Emily giggled and answered. “It is legal. I sent for it when I turned twenty, knowing I would need it eventually.” She rested her head on his chest. “What now, Mac?”
“We reply to the notification, send copies of our marriage certificate, and make it clear that you want nothing to do with her.”
“And if she won’t let that be enough…?” Emily asked.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it,” he replied, and then kissed her. He wanted to take Emily’s mind off her horrible childhood and on her present, and it didn’t take long to convince her to make love again. After all, they were just married!!
*********************
“Kathy is sound asleep, Henry,” Lucy said as she joined her husband in their bedroom where he was waiting for her.
“Good. She needs sleep right now. I’m afraid she is in for some rough times, Lucy.” He proceeded to tell her what happened after he left her earlier, and then said, “I am sorry, Lucy. I was wrong, and I admit it. If I could take back that spanking, I would.”
“You could put some ointment on it if you really mean it, Henry,” she told him and then smiled when she saw the jar he held up.
“I would have done this earlier if I could have thought of a way to get you alone without embarrassing you. Now come here and bare that pretty bottom of yours,” he bossed.
Lucy didn’t need to be told twice. She quickly bared herself and Henry lovingly soothed away the hurt. “Thank you, honey,” she said. “I’m so relieved you rescued Kathy from Sylvia. Do you think the judge will give her back?”
“I don’t know. We need to find out about Kathy’s father. I’m hoping that Mac has some ideas.”
“We could always keep her,” Lucy said, and Henry kissed her.
“We need to think on that a bit more, honey. There might be a family with which Kathy would be happier, one with kids around her own age to play with. She might have grandparents somewhere. And, maybe Sylvia will think about her behavior and talk to the minister and get some help and learn to do a better job. Maybe she is simply having trouble adjusting to her child growing up?”
“Do you really believe that, Henry?”
“I don’t know, Lucy. I just hope that something will happen to make life better for Kathy. Bill Tune told me today that he was afraid that Kathy would run off with the first man who promised her the moon, just to get away from her mother. Most girls in that situation either wind up used and dead, or working in a saloon when the bastard dumps her and she has no way to earn a living. Most of those girls are too afraid and embarrassed to go home and take the scolding they are sure they will get. I don’t want that for Kathy.”
“I survived an unhappy childhood, and we’ll see to it that Kathy is loved,” Lucy said quietly, remembering how miserable she was as a child.
“And I remember how you went marching into a saloon, trying to get a job, young lady,” his voice turned firm.
“You spanked me for that,” she complained.
“And then I begged you to marry me,” he reminded her.
“I wanted to marry you so badly, but I was afraid you were just doing it to save my reputation. I was so happy when I learned you really did love me as much as I loved you.”
“I was gone the very second I set eyes on you on that stage coach, pretty lady. It was the first time since Marilynn died that I gave any woman a second glance. I was head over heels in love and wanted it all with you. I love you, Mrs. Zabarski, and I thank you for loving me in return, even when I make an ass of myself as I did earlier. I should have listened to you and realized that you wouldn’t have interfered in that situation without good cause. I promise that I will try to remember that the next time.”
“I promise that I will try very hard not to interfere in things that I shouldn’t, darling. I never want to be an embarrassment to you.” His hand immediately swatted the bottom he’d been gently soothing and she squealed.
“You are never an embarrassment to me. No more talk like that, Lucinda.”
“Yes, Henry,” she replied as that same hand moved to pleasure her.
Chapter Eight
Mac Forrester breathed a sigh of relief when his new bride proudly produced her birth certificate the next morning after they made love once more before getting up. She had jumped out of bed, hurried to a dresser drawer where she’d placed a few of her meager belongings, took out a folded paper, and carried it over to the bed to hand it to him. “See, my darling…? You are legally married; I’m of age.”
“So I see,” he said with a smile. “Don’t you worry, Emily. I’ll send a wire today, and we’ll make this go away.”
