by Linda Ford
Oh, how tangled were her thoughts. She bowed her head. Lord, I feel like I’m in a deep pit. Please help me. It was a prayer of desperation, but she had no one else to turn to. I need—
Her prayer was cut off when a pair of arms came around her.
She struggled to pull away, but was imprisoned by heavy arms covered in a dark, odorous coat. A scream rose to her mouth, but before she got more than a squeak out, a large gloved hand covered her lips.
“Did you think you could get away?”
She recognized the voice. Even without looking at his face she knew who it was. Vic. The fear that threatened to turn her muscles to pudding would not be allowed to control her. She kicked every which way. She twisted and turned, determined to escape.
He squeezed hard until her lungs fought to work as he dragged her into the trees, where no one would see them. “You can fight all you want, but I’ve waited too many years to let you go.”
Weak from lack of air, she grew limp in his arms. Certain he had conquered her, he relaxed his grip. She gasped in strengthening air and with a mighty shove escaped his grasp.
He lunged after her, caught her coattail and stopped her flight.
She turned, faced him, poised for an opening, but every time she moved he dodged to prevent her escape.
“You’re mine now. All mine. I wanted Louise, too, and had a sale for that baby of hers, but all I’ve ever wanted is you.”
“I’m not yours and never will be.” She’d fight to the death. His death, if need be. She’d been at the mercy of others far too many years and wasn’t about to become so again. And certainly not at the mercy of this vile creature.
* * *
Wade carried in the boxes containing the children’s belongings. The house was pleasant enough and certainly roomy. A married man with four or five children—no one seemed to know how many for certain—had built it only a few months ago, and lived in it until recently, when his wife took ill and he’d moved his family closer to medical help. The curtains had been left at the windows, along with the basic essentials and furniture. What else Wade needed came from Macpherson’s store or from extras at the Eden Valley Ranch.
Yesterday, he’d set up beds in the three bedrooms. Now he took his own things into the one he’d chosen and sat on the edge of the mattress.
He was now owner of a house. One step closer to what he had vowed he would never again allow himself. Two steps, counting the children. All that remained to fulfill his long-denied and dashed dreams was a woman who loved him. One who was strong enough to deal with his failures and the disappointments of life in general.
He didn’t even try to push away the picture that came to mind. Of Missy flying about the kitchen, bending over one of the children, to listen or give instructions. Longing pinched the back of his heart as he thought of her comforting touch, of the times he’d felt they agreed on things, of her kisses. He’d never be able to forget them.
He’d never be able to forget her.
She owned a large portion of his heart. He would forever cherish her. Several times in the past day he’d considered asking her to forsake her plans to become a secretary, but how could he? She had good reason for wanting to be on her own, to feel as if she wasn’t anyone’s duty.
Being his wife would make her his responsibility. One he feared he’d fail at. But he was more than half willing to take the risk for the pleasures being married to Missy would bring.
He pushed himself to his feet and went to see what else needed to be done in the house. He’d have firewood delivered, but in the meantime he had to provide enough to keep them warm, and went out back to chop wood.
A little later he returned to the house. The children were sitting at the table, pieces of brown store paper before them.
Joey sent him an accusing look. Annie chewed on her bottom lip.
Wade peered over their shoulders and saw Joey had a row of arithmetic problems before him and Annie had letters to copy.
Mrs. Williams bent over the oven, removing a tray of biscuits.
It was on the tip of Wade’s tongue to say the children could be allowed a few more days of enjoying Christmas. After all, he and Missy had promised them twelve days of Christmas and this would only be day ten, but perhaps it was best for them to get into a routine.
Christmas was over and all that remained were the memories. Memories that left a hollow ache in his gut.
“Will your friend be joining us for dinner?” Mrs. Williams asked.
“Missy? I expect so.”
“I hope she comes soon. The meal is almost ready.”
Realizing the late hour, he said, “She should have been back by now.” He headed for the door. “I’ll go check on her.” Perhaps Macpherson had been ready to leave at a moment’s notice and Missy was in charge. Wade grinned at the idea of going into the store and lingering over the candy counter as Missy hovered nearby.
When he clattered up the steps into the store, Macpherson stood behind the counter. Wade told himself he wasn’t disappointed to see the man.
“What can I do for you?” Macpherson asked.
“I came for Miss Porter. She’ll be joining us for dinner.”
“She left some time ago. I’m not sure where she went. She was a tad disappointed that I didn’t need her to help at the store anymore.”
Though he wanted to ask why, Wade turned about, intent on finding Missy. Perhaps she’d gone to visit the Mortons. In which case, he would have missed her as she returned to the house. But the way the back of his neck prickled, he knew there was something wrong. He needed to find her.
“Say, you know you’re the second fella to ask after her this morning.”
At Macpherson’s statement Wade stopped midstride and slowly brought himself around to face the shopkeeper again. “Someone else asked after her? Did you get his name?”
