Love Inspired Historical October 2015 Box Set

by Lacy Williams

  As soon as he was out of sight of the store, he ducked down an alleyway and leaned against the wall of the nearest building to still his racing heart.

  Her father had come in on the stage. No doubt she had seen him and run. How? Where? Rufus might know.

  Blue wasn’t used to running, but he would have won a footrace in the next few minutes as he made haste to the livery barn.

  “Rufus. Where are you?”

  The man moseyed from one of the pens. “Hold your horses, Blue. Ain’t never seen you in such a lather about anything.” He squinted at Blue. “How come now?”

  “Never mind assessing me. Did you happen to see a woman and two girls this afternoon?”

  “Seen ’em and rented ’em a wagon.”

  “You did?”

  “Yeah. I was just as surprised as you. I wondered if she knew what she was doing, but she assured me she did. Spunky thing.”

  “Stubborn, too. She say where she was going?”

  “Thought you’d know seeing as you took her there yourself.”

  “Would you mind refreshing my memory?”

  “Why, to Eden Valley Ranch.”

  Thank goodness. She’d be safe there. “How long ago did she leave?”

  Rufus scratched his chin and considered the position of the sun. “Can’t rightly say, but I’d guess an hour ago, more or less.”

  Blue’s breath whooshed out. She would be safely there by now, surrounded by Linette’s care and the protection of everyone at the ranch.

  He wouldn’t be able to relax until he saw for himself. “Thanks, Rufus.” He hurried from the barn.

  “You make sure my horse and wagon get back here safe and sound.”

  “Will do,” he called over his shoulder. Not wanting Mr. Creighton to see him riding away, he ran toward the river, then turned toward the church.

  Within minutes he had his horse saddled again and hit the road out of town.

  All the way to the ranch, he kept his eyes peeled for any sign of a wagon. Not that he expected to see one. She’d surely be there by now. He rode directly to the big house and jumped down to rap on the door.

  Linette opened it. “Blue. I didn’t expect to see you today.”

  “Is she here?”

  Linette looked startled. “Who?”

  “Clara and the girls. Are they here?”

  “No. Is she supposed to be?”

  His mind blanked. Not a thought. Then it exploded into hundreds of questions and scenarios. “Yes. No. I don’t know.” He swung back on his horse and raced out of the yard.

  She wasn’t at the ranch. She wasn’t in town. He had seen no sign of her on the road. Where were they? The question wailed through his head and hammered at his eardrums.

  Only one horrifying thought made sense. Harv Winch must have fed him a bunch of horse apples to distract him. There was no brother. He was here, hired by Mr. Creighton.

  Blue’s insides turned to steel. If Harv had Clara and the girls, he would regret his actions.

  Blue galloped his horse to the man’s campsite. “Harv. Harv Winch, show yourself.”

  The man unwound from the shadows. How did he manage to blend in to the landscape so completely? It sent shivers up and down Blue’s spine.

  “Thought I’d seen the last of you,” Harv said.

  “Where are they? What did you do with them?”

  Harv’s expression changed not at all. Just when Blue thought he wasn’t going to answer his questions, Harv said, “Might this be the ‘them’ you were concerned about earlier?”

  “You know it is.”

  “You’re barking up the wrong tree.”

  Blue stared.

  “Have a look around if you don’t believe me.”

  Realizing he was wrong about the stranger, he shook his head, swallowing back his aggression. “There’s no point.” He knew the man was telling the truth. He reined away and galloped back to the trail.

  Clara, where are you?

  Had Rufus been mistaken? Or had Clara changed her mind? Why had he left her alone in town? If anything happened to her and the girls…

  Pain stabbed every nerve ending, and he groaned. He should have never let himself care.

  He snorted derisively and admitted he could no more not care about Clara than he could turn back time…something he didn’t want to do. He would always love Alice and Nancy and Beau, but there was room in his heart for more…for a beautiful woman and two little girls.

