Renegade Wife

by Charlene Sands

  Molly stood on Mrs. Rose’s boardinghouse steps, much as she had the first day, when Kane had escorted her here. Little did she know then that her life would take such a drastic turn. Little did she know that she would come to love living in Bountiful, the town and its surroundings feeling more welcoming than her home in St. Louis. Little did she know she would fall in love with an obstinate rancher, a wily landowner and a small tribe of Cheyenne children. But she had and now all she could do was to try to put the shattered pieces of her life together and start fresh.

  She knocked on Mrs. Rose’s door.

  When she opened the door, the older woman gasped in surprise and hurriedly ushered Molly inside. “Oh, you poor dear girl. I told you that those Jacksons couldn’t be trusted. And now, here you are, with your valise in hand? Heavens, you’re not planning on leaving town, are you? Why, I’d never forgive myself for not catching on. Why, if you leave, I’ll never marry that old coot, Bennett Jackson. He and his grandson have caused you more than enough grief.”

  Even Penelope’s ranting didn’t bother her. In truth, Molly welcomed the familiarity. She welcomed the talkative woman with the kind heart and wished to call her a friend.

  “I’m not leaving Bountiful, but I have left the Bar J. And Kane. I left my husband,” Molly admitted, her head downcast.

  Mrs. Rose sighed, shaking her head. “Come, dear girl. Sit down in the kitchen. I’ll make you a pot of tea. Calms the nerves, you know.” And Molly followed her into the kitchen.

  She watched Penelope Rose shuffle around her kitchen, preparing hot water for the tea. Even though Bennett claimed Penelope wasn’t speaking to him, Molly had no doubt that the two belonged together. They’d been sweethearts years prior and she thought it endearing that after all these years, they’d found each other again.

  Penelope looked twenty years younger these days, wearing more stylish clothes and fixing her hair differently, but Molly noted the twinkle in her eyes, and the shining glow on her face.

  That, more than her new clothes, spoke of the love she had for Bennett.

  Mrs. Rose sat down to face her, the tea forgotten for now. “Now, tell me, was it all Bennett’s doing? Did he cause your heartache?”

  “Well, yes and no,” Molly began. “You see, I was desperate to find Charlie. And, well, Bennett had the same kind of desperation. He wanted his grandson married and producing heirs for the Bar J. I don’t fault Bennett too much. He had valid reasons, but he did deceive me.”

  “And me, too,” Penelope said, reaching out to grasp Molly’s hand. “Heavens, Bennett lied to us all. I, uh, I hope you know I had no part in this. When I first came to visit him at the Bar J, well, there were sparks, lots of them between us. But we all knew he’d been sick and there was little hope of his recovery. I thought I might ease his last days. And then, one day, he showed up on my doorstep. And he began courting me,” Mrs. Rose went on, a little chuckle escaping. “Like we were your age, Molly. He brought me flowers and confessed some things to me. He said he’d been very ill and he wasn’t sure if he’d made a complete recovery, but just in case, he didn’t want to give you or Kane false hope. So we kept our visits secret. We would picnic, and take long afternoon strolls. I swear, on my late husband’s grave, I had no idea that he was sneaking out of his room, while all of you thought he was taking his last breath.”

  “I believe you. Bennett is quite clever when he wants something. And I guess he wanted for Kane and I to believe he was dying, but he wanted you, as well. And he found a way to get both. Until he got caught.”

  Mrs. Rose made an unladylike sound. “Hmmmph!”

  “But Kane and I were deceiving him as well. I know you’ve heard about our bargain. Kane was to help me find Charlie, if I stayed married to him until Bennett passed on. Kane never wanted a wife or a marriage.” Molly held back tears, but her voice shook anyway. “I, uh, I probably should have never married him.”

  “Nonsense, child. You did the right thing.”

  Molly snapped her head up. “But you never liked Kane. And you surely didn’t trust him. You warned me about him.”

  “Yes, but I’d never seen the way you looked at him, especially after you were married. Kane made you happy, Molly.”

