Justin prodded him. “Let’s go. After I get this yahoo in jail, I’ll meet you back at the hotel to get that dinner.”
“I’ll be there.”
Wills watched the men go. If only someone had beaten some sense into him in those days long ago. You can’t undo what’s done. You have to learn and ride on. That’s what his father drilled into him. He just wished the old man had been alive when he’d really needed him.
Chapter 7
Amelia sat at the table and tried to swallow her breakfast. She’d spent the entire night tossing in bed and trying to sort out her spinning mind. She loved Justin. Yet, her parents forbade her to see him, much less marry him.
“Amelia, you’re quiet this morning. I thought we could go to Clara’s and see about having a new dress made for you.” Mother smiled at her in that way she did when she wanted something.
“I didn’t sleep well last night.”
Her father cleared his throat and then wiped his mouth. “I hope it’s not that Justin Wellesley business.”
She shot a glare to her father. “It’s not business. You’re talking about my heart. I love him.”
Mother rushed to her and put an arm around her shoulders. “Oh, honey. We are trying to protect your heart. What if Justin was injured or, God forbid, killed? How would you feel then?”
“I would deal with it. As it is, I am miserable now.” She threw her napkin on the table. “May I be excused?”
Father shrugged. “Go ahead. Be sure and be at the store after lunch. I have a shipment coming in to be logged and put out.”
“Yes, Father.” She rose, hugged her mother, and kissed her father. She needed to get away and think.
She grabbed her wrap and ran outside, crossed the boardwalk, and down the alley. She needed to get away from everyone, including Justin. Tears flowed. What was she going to do?
Once, she thought she had loved Yancy. Then he changed and grew wild, rebellious, and even mean. She’d wanted no part of him until yesterday. Seeing him after all those months, with the same irresistible curls at the base of his neck, his cocky grin, and the way he used her pet name, had ignited the old excitement and fanned the smoldering embers in her heart.
Yancy used to hold a dear place in her heart. Yet, she couldn’t quite say that she loved him. Their families assumed they’d marry. Maybe Yancy had too. Yet, she never could say she loved him.
When Justin had come to town, he’d immediately caught her attention, and it wasn’t long before she knew she loved him. Why wouldn’t her parents agree to let him see her? Marry her?
She raced to the big tree in the middle of the meadow. Her tree. Since she could remember, she’d run to the huge oak and spill out her fears and dreams and hopes. She’d scratched her brothers’ initials to insure that she never forgot them.
Farther up the trunk, she and Yancy had scratched their initials. That someday they’d be together. Husband and wife. She stared at the big Y W atop her smaller A C. Even then, it had been all Yancy as if her dreams weren’t important enough.
If she had a knife, she’d have scratched his out. Here, beneath her oak, things were so much clearer. Yancy was not good for her. He dwarfed her by his wild personality. Sweet little Amelia. If she’d married him, no one would see her.
“What do I do? I love a man my parents will not approve of.” She dropped onto the bench her father had built for her.
Papa. He cared for her. Knew her pain at losing her older brothers. He’d found her crying by the tree and built her the bench. Just for her.
Or so she’d thought. It was months later, she’d walked outside to go to her tree when she saw her mother sitting on the bench. Head bowed, shoulders shaking as if she were crying.
Not wanting to intrude, Amelia hid in the tall grass and watched.
Soon, her mother rose, traced a finger along her brothers’ initials, and kissed each of the letters. Seems her father had built the bench for mother, too. Maybe even he came and thought about Doug and Adam.
Amelia doubled over in pain. Not physically, but in her heart, realizing how much it must have hurt her parents to lose her brothers. Perhaps that was the reason they didn’t want her to marry Justin.
Well, she’d suffered loss, too. Doug and Adam had meant the world to her, and she’d lost them. Felt the soul-ripping tear of a loved one from her heart. She didn’t and couldn’t think of losing Justin in that way.
What if she did marry him? Could she learn to be content knowing that when he stepped out the door, his job may cost him his life? Shaken with the thought, she sat still, paralyzed with a fear that ate at her from the inside out.