  A future he wanted to share with Clara and the girls beckoned. He loved her and wished to spend his life with her. He wanted to love those little girls until they glowed with joy.

  If only he got a chance to tell her.

  But where was she?

  Oh, God, my good shepherd, lead me to her. Please keep her safe.

  He knew only one place to look, and he galloped back to town. He barely reached the churchyard before he leaped from the saddle and rushed into the building.

  “Clara?”

  But no one was there. He hurried out the back door. His steps didn’t slow until he reached the shack, and he paused only long enough to holler, “It’s Blue,” before he pushed the door open. But it was still empty. So, too, now was the Morton house.

  Where was Clara? He asked the question over and over as he raced to the store. He clattered up the steps and grabbed the doorknob. It wouldn’t turn. He tried again. Locked? In the middle of the day? “Macpherson,” he roared as he banged on the door.

  The only sound was his own voice.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Her whole life hung in the balance. If this failed, she’d be lost. Clara prayed as never before as she sat on one side of Constable Allen’s desk.

  The constable had agreed to help her. “You and the girls are safe under my protection. You stay here while I round up some of Edendale’s citizens. You say you’ve been eating at the Mortons’?”

  She’d nodded. “I rented the horse and wagon from Rufus.”

  “That’s good. Did Macpherson meet you?”

  “On the first day.”

  “Good.” He’d left her and the girls alone. She’d alternately shivered with fear and paced as she told herself to be strong.

  The Constable returned. “They’ll soon be here.”

  Clara clenched her hands, tried to relax her jaw. This was the hardest thing she’d ever done.

  The girls waited in the back room. She hoped they wouldn’t be able to hear what went on.

  “Mama, is Grandfather here?” Eleanor had whispered as Clara explained they must stay there and not make a sound.

  “Don’t worry, little one.” The words caught in her throat as she realized she used the same endearment as Blue. “We don’t need to be afraid anymore.” Please God, let it be so. Let me be correct in thinking this is what I need to do.

  Bonnie and Claude were the first to enter the room where Clara sat, trying not to let her nerves make her shake visibly. Bonnie hugged her. “We’re on your side,” she whispered. Claude squeezed her hand and nodded.

  Then Rufus stepped inside. “My horse and wagon still in one piece?”

  She managed a trembling smile. “They’re out back.”

  He moved to stand beside Claude.

  The door opened again. Macpherson entered and stepped aside to let Father in. When he saw her sitting by the Mountie, his nostrils flared and disapproval set his mouth into a grim line.

  Inside, she shrank back from the criticism she knew he’d be speaking soon enough; outwardly she managed to remain calm. “Father,” she acknowledged with a nod of her head.

  “So I finally find you.” He looked about. “Where are the girls?” He parted his lips in a gesture that was faintly feral. “Please tell me you haven’t abandoned them.”

  If he thought his words would frighten her, cow her, he was wrong. They gave her the strength she needed to confront him. “I would never, will never ever, abandon them.” And I will never let you take them from me.

  “Mr. Creighton,
” Constable Allen began. “If you’ll have a seat.” He indicated the chair on the other side of the desk from Clara.

  The Mountie looked about him. “We are here to hear Clara’s concerns, bear witness to them, and I will render a decision.”

  Father turned. “See here—I don’t think you have that kind of authority.”

  Constable Allen gave him a quelling look. “I have the authority granted me by an Act of Parliament.” He held Father’s eyes tightly until Father shifted away.

  The Mountie began to speak, but his words were interrupted when the door opened and Eddie stepped inside.

  “There you are, Clara. Linette was worried about you.”

  Father snorted. “Good to know someone is.”

  “Good of you to join us,” the Mountie said.

  Clara smiled. She was grateful for the support she knew Eddie would give, but there was one person absent, the one person she wanted to be on her side more than any other.

  Blue, where are you?

  Eddie glanced around the room. “What’s going on?”

  Constable Allen explained, then motioned for Eddie to join the others along the wall. “Clara, we’ll begin with you. Can you explain to us what your concern is?”

