Harold ordered the drink and slid it to him. “Believe it or not, I don’t like catering to men like Burkett. They’re generally more trouble than they’re worth. But it’s a free country, and I’m not his priest.”
After a sip, Wills nodded. “No, guess you’re not.”
Harold slapped him on the shoulder. “I’ll keep an eye on him. Try and keep him out of trouble, although he’s at Kelly’s table and he doesn’t suffer fools kindly.”
The doors to the saloon slammed open. “Burkett!”
Wills turned to see Justin standing in the door.
Burkett’s face turned red. He stood, pulled his gun, and aimed it at Justin.
A gunshot echoed through the saloon. Clutching his chest, Burkett crashed into a chair and fell to the floor.
Wills turned to see Harold holstering his pistol. “Sheriff, hope you don’t mind. I think he might have had the drop on you.”
Justin holstered his own gun. “You didn’t have to kill him.”
“There’s where you’re wrong. He was going to kill you. A wounded man is like a wounded rattler, still lethal.”
Justin walked to Burkett and turned him over. “Dead, right through the heart.”
Harold signaled for a couple of his men. “Take the body to the livery and have Ben make him a coffin. I’ll pay, and for the burial, too.” He faced Wills. “You have an address for his wife?”
“Yeah, not on me, but I can get it to you.”
Harold pulled a thick wallet from his coat, fished out a hundred dollars, and handed them to him. “Send her this with my condolences. You can either tell her the truth, which I am sure she would guess, or make something up, doesn’t matter to me. Just keep it secret where the money came from. Tell her, he earned it.”
Wills pocketed the money. “I’ll mail it to her tomorrow.”
Justin came over to them. “Next time, Harold, you let me deal out the justice.”
“Your funeral, Sheriff. Well, I have business to attend to if you gentlemen will excuse me.” Harold walked away as if nothing had happened.
Wills shook out his rope. “Guess killing a man doesn’t bother Harold.”
Justin nodded. “Maybe, then again, you don’t know where he’s going and what he’s going to do.”
“Suppose so. How’s Amelia?”
“She was fine this morning.” He faced Wills. “We’re going to be married Christmas Eve.”
“Congratulations.” Wills held back his hopes with Sally.
“Thanks. You wouldn’t be interested in renting out the little house the Burketts owned would you?”
Wills looked at Justin. “I think that’s a good idea. Be happy to and give you the first month free as a wedding present. I haven’t had a chance to look at it so I don’t know what kind of shape it’s in.”
Justin grinned. “I’d like it if Amelia and I could look at it with you.”
“Sure. Later today all right?”
“As long as Amelia is up to it. Maybe three o’clock?”
“Meet you at the town square and we can all walk there together.”
Justin shook his hand. “Now, I need to go and see what he did with my horse. Can’t believe Burkett had so little sense as to come here. What was he thinking?”
Wills tried to finish his sarsaparilla, but his hands shook. He set the glass down and pushed it away. “It was the whiskey thinking for him.”
“All the same, it’s a sorry end for a man to come to.”
Wills turned to go. “You’ll probably find your horse at the livery. I saw Burkett ride in. He didn’t even tie the horse, just slapped him and the horse trotted toward Ben’s.”
“Thanks. I’ll go see.”
Wills left the saloon, sickened by what he’d seen. He stared at the rope in his hand. It wouldn’t have done much good against Burkett’s gun. Yet, after what happened that dark night in Chicago, Wills had sworn he’d never carry another pistol.
He stared at the sun and sent a prayer for Burkett and his widow. Life held on by such a tender string. Here one minute and gone the next. Drunk, horse thief, or saloon girl, one never knew where or when the end would come.
###
Amelia sat up in bed and tried to concentrate on Dickens’ Great Expectations. But her own expectations were even greater. She could barely keep herself in bed. Justin should be back anytime. He’d said he would come in and check on her.
She heard the door to the store open and Spence hollering for Justin. Mother had said she was going to visit the McGruder sisters, and Father had gone out the back door.
Grateful for an excuse to get out of bed, she slipped on her robe and peeked out the curtained door.
Spence saw her and ran to her. “Is Justin here?”
A little embarrassed that the deputy would think Justin would be in her room unchaperoned, she shook a finger at him. “No, he isn’t. I am not in the habit of letting men stay in my bedroom.”
He blushed. “Sorry ma’am. If he comes here, tell him there’s been a shooting at the saloon. I’m on my way there. Cornie stopped by to tell me.”
Her heart stopped. She tried to hide her concern. “I’ll be sure to tell him. He was at Reed’s.”
Spence tipped his hat and ran out of the store.
Feeling weak, she went to her bed and knelt. “God, please let Justin be all right.” Shaking, she rose and slipped beneath the covers. Is this how she’d be every time she heard a gun or a loud noise?
She buried herself in the book, but it held no meaning when real life was scratching at her existence. She turned a page with her quivering hand. “Justin is fine. He is fine.”
Amelia sat up and threw off her covers. “I refuse to live as a coward. I refuse! Hear me?” She was not clear who she was shouting at, but her faith and resolve were strengthened.