She reached out and put a hand on the rough bark of the old tree. Hundreds of years old, her father had said. The oak had withstood any number of storms, harsh winters, and dry summers. Yet it stood. Solace seeped into her fingers, traveled up her arm, and into her heart. Justin loved her, and like the old tree, she’d survive whatever life brought her way.
Her thoughts zigzagged to Cornie. Mother had told her once that the woman was mean because she’d been unwise in not choosing to marry a man. That fear caused her to withhold her love and dry up inside.
Amelia felt for the woman. Yet, it made her more determined to marry Justin. She didn’t want to be like Cornie. No. She loved Justin and would have to find a way to get her parents to understand. Perhaps, she could bring Mother to the oak, although she didn’t want to cause her mother any more pain at the sight of her brothers’ initials.
Taking in a deep breath, Amelia rose. She felt better and turned, nearly running into Wills.
###
Wills had come across the meadow from the hotel and didn’t see Amelia until almost upon her. If he could have, he’d have backed away and left her to her thoughts. But too late, she’d turned.
He held out an arm. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you.”
She stepped back with a huff on her breath. “Well, you did.”
“I’ll leave.” This was clearly not how he wanted to start his day. With the Burkett troubles, he’d needed some time to himself.
Raising her hands, she dropped them to her side. “I’m sorry. It’s not as if I own the tree. But it does mean a lot to me. My father built the bench. There are things carved on the tree that mean something only to me and my family.”
“Look, I’ll go somewhere else.”
She sighed and rubbed her arms. “No. It’s a free country. I’m sure as an attorney you know that. You could probably sue me for telling you to stay away.”
He stared at her, not sure what to do. “I won’t sue you, promise. I’ve got thoughts of my own that need sorting.”
Head up, she nodded. “There are other trees.”
He looked around the field that held nothing taller than his waist.
She shook her head. “Not in the meadow. The town has a nice oak. There’s one by the church. There’s even a big one past The Cattlemen’s Saloon, but it, well, it has a rather nasty history.”
He turned a sorrowful eye to her. “A hanging tree?”
Amelia’s face took on a bit of a green tint as she nodded. “Horrible. We should cut it down.”
Wills lowered his head. “Saw a man hang once. It wasn’t a very nice sight. Sickened me. Then later we found out he was innocent of the charges. That was the day I decided to become an attorney.”
“Oh?” She said the word as if it were an open door to stay.
“I understand this tree is special to you. I promise to go to the other side and not use your bench?”
She sagged. “It’s not my tree. You can use the bench. It’ll keep you off the ground.” She pulled her wrap tight about her. “Even though the coldest weather didn’t make it down here, it is still cool. Hate to think you got a cold because of my selfishness.”
“You’re a kind woman, Amelia.” She was a pretty one, too. He straightened. Her name wasn’t Sally, either. Keep your mind on your prize, boy. Pa liked to say that whenever he’d been caught dayd
reaming.
She blushed. “Not always, I’m afraid, but I do try. Good day, Mr. Williams.” Head up, she strode through the meadow to town.
He admired the proud, sure way about her as if she were going after what she wanted. No second-guessing. No detour from her plan. Yes, if it weren’t for that letter in his pocket, he might never meet Sally.
After Amelia was out of sight, Wills went to the tree, briefly studied the initials, and then sat on the bench. He pulled the letter out of his pocket. Nettie had written him that Sally was a soiled dove in need of a good man.
He wondered what she looked like, that information Nettie had kept to herself. She had written that Sally was attractive and able to bear children. No family was listed. She was a year younger than he.
Idly, he stared at the tree and wondered what had driven her to become a prostitute. He winced. He’d never asked or read if Sally had been a lady of the night in Bluebonnet. Why had he assumed she’d come from another city? How was that going to look to the citizens of the town that he meant to build a practice in?
Promising attorney with his wife, whom you all know.
Stop it. Crazy thought. Surely, the woman had come from somewhere else. Yet even as he thought it, he needed to be prepared if that weren’t true. Could he stay in Bluebonnet if that were the case?