  “Yes.” And then Molly added, “It’s that way for you, too, Penelope. Bennett makes you happy.”

  She waved her hand as if shooing the thought away. “I’m not sure what I’ll do about him.”

  “You’re going to marry him. You love him.”

  Mrs. Rose stood to pour the hot tea. She brought over two lovely hand-painted china cups, decorated with red roses. She set one down in front of Molly then brought over a dish of fresh biscuits with honey. “Maybe, but I’m going to let him stew a bit, first. He’s got to learn not to meddle in others’ lives.”

  Molly thought that sounded extremely funny coming from Mrs. Rose, the master of all gossip, but she remained silent.

  Molly sipped her tea and actually felt up to eating a biscuit. Speaking with another woman really did help. Molly had been alone, without much female companionship for so very long. She sat and enjoyed a moment of peace, nibbling on the wonderful fare and listening to Mrs. Rose.

  “I want you to know I’m glad you came here, Molly. You have a home here, for as long as you like. But tell me, what are your plans?”

  Molly finished her biscuit, sipped the tea, then leaned back in her chair. “I hope to find employment as a schoolteacher. If not here in Bountiful then somewhere nearby. There’s bound to be a town in need, or even a landowner who might want private instruction for their children. I’ll do just about anything.”

  Mrs. Rose pouted, her face becoming tight. “Did Kane throw you out?”

  “No! Nothing like that. In fact, he said I could stay.” Molly shook her head. “But I can’t live with him in that house and not live with him.” Molly blushed full out, heat climbing up her neck. “If you know what I mean.”

  “Lord, dear girl, it’s been ages. But I do know what you mean. You love that man, don’t you?”

  Molly nodded, her heart shredding into small pieces. “With all my heart.”

  “Bennett called him a fool and now I know why.”

  “Kane never lied to me, Penelope. He had said from the start he didn’t want a marriage or a wife. We’d only planned on staying married until Bennett passed away, but looks like that man’s going to live a long time.”

  Penelope twisted her lips. “Only the good die young.”

  “You don’t mean that!”

  Then the older woman smiled. “No, I’m angry with him, but I’m glad he’s healthy.”

  “Even after all he’s put us through, I’m glad, too. He’s a wonderful man in many regards, Penelope.”

  Mrs. Rose acquiesced and Molly felt a bit better about this situation. No sense any more people getting hurt because of all the lies and deception. “As far as you’re concerned if you don’t find a teaching position, then I’d like you to consider becoming my partner, here at the boardinghouse. Bennett wants me to sell it, but I just can’t right now. It’s been my life for so long. I would love to turn it over to you.”

  Molly bounded up from the chair and hugged Mrs. Rose around the neck, surprising the woman…and herself. “Thank you. That’s the kindest offer I’ve ever received. And after I see…” Molly stopped herself from divulging too much about her appointment with Dr. Beckman. She had hoped to get an appointment immediately, but his assistant said he was visiting family and would return the day after tomorrow. “After I see about a teaching position, I’ll let you know.”

  Molly wanted to stay in Bountiful to be close to her brother, but she had Kane to worry about. She’d pressed him to dissolve the marriage quickly, because if she did indeed carry his child, she wanted no ties to him. She had accepted the fact that she would raise her child alone, with the help of Charlie and perhaps her friend, Penelope.

  Either way, Molly had no intention of telling Kane about the child. But Bennett on the other hand, m
ight have something to say about it, and she wondered how on earth she could keep the truth from him. She wouldn’t ask Penelope Rose to lie for her.

  Molly placed her hand on her belly and prayed for guidance. Deep down, she believed that staying on in Bountiful wouldn’t be the wisest of decisions. But she wondered if it came right down to it would she have the heart to leave?

  Chapter Eighteen

  Kane entered the Cheyenne village with Molly’s note tucked safely inside his buckskin shirt. As he approached the lodges mounted on his mare, he noted curious young eyes questioning him. This was the first time he’d arrived here without Molly since she’d started the school. Apparently, most of the children, as well as the adults seemed to notice.