“Didn’t ask. I’ve learned a lot of people don’t care for questions.”
Fear scampered up his spine. Could it have been Vic?
“I didn’t much care for the look of that other fella. I consider myself a pretty good judge of character and I’d say he was not an upstanding citizen, if you know what I mean.”
Wade knew all too well. He was out the door so fast he probably left boot marks on the floor, but once outside, he hesitated. Where would she go? If Vic had found her, he’d drag her to a place where he could hope to avoid detection. His heart hammering against his ribs hard enough to break them, Wade dashed toward the river. As he neared, he slowed his steps. Surprise would be his greatest weapon, so he must approach quietly.
He paused to listen for a telltale sound. A crackling came from his right and he made his silent way in that direction. He saw that the snow had been trampled before him and he prayed it was her trail he was tracking.
Wade ducked under some overhanging branches. A stand of spruce provided perfect cover for anyone hiding, so he skirted the trees as quietly as possible. A small clearing came into view and that was when he saw them: Missy and a man he knew had to be Vic circling each other like boxers looking for an opening. Wade’s breath froze and his heart refused to beat.
He had to save her. This time he would not fail. He would not be absent when the woman he loved needed him.
He had come without weapons or he’d shoot the man on the spot. Instead, he had to choose a weapon from what lay at hand and he looked about for something suitable.
But before he located anything, Missy lurched to one side and Vic went after her.
Wade’s heart clambered up his throat and stayed there, quivering with fear. He crouched, ready to spring to her defense, but before he could move, Missy grabbed a hefty looking branch from the snow and swung it with all her might, landing a blow to Vic’s head. The man went down, falling into the snow so quietly Wade could hardly believe it was rea
l.
Missy stood over her fallen opponent, the branch lifted, ready to protect herself further. But Vic didn’t move. She nudged him with her foot. “Did I kill you?” Her voice quavered, whether from fear she might have killed him or fear she hadn’t, Wade couldn’t guess. Perhaps a bit of both.
Without a second of delay, he bashed his way through the snow and underbrush, and swept her into his arms.
Realizing it was him, she came readily, shaking and crying. “Is he dead?”
Wade kept his eye on the man while comforting Missy, but detected no movement. He held her in one arm, not wanting to ever let her go again, and bent to feel the body for a pulse. “It’s Vic, isn’t it?”
She let out a breath that sounded more like a sob. “Wade Snyder, meet Vic Hector. Is he dead?”
Wade felt a pulse in the man’s throat. “Nope. Very much alive. We need to take him to the Mountie.”
She snorted. “How are we going to do that?”
Vic moaned and grabbed his head. He was coming to and no doubt he’d be good and angry.
“Here, get on your feet.” Wade grabbed the man and dragged him upward. Vic swayed so badly Wade needed both hands to keep him upright. “Better bring along that branch in case you need it again,” he told Missy.
“You can count on it.” She followed close at Wade’s heels as he and Vic staggered from the trees toward the Mountie’s office and jail. All the way, she carried the branch before her, ready to defend herself.
Something about that thought circled in Wade’s brain, but he didn’t have time to dwell on it.
The Mountie must have been looking out the window, for he met them before they reached the place. “Constable Allen here, at your service. What do we have here?”
“Vic Hector,” Wade grunted.
“We’ve been looking for him.” The lawman grabbed one of Vic’s arms. “You are under arrest for kidnapping and various other crimes.”
Wade helped get the man into jail. “Does he need a doctor?”
“There is no local doc. He’ll have to make do with me.” The Mountie took a statement from both Wade and Missy. Satisfied at last, he told them they could go, promising Vic would never again be a threat to them or anyone else.
Vic shouted his displeasure from the cell. Not until they reached the street again did Wade let the full impact of Missy’s danger hit him. She might have been killed. He would have missed the opportunity to tell her he loved her.
He didn’t mean to miss another opportunity.
“Thank you for coming for me and for helping get Vic to jail.” Her voice shook just enough to inform him how frightened she’d been.
He wrapped one arm about her shoulders and pulled her close. If they weren’t in the middle of the main street of Edendale he would have kissed her.
“How did you know to come?” He couldn’t tell if she sounded relieved or just plain curious.
“I knew when you didn’t return to the house in a timely manner, and when you weren’t at the store, that there was something wrong.” The truth of his words hit him like a blow to the head. He’d known she needed him. He’d seen what she needed. Was it possible he had changed? That he now could trust himself to love and take care of someone when necessary?
He recalled her standing there hefting the tree branch. “Truth is you didn’t need me to take care of you. You can take care of yourself.”
She stared at him. “I believe you’re right. At least in this instance.” A smile tugged at her lips.
“Come on. Let’s go home before the children begin to worry.”
Home. The word echoed through him. Was it possible he could do more now than simply dream of a home?
Chapter Sixteen
Missy vibrated to the core of her being with a mixture of fear and victory. She’d taken care of herself in a dangerous situation. Whether she became a secretary or not, she would carry that knowledge with her. She need never again feel she was a burden to anyone. From now on, she knew she could take care of herself.