He groaned. He’d spent almost all his money on the building and getting Mrs. Burkett on her way to San Antonio. Even if Sally had worked at one of the saloons, he couldn’t leave Bluebonnet now if he wanted.
“Oh, what tangled webs we weave.” What have I gotten myself into? He’d given Nettie his answer. Made his promise to Carly. “Alea iacta est. The die is cast. Beginning to know how you felt Caesar.”
You’re a man, act like it.
Wills looked through the lifeless branches into the sky. “I hear you, Pa.” Seems this was his day to recite famous phrases. The last one carried the most weight. The problem, just how does a man act when he already feels dead?
Then again, that was why he was here. He answered Nettie’s letter in hopes that he could resurrect himself. Bring his heart and soul out of the self-imposed grave he’d sentenced them to. He’d never considered how Sally might feel.
In his mind, he believed he’d be doing her a favor. Saving her. Now, he realized the opposite was true. He expected her to save him.
Irritated with himself, he crammed the letter back into his pocket. He’d soon know. Nettie had sent word for him to come for lunch tomorrow. Saturday wasn’t going to work out so she’d moved the date up.
“Act like a man, Wills. No backing out of this.”
Chapter 8
Justin drove the carriage to Mya’s boarding house. He’d ridden out yesterday to see if Reed could and would put Burkett to work to pay off what he owed Wills. Reed had shrugged and looked around the ranch and agreed he could use him, but not sure how he’d pay him.
Wills had given instruction it didn’t matter, just so long as the man put in several months of hard labor and no liquor.
Justin and Reed had laughed at the pleased look on Yancy’s face at the idea of help on the ranch.
Nettie had requested that he bring Sally to the ranch. He wasn’t sure how the young woman would feel having to ride with Burkett in the back, but it was the best he could do. He stopped the horse, made sure Burkett’s cuffs were secure, and bounded up the stairs.
Sally met him at the door. Her big soulful eyes met his. Hope lounged in their depths, and he cringed in seeing that her hope focused on him.
He smiled, unsure how to halt her false hope without crushing her. “You ready? Aunt Nettie was excited about seeing you again. Said she made your favorite pie.”
She took hold of Justin’s arm and walked beside him down the steps. Seeing Burkett, she halted.
“Don’t worry. He’s cuffed to the back of the carriage. He’s not getting away and can’t bother you. Besides, you’re sitting up front with me.”
“Thank goodness. I never liked him.”
Justin sent a glaring blast to his prisoner who immediately looked down like a thief caught in the action.
He helped her into the buggy. “It’s a nice day for a ride. I brought a blanket in case it gets chilly.” Passing by Burkett, he gave the man a snarl before climbing in. “Gidd up, horse.”
Sally swallowed. “I like that you don’t use a whip.”
Her voice was so quiet he almost missed her words. “Don’t need to hurt a horse to get it to work. My pa taught me that. Have to gain their trust and let them know what you want. Ah, some are lazy just like people.” He shot a gaze to the back. “But most do what they’re told.”
Her hand went around his arm.
Without meaning to, Justin stiffened. Then just as he passed the store, Amelia came outside. Her wave stopped in mid motion. Great, going to have to explain that to her. Even though he was well past the store, he disentangled Sally’s hand from his arm.
“Have to be ready in case I need to use that arm.”
She nodded. “Oh, being sheriff, I guess that is true. Sorry.”
Her small squeaking voice made him think he had a young child sitting next to him. As they rode along, ‘sorry’ seemed to be her favorite word as if the poor woman had to apologize for existing.
After what had to be one of the longest hours in his life, he finally turned up the drive to Misfit Ranch. Well, Aunt Nettie and Reed had named their place aptly. With Yancy, Burkett, and Sally, ‘misfit’ sounded tame.
He’d wondered what Nettie wanted with Sally, but then he remembered that his aunt had cared for the woman after she’d been beaten. Still riled him that Sally wouldn’t say who did it.