  He bypassed those curious eyes, not quite ready to read her note, not quite ready to disappoint the children who had treated Molly like one of their own. He shouldn’t have been too surprised. Many here were the same people who had taken him in when he was just a frightened little boy as well, making him feel welcome and part of the tribe without qualm.

  Molly’s note found a warm place against his skin. And he wondered if his reluctance to read it aloud had more to do with him than the children. The finality of her decision felt like a limb being severed, the wound deep and lasting. Would the final dissolution of their marriage feel like death itself?

  Kane dismounted, leaving his horse to a young brave who would secure the animal in a corral for the time being and greeted his mother outside her lodge. She met his somber look with one of her own. “May we speak, Mother?”

  She nodded and entered the lodge. Kane found his place and sat down, eager to speak to Singing Bird—the only mother he had truly known.

  “I have news,” he began. “My marriage has ended. Molly will no longer teach here. She will no longer be a wife. She has moved to town.”

  Singing Bird remained silent a long time and finally when she spoke it was to ask a question. “Are these your wishes, Gray Wolf?”

  “My wishes?” Kane exhaled deeply. “This is the way it must be. Our bargain is no longer. My grandfather is not dying but rather played a role of deception. There is no need for the marriage now.”

  “No need? So, you do not need this woman you have married?”

  Kane had always disliked his mother’s pointed questions, but none more so than now. She’d taken him back to his childhood when she would ask her purposeful questions.

  So, you have decided to run with the young braves instead of finishing your chores?

  So, you have more than enough pemmican, but you chose not to share with your friend?

  Kane had asked himself a dozen times the same question. Did he need Molly? But the better question had always been, did she need him? Kane didn’t think so. His wife, for however long she would be considered his wife, was a smart, determined, brave woman who would find what she truly wanted in life.

  Kane closed his eyes briefly, unable to picture Molly in any other role than his wife, teacher to the Cheyenne and granddaughter to the most cunning man this side of the Mississippi.

  “She and I have no future. Destiny has intervened.”

  Singing Bird leaned forward to take both of his hands in hers. “She is your destiny, Kane.”

  Kane blinked, hearing his mother use his white name for the very first time in his life.

  “You are my son, but you are also a man of honor. I know you have sacrificed much for us, but it is time for you to think of what you want. It is time for you to think about what this woman means to you.”

  “I didn’t want to marry.”

  “She wanted a man who would not turn her away. And neither of you is happy now. It is not too late. Search your heart, my son. See what I see. You love this woman. She is in your heart.”

  “What if I can’t?”

  Singing Bird turned away, folding her arms. Gone were the softly spoken wise words. Kane had angered her. “Then you are not the son I raised. You must learn to forgive. And the forgiving begins inside yourself.”

  Kane stared at his mother’s profile, so proud, so strong. She had always been the one he’d turned to when he needed help. And she had always given him sound advice.

  Then there was Bennett. His grandfather wouldn’t let him walk out the door today, without calling him ten kinds of fool.

  “She loves you, Kane. She told me so.”

  Kane had trouble believing anything his grandfather said lately, but for some reason, his words resonated deep in his soul.

  She loves you.

  Kane believed it to be true. Aside from Bennett’s pronouncement, he had witnessed the glow of love in Molly’s eyes. He had felt it in her touch. And he had heard it in the tone of her voice. Kane had denied this truth for a long time, not wanting it to be so.

  His mother faced him once again. “Little Swan is gone. She will not return. You were not to blame for her death. But there is another woman, one who loves you. Are you so certain this woman will not need you? Are you so certain she will not face dangers alone? Are you so ready to throw away your happiness?”

  Kane lifted Molly’s letter out of his shirt. He read it silently, hearing her say the words in his head, her voice soft and sweet. Kane read the anguish in her words, the heartfelt sincerity. He’d taken so much from her. He’d hurt her deeply time and again.

  “Do you love your wife, my son?”