“I feel better now that you know the truth, Mac. But, please, I’d rather it stayed between the two of us. It is something that most people wouldn’t understand.”
“If you ever need to talk to someone who will understand, go to Doc Z’z Lucy. She will not only listen, but she can share her story with you. Doc Z had to save her from her crazy father.”
“Really?” Emily asked, surprised as could be.
“Yes. I think perhaps it is one of the reasons you two get along so well together; similar backgrounds, but there are a few differences. Lucy uses a gun as well as you do, though.”
“Oh my gosh, really!” It was plain as could be that Emily was thrilled.
“But don’t get any ideas. Doc Z takes a dim view of her wearing her guns and using them. I would rather you didn’t get her into trouble by trying to find out which of you is the best with a gun,” he said, teasing her.
“Oh, be serious.”
“You said you wanted to learn some good recipes…? You can ask Lucy about that, too. I’ve had so many meals with them during the last few weeks that I should take them a box of groceries. She’s a great cook.”
“I’ll remember that.”
“Only if you want to talk to someone,” he said. “Your cooking is already great in my opinion.”
Emily smiled happily. He’d said the right thing and she was pleased. It didn’t take her long to dress and hurry into their kitchen and she whipped up a fantastic breakfast. All thoughts of her mother were put to rest.
*****
Lucinda watched with a smile as little Kathy finished her breakfast. “Would you like more, Kathy?” she offered.
“Oh no! I don’t want to be a pig!” she exclaimed and both Lucy and Henry laughed.
“Why not?” he asked her. “I am going to have some more.”
“Okay, I will, too!” Kathy said with a giggle.
Lucy gave her another serving of the scrambled eggs and ham. She then filled her husband’s plate and watched the two of them eat as if they hadn’t eaten for a very long time. She knew this was Henry’s usual style, but Lucy wondered where the child put it. Something occurred to her and before she thought about it, she asked, “Kathy, did your mother send you to bed without your supper very often?”
“A lot,” the child answered, and then looked at Henry and Lucy. “She said it was because I didn’t do my chores well enough, but I think she didn’t always have money for food.”
“That isn’t going to happen again, honey,” Henry told her, barely keeping his temper in check. He thought it wrong to deny a growing child nourishment, and for two cents he would give Sylvia Crawford the strapping of her life for the way she’d treated her little girl.
They were finishing the breakfast dishes when there was pounding on the kitchen door. “It’s Mama!” Kathy whispered fearfully. “I knew she wouldn’t let me stay here for long!”
“I think it is Hiram Nielson, Kathy,” Henry said calmly as he got to his feet. “I’ve asked him to come and build in some more cabinets here in the kitchen for Lucy.” He went to the door, opened it and said, “Good morning, Hiram. You are bright and early today.” He smiled at the big man. Hiram was a widower with two grown sons who sometimes worked with him.
“Would you like some breakfast, Hiram. It would be no trouble at all to whip up something for you.”
“I don’t turn down home-cooked food, Mrs. Z. Since we lost Millie, I don’t get too many offers from pretty women to fix me a meal,” he replied, giving Lucy a big, grateful smile.
“Sit yourself down, Hiram, and I’ll pour you some coffee,” Henry offered, pulling out a chair for the man. “This little lady is Kathy Crawford; she is staying with Lucy and me for a while. Kathy, this is Mr. Nielson.”
“Pleased to meet you, little lady,” Hiram said, giving the child a smile. “What grade of school are you in?” he asked of her.
“I’m supposed to be in fifth grade, but Miss Conroy put me up into sixth grade,” Kathy proudly stated.
“Well, that’s real good. Do you like school?” he asked her.
“Yes, especially reading. And history, too. Do you have any kids?” she asked, surprisingly comfortable with the big man.
“I have two boys, but they are men now, and they work with me. Today they are putting a new roof on Widow Miller’s hen house.” It was easy to see how proud he was of his boys.
“You don’t look old enough to have grown sons,” little Kathy said thoughtfully. “What about your wife…? Is she at home?”
“She died, honey.”