Almost to the house, Wills rode up beside him. “Good. I see you’ve brought my debtor.”
Justin grinned. “He was a bit reluctant so I had to use a little persuasion and enjoyed every minute of it.”
“Glad to hear that, Sheriff.” Wills tipped his hat to Sally, and looked back at him with a questioning gaze. He dismounted and led his horse to the trough to drink.
Justin wanted to explain, but he didn’t really know why he was bringing Sally to the ranch. Seems he’d have to find out to tell Amelia and Wills.
The door opened and Reed walked out onto the porch. “Justin, Sally. Glad you came.”
Justin couldn’t help but notice the surprised look on Wills’ face.
Turning to Reed, Justin nodded toward the back of the carriage. “I brought your help, but he might cause you more trouble than he’s worth.”
Reed laughed. “Burkett, I always knew that eventually you’d get yourself in more trouble than you could get out of. Yancy will appreciate the help.”
Reed looked toward the barn. “Yancy!”
“Yeah, I’m coming.” Pushing down his sleeves, Yancy came out of the barn. Seeing Justin, his steps faltered, then resumed with his usual swagger. “What?”
Reed pointed at the carriage. “Here’s your help. Show him the ropes and work him hard. Real hard.”
With a wry grin, Yancy prodded Burkett. “Let’s go, rummy. Appears my boss wants to dry the hard liquor out of you with some hard labor.” He shoved the man. “Don’t give me any guff, old man. I can take you any day of the week with one hand tied behind my back.”
Justin had thought about telling of Yancy’s trip to town, but decided against it. After hearing him handle Burkett, he was glad. Reed appeared to have things under control.
Nettie came outside. “I have dinner ready. Won’t everyone come in?”
Justin helped Sally down and escorted her up the steps. Wills hung back. Probably to see that Burkett didn’t get away.
His aunt looked puzzled. “Won’t Yancy and that new man be joining us?”
Justin tipped his hat to her. “No, I think they have work to do.”
“Oh, all right.” She appeared at bit flustered.
Justin hoped there were no problems, but by the way her gaze darted from Sally to Wills and then outside, he wasn’t
so sure.
Reed held the door.
Nettie walked inside as if she were going to her execution. “Everyone sit down, I’ll bring out the food. It’s just something simple, Reed’s recipe for Texas chili and my old German recipe for potato salad. I hope you all like it.”
Justin grinned. He’d never seen Nettie so frazzled. At least, not since she’d married Reed. “I love that potato salad. Would you like me to help you?”
“No. You sit down. All of you.”
He and Reed sat at one end of the small table. Sally sat right next to him. Any closer and she’d have been in his chair. Wills sat on the other side of the table looking like he’d sat on a tack.
Justin glanced at Reed. “Everything all right?”
Reed pursed his lips, nodded, and placed the napkin in his shirt. “Fine. Fine. Couldn’t be better. Thanks for bringing us another worker. I’m sure Yancy will work him doubly hard.”
With spoon in hand, Justin pointed to Wills. “That was Bluebonnet’s first attorney’s idea. I think he’s a brilliant addition to our town.”
“Good. Good.” Reed nodded toward Wills.
Something was going on. Justin didn’t get to be sheriff without the ability to sense when things weren’t right. Not one to push people, he decided to let the day play out and see what was going on.
Sally took her napkin and knocked her spoon to the floor.
He patted her hand. “I’ll get it.” He bent down the same time as she did and they hit heads.
“Ooh.” She held her hand to her head and laughed.
Justin rubbed his forehead. “Good to hear you laugh.”
She blushed.
Wills looked like he was going to be sick.
Nettie burst out of the kitchen carrying a big pot. “Here we are.”
Reed heaved a sigh and stood. “I’ll get the bowls.”
“I guess I forgot to put them out. Sorry. I hope you all like it. It’s a little hot. Spicy. Not like we had in Minnesota. I like it now.”
A Bluebonnet Misfit Christmas: Sweet Historical Christian Western Romance (Mail Order Brides of Misfit Ranch Bluebonnet, Texas Book 2) Page 6