  She’d run from her father all her life. This was her chance to stand up to him. But it took a lot of strength. She knew she had the courage needed so she sucked in air, cleared her throat and gathered her thoughts.

  The door banged open, and Blue rushed in. “Constable Allen, I need your help.” He saw Clara and froze. “You’re here? You’re okay?” He glanced about, took in the scene and backed away. “What’s going on? Where are the girls?” The look he gave Clara’s father reassured Clara. If she failed, Blue would do his best to protect Eleanor and Libby.

  “They’re safe,” she said.

  His breath whooshed out.

  “This is a waste of precious time,” Father protested, his neck reddening as he blustered. “I demand—”

  The Mountie held up a hand to silence him, then turned to Clara. “Go ahead, ma’am.”

  Clara began, finding it easier to be strong and courageous with Blue in the room. “I only want to keep my girls and be able to raise them. Father doesn’t think I’m capable. He said he’d take them from me.”

  Bonnie’s gasp strengthened Clara. It was good to know she had people on her side.

  The Mountie turned to Father. “Mr. Creighton, is this true?”

  “Of course it is. My daughter doesn’t know how to care for herself or her children. She’s always had servants to care for her and a nanny for the children. She has no money, no means of support. She’ll starve, and the girls will starve with her. I’ve come to get all of them and take them back home where I can take care of them.”

  Every word hammered at Clara’s confidence, destroying it brick by brick until she met Blue’s gaze. He silently reminded her that she was more than what her father thought. She smiled ever so slightly, strengthened by his presence.

  “Thank you, Mr. Creighton.” The Mountie turned to Claude to ask how he saw Clara’s abilities.

  Claude stepped forward. “I’ve seen Clara take care of her girls. They are always clean and happy. I’d say she was a very good mother.”

  Bonnie spoke. “She’s an excellent mother. No one can fault her. She doesn’t accept charity but works for what she needs.”

  Rufus came forward when called. “That little lady is pretty independent. Why, she rented a horse and wagon. I could see she hadn’t driven one before, but that didn’t stop her. And by gum, she managed just fine.” He turned to Clara. “You’re a spunky thing, all right.”

  She smiled her thanks.

  Eddie indicated he’d like to say something. “I haven’t seen much of Clara, but I’ve seen enough to say she reminds me of my wife, who you all know can do just about anything she sets her mind to.”

  Those who knew Linette chuckled.

  “Thank you,” Clara whispered. She couldn’t have asked for a better compliment.

  Father banged his fist on the desk. “Why are you all protecting her? How can she manage on her own? She’s not trained for anything. Doesn’t even know how to cook a meal.”

  “But she does,” Bonnie said. “I know because she’s helped me.”

  Father scowled. “Are you prepared to give her a job?”

  Bonnie nodded. “If she needs it.”

  Clara rose. “Father, I traveled across the country on my own. I worked at various jobs to provide myself and the girls with food and shelter. I can survive.” She sat down again.

  Blue stepped away from the wall. “It doesn’t appear I need to add anything to this discussion. We’ve all seen how capable and determined Clara is. There is only one thing she needs.” He faced the Mountie. “She needs to know no one can take the girls from her. Then she can settle down and build them a real home. That’s what she needs.” He leaned back against the wall.

  She gave him a grateful smile, the back of her eyes stinging with unshed tears. His support and assurance that she could manage on her own meant everything to her.

  The Mountie leaned forward. “I believe there is enough evidence for me to be confident that Clara can provide for her daughters. Mr. Creighton, I’m sure you are welcome to visit your daughter and granddaughters, but under no circumstances are you to consider removing the girls from her care. Do you understand me?”

  Father pushed to his feet and stuck out his chest in a gesture Clara recognized as one that often made others bow before his wishes. “These proceedings are a farce.”

  Constable Allen rose and faced Clara’s father. He showed not the least sign of being intimidated. “Be assured they are legal and binding.”

  With a dark look toward her, Father stormed out the door, slamming it shut behind him.