“Ohhhh,” Kathy whispered, embarrassed as could be that she asked.
“It’s okay that you asked about Millie, little lady. You had no way of knowing that she was gone. My Millie was a sweet lady.”
“That’s good.” Kathy’s eyes were sincere. “I don’t think my Mama is a sweet lady, but I wish she was. She’s mad at me all the time and Doc Z don’t like it much.”
“Did she give you that bruise, honey?” The big man was gentle, and he could see that both Doc Z and Mrs. Z were listening intently, waiting to jump in if necessary.
Kathy nodded. “That’s why Doc Z got mad at Mama and told her she was wrong to hit my face.”
“Doc Z is right, honey,” Hiram said solemnly. “Sounds like your Mama needs a talking to.”
“I love her,” Kathy said, suddenly on the verge of tears.
“Of course you do, and that is the way it should be. You don’t worry now. I think that Doc Z and Mrs. Z. and Sheriff Mac will make sure you are just fine, Kathy. They are good people and really smart.”
“I think you are good and smart, too, Mr. Nielson.”
Hiram’s eyes crinkled in good humor. “Thank you kindly, little lady.”
“We need to leave for school, Kathy.” Henry looked at Lucy. “Did you think to pack a lunch for Kathy, Lucy?”
“All ready,” she answered with a smile, earning one in return. “I was doing that while you two were enjoying breakfast. Hiram, yours will be ready in a minute,” she told him, turning his ham to the other side.
“Sure smells good, Mrs. Z.”
“Am I allowed to come back here after school?” Kathy asked timidly.
“Of course you are, honey. Either Henry or I will come and walk you home,” Lucy told her and watched the child’s face brighten. “You are welcome here until a Judge tells us otherwise. We love having you.”
“I will help you after school,” Kathy offered.
“We’ll bake some cookies then,” Lucy decided on the spot.
“Yeees!”
“Let’s go, Kathy, or Miss Conroy will put me in the corner because you are late.”
“No she won’t!” Kathy said with a giggle, but she got her belongings and walked out of the house with Henry.
“Here’s your breakfast, Hiram,” Lucy said as she placed a plate that was heaped with food in front of the man. “Enjoy, and if you want more, don’t be shy about asking.”
*****
Mac saw Henry walking down the street and opened the door of the jail to stop him. “Did you get Kathy off to school, Doc Z?”
“Yes, and I let Miss Conroy know the circumstances with Kathy. She promised that she would look out for her at recess and keep her until I pick her up after school.”
“Good. I sent for Judge Parker. He’ll know what to do, but most of the time, the law sends children with their mother. I’m hoping Judge Parker will listen to you.
“He’d damn well better!” Henry fumed, his blue eyes flashing fire. He suddenly noticed that Mac seemed preoccupied. “What’s wrong, Mac?”
“I’m worried about Em, Henry.” He told his friend about the telegram from Emily’s mother, and the wire he sent. “The woman already replied and said she was coming straight here, and she intended to have the marriage annulled. I sent another telegram to Judge Parker and he wired back and said he’d handle the woman and send her packing. Emily is of age to be married, and she has a birth certificate to prove it.”
“So, why are you worried?”
“Emily has threatened to kill the woman if she sees her again, and with Em, you know it isn’t a burst of anger making her say that. She means it, Henry, and I’m afraid to tell her that the woman is already on her way here. Em is going to go crazy, and I don’t want her doing something to get herself in serious trouble. I love her.”
“How soon do you think the woman will arrive?” Henry asked. “We could send her away with Lucy… maybe send them to New Orleans to go shopping, or something of the sort…?”
“That might work… Or, I could tell her I need two female deputies to take a prisoner to a women’s prison… and hire a stranger to play the part…?”
“No, I don’t want Lucy wearing guns. She’s liable to use them if she’s wearing them.”
“So is Emily. Let me think on it, Henry. We have a couple of days, at least, before we need to worry.”
