Attwood place to explain why she wouldn’t be accepting the job. She was almost done cooking breakfast when Murphy and MJ came out of the barn. MJ was chattering, and Murphy had a big grin on his face.
Her heart smiled as she watched the two of them.
“Ma! Guess what?” MJ yelled as he ran into the house.
“What?”
“Pa said another big cat I didn’t even know is in the hayloft ready to have her little cats!”
“How exciting. Maybe you could give some kittens away.” She placed the platter with scrambled eggs and bacon on the table.
Both MJ and Murphy stared at her with their mouths gaping.
“Ma! I need the little cats for my cat ranch.”
“Oh. I’ll let your Pa handle it. He’s a rancher.” She chuckled. “I have confidence you’ll have your cat ranch up and going in no time.”
Murphy looked surprised and startled at the same time. He probably hadn’t given it a thought about who would tell MJ they couldn’t keep all the kittens.
“Let’s eat while it’s still hot.” They held hands and said grace. She silently praised God for being at her side.
“Thank you for the lovely green dress. It’s, well, you know how it’s been. Only necessities are purchased. I’m thankful and for the matching ribbon.” She blushed when Murphy grinned at her.
“I got new clothes to wear too, Ma! Two new shirts and two pants. Pa said he’d get me new shoes too. He didn’t know my size. And he got me a wooden top to play with.” She was happy that MJ was so excited, but there was still a part of her that had doubts.
“I have credit at the general store you’re to use.”
“Oh, I couldn’t—”
“You’re my wife, and it would please me if you bought whatever you need.”
She nodded, but she didn’t intend to use his credit.
“I was wondering if just the two of us could go on a picnic?”
“Aw,” MJ folded his arms in front of him.
“I’ll take you fishing tomorrow, MJ,” Murphy told him.
MJ smiled.
Brooke frowned. “MJ, I don’t like your attitude. You got mad because you weren’t included. I call the way you acted disrespectful. Tell your pa you’re sorry.”
MJ instantly looked contrite. “I’m sorry, Pa.”
“I’m glad you apologized. It wouldn’t have been fun fishing alone.” Murphy nodded at MJ and then smiled at her. “Will you have time to make a picnic? I could help.”
“I can do it. You two can check on the wheat. If you know what to check for.”
“I knew I was coming back here after the war and I asked every farmer I met about farming. Come along MJ, we have a crop to tend.” He smiled at them both.
She watched them leave, MJ running circles around Murphy as they walked. This is what she had imagined her life would be. It could be wonderful, but just yesterday the plan had been to get rid of her. They needed this picnic. There was much to discuss.
* * *
Murphy smiled as he helped Brooke onto her horse. She was wearing pants under her new dress. She even wore the ribbon in her hair and somehow, she appeared younger.
With Fitzpatrick staying at the house watching MJ, they could take their time. He smiled at her as they rode toward the river.
Please God, let both of our hearts be open. We said holy vows and I need guidance to win her love. I need to convince her I love her. I want her to finally believe I’m not a liar. Any help You can give me would be much appreciated.
Brooke glanced at him when they reached the river. “Where to?”
“Let’s get down and lead the horses near those trees over there. Privacy would be nice for a change.” Her face became a delightful rosy color. It turned brighter red when he lifted her down. She certainly wasn’t immune to him.
He took her hand and entwined their fingers as they walked along the river. When they reached the trees, he stopped. He took everything they needed off the horses before he found them a nice grassy area.
“You’re as pretty as sunshine on a summer’s day.”
She laughed. “Those are sweet words, Murphy.”
He grinned at her. He laid out the blanket and put the basket in the middle. They both sat watching the water flow in the river. Now that he had Brooke alone, he wasn’t sure how to start.
“I hope you’re hungry.” She set out bread, cheese, pickles along with raspberry jam.
“Looks good. I’m so sorry about yesterday. I was concerned about you and I should have trusted my gut. You would never have left the farm. I already figured out that since Fitzpatrick thought it a good idea, it wasn’t. I’m supposed to protect you and it kills me the doctor was in your room. It’s probably worked for him in the past. I bet he double crossed the women and took them to the asylum anyway. I should have gone to see your friend Robin about the questions I had. Can you forgive me?”
“Of course, I can and do. I’ve been at fault too. I didn’t believe you when you came here. I’d been hurting for years because I thought you abandoned me. It took a bit for me to believe that my father had lied. I can be hardheaded. Sometimes it near killed me thinking you were making another family for yourself. And my hurt went deeper as I watched MJ growing up without a father. I’d given up on men. I grieved for you a long time and then when my father told me you were alive but hadn’t come for me, rage took over my grief. I was angry with myself for believing in you when we married.” She put food on her plate, but she didn’t eat.
“I bought the land next to your farm. I thought we could expand by farming and ranching. Also, the farm belongs to you. I signed it over to you.”
Her breath caught and she stared at him.
He took her hand and stroked the back of it with his thumb.
Her eyes widened. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I was afraid you’d ask me to leave.”
She gave him a quick nod. “You wanted to know your son. I can understand.”
“No, not only MJ. I wanted to be near you too. I kept thinking I’d wake up and find it was all a dream. No one tells a husband and father that his wife died unless it’s the truth. I think he was afraid I was there to take you back to Texas with me. I had made no decisions at that point. I wanted us to decide together. The farm, the ranch, it didn’t matter as long as I had you. Your father stole that
time from me. I could have loved you and watched our son grow.” His voice began to get hoarse.
“I’m glad you never remarried. You being here has mended my broken heart. I meant what I said about trying to work it out. I take our vows seriously.” She glanced away. “Do you…? I mean, had you planned to go back to Texas this time? I know you bought land but your family is there.”
He put his plate aside and lifted her onto his lap. “My family is right here. I know how you feel about the farm and now we have plenty of land.”
“Enough for a cat ranch?” She glanced at him, her eyes full of mirth.
He chuckled. “Do you think he’ll outgrow this idea of his?”
“He’s had this idea for a while. It will take something very exciting to change his mind.”
He chuckled. “Maybe he wants to be a cowboy.”
* * *
“Like his father.” She tucked her head under his chin and gloried in the feeling of his warm, strong arms around her. It was a feeling of being safe, not being alone and a feeling of love. She closed her eyes. Would it last? They’d never really lived as man and wife. What if he decided he didn’t like her? It was easy to dream about wonderful things, but reality was different. He’d called her beautiful, said he wanted to be near her. But he had never said he loved her. Still, she would try to be a good wife.
What would I have done without faith? You were the only one I could tell my troubles to. Just knowing You are always protecting me and loving me gave me serenity in my darkest days. I thank You, Lord, for all the miracles I have witnessed lately. You have taught me to see miracles in the little things. I’m not even mad at my father anymore. You brought my husband home and You gave me a fine son. I couldn’t ask for anything more.
Murphy: Cowboy Deceived: The Kavanagh Brothers Book 6 Page 9