But as they continued on to the house Wade now owned, the sense of victory began to feel a little unsatisfying. Why wasn’t it enough? Yes, it proved she was strong. That she could survive on her own. But that now seemed such a lonely thought.
They reached the house.
At the sound coming from within, she grabbed Wade’s arm. “I hear yelling. And not in play.”
Wade’s expression darkened. “I know.” He took her hand as he threw open the door.
The sight before them made Missy gasp. Mrs. Williams bent over Joey, her voice raised in harsh tones as she threatened to whip him if he didn’t finish his work.
Annie crouched in the corner, her eyes filled with fear.
Wade stepped to Mrs. Williams. “What’s going on here?”
Joey skittered away, huddling behind the rocking chair.
Missy scooped Annie into her arms and fled to the rocking chair to hold her tight, one hand pulling Joey to her side.
Mrs. Williams smoothed the front of her dress and faced Wade, her expression tight. “The boy defied me. Said he wasn’t going to do the arithmetic. Said his uncle wouldn’t make him. I intend to show him that while I’m caring for him, I am boss. He will do what I say.” She shifted about as if trying to ease the strain on her corset. “It’s necessary to establish one’s authority from the onset.”
“That is not the way to do it. You’re being a bully. My niece and nephew don’t need your methods. You have ten minutes to collect your things and leave.”
With a mighty huff, Mrs. Williams headed for her room. “I’ll not be staying where my authority is challenged.”
“You’ll not be staying at all. That’s already been decided.”
The children shivered in Missy’s arms as Wade stood at the door, waiting for Mrs. Williams to leave. She took but half of her allotted time and stormed past Wade and out into the cold without so much as a goodbye.
He closed the door quietly behind her and let out his breath with a whoosh, then studied the frightened children. With a muffled groan he crossed the floor and squatted before Missy and her lapful of children.
“I am so sorry that happened. It’s my fault. Can you ever forgive me?”
Annie threw herself into his arms, sobbing against his neck.
He held out an inviting hand to Joey who stiffened in Missy’s arms a moment, then leaned forward into Wade’s embrace. He held them both and lifted his eyes to Missy.
Seeing the misery and sorrow written in his gaze, she pressed her hand to his cheek. He closed his eyes and held the children until they grew restless.
Now was her chance to do something for him. To make him see what a good man he was.
“Children, would you please go play in your bedroom while your uncle and I talk?”
Joey took Annie’s hand and led her away. He paused at the door to look back.
Sensing his fragile state of mind, Missy smiled. “It’s okay. You’re safe now.”
Wade rose as the children left. He scrubbed at his neck. “I made rather a mess of that, didn’t I?”
“On the contrary. I’d say you prevented a disaster.”
His eyes sought an explanation.
“You could have let Mrs. Williams continue to use her methods.”
He shook his head. “Her methods are far too severe. The children only need a gentle word to guide them.”
“That’s right.” Missy smiled. “Did you hear what you said?”
“I said her methods are too severe.”
“You said more than that. You said they only need a gentle word. Don’t you see? You know what they need and you give it to them.”
Realization dawned. “I guess I do.” His shoulders sagged again. “But I can’t look after them by myse
lf. What am I going to do now?”
“You’ll figure it out. You know what they need. You simply have to listen to your heart.”
As he considered her advice, a slow smile came to his mouth. He pulled her into his arms. “If I were to follow my heart I would ask you to stay and take care of them. Will you?”
She loved the children and it was on the tip of her tongue to say yes, but she wanted so much more. “I want to be more than a temporary housekeeper.”
He dropped his arms and stepped back. “You want to be a secretary.”
“Not necessarily. Secretarial school is only a place where I hoped I’d find some value. Where I could do something that would make me feel independent.” She now understood what she truly wanted was to be needed.
“You’re needed here.”
Yes, it was true, and she was sorely tempted to accept the position of housekeeper simply so she could stay with Wade and the children. But too often in the past she had been a convenience at best, a nuisance at worst. “I need to be more than a convenience.”
He laughed, though she couldn’t imagine what he saw as funny in her statement.
“You’ve pushed and prodded me since I saw you in town before Christmas,” he finally said. “You’ve made me uncomfortable at times. But you’ve also given me something I haven’t had in a long time—hope that the future was worth pursuing.”
“I’m glad.” And she truly was. But was he preparing to pursue his future without her? What did she have to do or say in order to get him to confess he loved her?
She hesitated. Was she so certain he did? Yes. Her heart threatened to beat right out of her chest. Yes, she knew he loved her. The question was, did he know it?
“Missy, I realized something when I saw you and Vic. When I thought he was going to hurt you.” Wade chuckled softly. “You turned the tables on him rather quickly.” He sobered again. “At that moment, I realized I don’t have to take care of you. You can take care of yourself.”