Henry nodded, and then said, “I’ve got to go and open up the door for patients before Lucy gets too many complaints. And, I need to talk to Hiram about the cupboards I want him to build for Lucy in the kitchen. She has all sorts of ideas, but I want to be sure Hiram thinks he can do all of that in the space available. Women!” He shook his head, and then grinned. “If you need me, friend, let me know. And, please help me watch out for Kathy so her mother doesn’t sneak her away and punish her because I took her away. That child’s body is covered with bruises and welts, Mac. Sylvia Crawford has treated her worse than a slave. Kathy had more chores than girls twice her age, and she was being sent to bed without her supper on a nightly basis. Kathy thinks that was because her mother didn’t have money to buy food for them to eat but didn’t want to admit it to her.”
“I’m going to talk to her today and see if I can learn anything. Some women just don’t make good mothers.”
“Kathy loves her, so I would appreciate it if you could get to the bottom of things and find out why the woman is so hateful all the time. I’ve never heard of a Mr. Crawford, and I can’t help but wonder if she wasn’t used and left to fend for herself…?”
“I’ll talk to her today and do my best to find out what is going on.”
“Thanks, Mac. Got to run,” he said, and then, quite literally, he took off running to get to his office. He was positive that he would have patients waiting impatiently for him to see them.”
*****
About midmorning Emily decided to take her husband another cup of coffee and a plate of freshly baked sugar cookies. The cookies turned out well and she was proud of them. She opened the door that led to his office and was disappointed when she learned that Mac wasn’t there. She knew that he didn’t spend much time sitting on his butt during the day, but walked around town making sure everyone and everything seemed well. A couple of telegrams were lying on his desk and she curiously decided to take a peek. She wanted to be of help to Mac, and that included protecting his back if necessary. To her shock, the telegrams were from that bitch who dared to call herself her mother. She was planning to come here and attempt to cause trouble for her. Emily had known that she wouldn’t give up easily. Since her Papa was dead and couldn’t be tormented any longer, the woman would take her rage and anger out on her. Well, that might have worked in the past, but Emily was no longer a child that she could lock in a closet, or beat with whateve
r was handy. Emily was a grown woman and would rip her fucking head off and hand it to her.
Mac knew as soon as he opened the door to his office that Emily had seen the telegrams from her mother. He didn’t know whether to spank her for snooping through the papers on his desk, or give her a big hug and offer her comfort and a promise that he would keep her safe from the woman.
“Were you going to tell me about this, Mac?” Emily asked of him.
“I didn’t know if I should,” he told her the truth. “I know you and I don’t want you to go after her and get yourself in trouble. She isn’t worth it.”
Emily looked at him in surprise and then felt tears well in her eyes. “That is what Papa used to say, Mac. She isn’t worth it. Thank you for reminding me of that.”
“You are mine now, Emily, and I won’t let her… or anyone else… take you away from me. I love you,” he said simply, then opened his arms to her. Emily came straight to him, and he wrapped his strong arms around her and simply held her close. “You let me fight this battle, honey. She might think she has power and right on her side, but Judge Parker will set her straight, and I will protect you.”
“I don’t know how or why God allowed me to find someone like you, Mac, but He did, and I am happy.” She stood on tiptoe to kiss him, and then said, “I brought you some sugar cookies and some coffee.”
“This is real nice. I’m not used to being pampered and I think I can get used to it, honey. Thank you.” He sat in his chair, then picked up a cookie and bit into it. “Ummmmm. This is real good, honey.”
Emily laughed happily, glad to know her husband was pleased. “Do you mind if I go and see Lucy for a few minutes?” she wanted to know.
“I don’t mind,” he said, picking up another cookie. “I’m too busy being spoiled…” he said with a grin.
Emily kissed his cheek, then walked out the door and down the sidewalk until she reached the alley that led to the steps that would take her up to the Zabarski’s kitchen. She ran up the steps hoping Lucy would be home and have time to talk with her. She knocked on the kitchen door, and smiled when it was opened almost immediately.
Emily Page 9