  Every bone in her body turned to rubber, and she pressed her face to her palms.

  Bonnie wrapped her arms around Clara’s shoulders. “You’re safe now. You’ll always be safe in our community.”

  The men clustered around her and, one by one, patted her back.

  “Okay, folks, time to move on.” Constable Allen thanked each of them as they left.

  The door closed, and blessed silence filled the room. Even Blue had gone. She tried to convince herself she didn’t mind that he hadn’t stayed behind. But did he believe what he’d said—that she could build the girls a home on her own? Did that mean he’d leave her to her own devices? Her heart deflated at the thought. But wasn’t that exactly what she’d told him every time he offered help? She rubbed at her chest where an ache had suddenly developed.

  She drew in a steadying breath and pulled her thoughts from Blue. Instead, she focused on her victory. She could keep her girls. Finally, after all the running, no one could take them from her.

  Now to tell them. She hurried to the back room, where they waited patiently, and held out her arms to bring them to her.

  “We are safe,” she said. “We don’t have to run anymore.”

  “Does that mean we can stay here?” Libby asked.

  Clara laughed. “I don’t know. I need time to make new plans.” But she couldn’t think of any place she’d rather be, surrounded by people who believed in her, living in a community that honored a woman’s abilities. Building a home for the girls where they’d feel safe and valued.

  She had no doubt she could do it on her own. But she could think of something she’d sooner do—build a new home and a new family with the man she had come to care about more than she believed she could ever care about a man. She hoped and prayed that, in time, Blue might be willing to entertain such a notion.

  She straightened. “Girls, we have a life to build.” But first things first. “Take off these old clothes.” She helped Libby out of the sweater and smoothed her daughter’s hair. “Your grandfather is here. I’m going to take you to see him.”

  Eleanor stepped out of reach. “He’ll take us away. Just like Mary said.”

  “No, he
won’t. He can’t. The Mountie won’t allow it.”

  “You’re sure?” Eleanor’s voice quivered.

  “Trust me. Would I allow you to be taken from me?”

  Eleanor shook her head, and slowly the fear faded from her eyes.

  “Where’s Grandfather?” Libby asked.

  “At Macpherson’s store, I suppose.” Where else would he go? No doubt he’d be inquiring about the returning stagecoach.

  “Let’s go say hello.” She took the girls by their hands and marched over to the store.

  When she stepped inside, several men stood around, but she saw only one. Father was but a few feet away, his expression hard as granite.

  Eleanor gripped Clara’s hand so hard her fingers hurt. “Hello, Grandfather,” she said.

  Father took a step forward.

  For one brief second Clara shrank back. She thought to turn and drag the girls from the store, but she held her ground. She drew a deep breath and threw her shoulders back, stiffening her spine and her resolve. Never again would she be controlled by this man. Never again would she be controlled by her fear.

  Father patted Eleanor’s head.

  Clara urged her younger daughter forward.

  “Hello, Grandfather,” Libby said hesitantly. Then she saw Blue in the corner of the store and ran to him. “Mr. Blue, you’re back.”

  Clara sought Blue’s eyes. Did her gaze reveal the many things she felt, wondered, wished? She wanted to thank him for speaking on her behalf. More than anything, she wanted to know if he was going to be part of her future.

  Petey, the stagecoach driver, had been lounging against the counter. “Missy, you still wanting to go to Fort Calgary?”

  Did she? Did it still offer the best place to start over?

  No. She’d already started over. Right here in Edendale.

  Eddie spoke. “You’re more than welcome to come to Eden Valley Ranch until you know what you want to do.”

  Clara nodded. “Thank you. I accept.” She turned to Petey. “I don’t believe I’ll be wanting passage to Fort Calgary, after all.”

  “Fine. Then I’ll take Mr. Creighton back to Fort Macleod. We leave first thing in the morning. Now, if you’ll all excuse me, I’m going to have a chin-wag with Rufus.” He strode from the store.