  Kane nodded, without hesitation. He loved Molly. He had tried not to, but she was too strong a match for him. He had fallen in love with his renegade bride.

  Kane ripped up her note, throwing the little pieces into the fire, the low burning embers swallowing them up. He rose and looked down at his mother. “I hope I’m not too late.”

  “Go,” Singing Bird said. “A woman will wait if the man is worthy.”

  Kane didn’t know if he was worthy of Molly’s love. But he had little time to waste. He had to find her. She’d already been gone two days and they’d been the lone liest two days of his life.

  Molly faced Dr. Beckman as he confirmed what she’d already known. Molly was with child. Dr. Beckman beamed with the news, probably thinking Molly would also be joyous. And as she faced the truth of her pregnancy, she realized in that very moment she did feel truly happy. Not with the circumstances, but with the thought of having a child. Kane’s child.

  Molly smiled, although perhaps a bit sadly.

  “Not the news you had hoped for?” Dr. Beckman asked with genuine concern. Molly decided she liked the new young doctor who had arrived in town just a few months before she had. He had performed his examination gently and spoken with compassion, explaining to Molly that he believed her to be just barely pregnant, no more than a month or six weeks. Molly thought back to the night of the thunderstorm when she and Kane had made love for the first time under the wagon.

  “I’m happy to be with child, Doctor, but…” And as Molly contemplated how to bring her situation to light, she paid close attention to her words. “But I’m afraid the news will not be taken well by my husband. You see,” she explained, deciding she had had enough of deception and untruths, “I am living at Mrs. Rose’s boardinghouse. My marriage is all but over.”

  Dr. Beckman appeared shocked, though he tried overly hard to contain his expression. “I see.”

  “It’s not common knowledge.” She peered up at him from her place on his examining table.

  “You have my word that I will keep this to myself.”

  “And I do not wish my husband to know of this child. At least, not yet. I will tell him only when the time is right.”

  “Again, this examination is a private matter. No one will know the outcome.”

  Then Dr. Beckman sighed, running a hand into his sandy blond hair. A handsome man with fair skin and light eyes, he seemed so different than Kane, in appearance and manner. But no man could compare to Kane Jackson in her mind or in her heart.

  “I only hope I have no call to see any of the Jacksons again, but that might not be the case, since I see
m to be the only physician in the territory.”

  Molly thought that an odd statement. “And why is that?”

  “Bennett Jackson nearly ruined my reputation. He assured me that my services were no longer needed, after I had expressly told him his pneumonia could kill him.”

  “So, you mean to say he really was very sick?”

  “Yes, when I examined him, he certainly was. But he dismissed my services shortly after that. I had no choice but to honor his wishes. Apparently he made a full recovery.”

  “Yes, yes, he did,” Molly confirmed.

  “But Mrs. Rose came in here this morning giving me quite an earful. She accused me of being an accomplice in his deception. ‘What deception?’ I asked. She explained how Bennett pretended to be dying, for whatever gain I don’t know. She didn’t elaborate. I swear to you, I had no knowledge of his ruse.”

  “I believe you. Bennett duped many of us. He did have a reason, but he didn’t stop to realize how much pain he would cause the people who love him.” Molly put her head down, overwhelmed at all that had occurred these past few days.

  “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought that up. You have so much to deal with right now.”

  He helped Molly down from the examining table and faced her with a respectful smile. “I’m closing up for the evening, heading for a lonely supper. Would you care to join me for a meal at the café?”

  Molly began to shake her head no but he continued on. “You need to keep your strength up, for one. And you need to get your mind on something else. We’re both new to this town. I wouldn’t mind making a new friend, would you?”

  Molly smiled, her mood lifting a bit. And she welcomed the thought of a peaceful meal. “I could use a new friend. Yes, thank you. I would like to join you.”

  “Wonderful. It’ll just take me a minute to lock up. Would you care to wait for me in the front room?”

  Molly agreed and took a few moments to sit down to gather her thoughts. She had so much to consider, so much to think about, and Dr. Beckman’s gracious invitation to dinner would be the distraction she needed.