Little in life was certain, but her love for Justin was as sure as the sun in the morning. She would love him without regret, whether they were given one day or a hundred years together. And she’d not spend a minute cowering under the covers.
Despite her promise to stay put, she bolted out of bed. The room spun for a few seconds and then righted. Slowly, she dressed and then sat in the chair while keeping an eye on the window.
Head up, she watched for Justin to come. Not wavering in her faith that she would soon see him, she waited.
Her heart jumped. Tall and sure, he strode toward the store. Toward her. She sighed. She’d passed the first test. She’d pass whatever trouble came her way. She knew it.
The front door opened. His deep voice, strong and sure, caused tingles to race through her. She loved Justin, and soon they’d be married.
“What are you doing out of bed?” He threw his hat on the chair.
She closed her eyes and waited for him to kiss her.
He didn’t.
She opened her eyes to see him standing with arms folded. “I want you healthy for our wedding day. It’s only a few days away, you know.”
“I am perfectly aware. I thought you might have missed me.”
He grinned. “Every minute I’m away from you.” He bent and kissed the top of her head. “I might have found a house for us to rent. The Burketts had a small one on the street behind their shop. If you’re up to it, I can take you to look at it today.”
“If? Try and stop me.” She got up from the chair and headed for the door. “Let’s go.”
“Whoa, take it easy. Doc said you were to rest. I’ll have your mother bring in some lunch for you. Then after you rest, I’ll come back and get you.”
She pouted. “If you say so.”
He crossed his arms. “I do.”
“I like the sound of those words. Keep practicing so you get them right on our wedding day.” She went to him, slid a finger along his chin, and then went back to her chair by the window. “I’ll be watching for you.”
His face red, he kept his distance. “You do that. You won’t be disappointed.”
He left and she heard him talk t
o her mother and then she saw him leave the store.
Amelia watched him walk to the jail. “I love you, Justin Wellesley.”
Chapter 17
Sally finished with the lunch dishes. Hanging the dishtowel on the peg, she sorted through her confused thoughts. The news that Justin and Amelia were to be married Saturday pushed her into dangerous territory.
She wanted to marry Wills or thought she did. That she desperately needed to marry a good man haunted her every waking hour and even into her dreams. If not, to survive she’d wind up back in a saloon. She knew it and could feel its pull on her.
Was it fair to him? Could she really be sure that she loved or even cared for him? Men had used her. Would it be so bad if she said yes and used Wills to save her from the hellish life in a saloon? “Oh God, if you’re real, help me know what to do?”
With a groan, she pushed open the door and nearly ran into Cornie. “Sorry.”
Cornie stepped back. “You should be more careful. Where is Mya?”
“I don’t know. Her room, I suppose.” Sally didn’t want to talk to Cornie any more than she had to and walked toward her own room.
“I suppose you heard the news about Justin and Amelia. Personally, I think Amelia could have done better, but young people these days have no sense.”
Sally turned and looked at the older woman. Though she was supposed to be about the same age as Nettie, Cornie looked much older. Perhaps hard times marked her more than others. Even though Cornie had money, it must be the sadness of living alone.
“I’m happy for them.”
A sad look passed over Cornie’s hard features. “I’m going into the kitchen. Mya said she had some extra food set aside for me. Do you know where it is?”
“No. Sorry, I don’t.” Sally thought she detected tears in the woman’s eyes. Shoving away her dislike for Cornie, Sally resigned herself to aid the woman. “I’ll help you look.”
Sally went past her and into the kitchen. What did Cornie need with food from Mya? She pushed open the door and held it for Cornie. Did her dress look threadbare? Why had she never noticed these things about her before?
Cornie sat in one of the chairs. “I’m a little tired, today. Would you mind looking for me?”
“No, I don’t mind.” Sally opened cupboards but didn’t see anything. In the pantry, she saw a bulging sack. She peeked inside and saw cans and jars. A ham. Flour and coffee.
She pulled it out. “I think I found it.”
Cornie rose and took the sack but sank under its weight. “Mya is too kind. Too kind.” She sat and put her head on the table. Her shoulders shook as she sobbed softly. “I don’t deserve her goodness. I don’t.”
Unsure what to do, Sally sat next to her and patted her back. “I can carry it for you.” It dawned on her that she didn’t have any idea where Cornie lived.
Sitting up, Cornie wiped her eyes. “Please don’t tell anyone. No one knows. No one but Mya.”
Sally didn’t know what it was she was supposed to keep secret, but she nodded. She knew enough about shame to see that Cornie was consumed by it. “I won’t say a word.”
Cornie rose. “If you would help me?”
Without a word, Sally picked up the sack and carried it. “Lead the way.”
“We must go out the back door. No one must know.” Cornie slunk like a shy coyote as she went to the door and waited for Sally to pass.
They walked in silence and went behind the store, then the jail. Cornie crossed the street and walked past the hotel to a house on the street behind the saloons. On closer look it was an old shack.
Sally followed her inside and set the food on a dusty table. The place looked like it had been vacant for years.
Unsure of what to say, Sally touched Cornie’s arm. “This place hasn’t been lived in for some time. I—”
“I had to move after the Burketts left. It took me all morning to get my clothes moved. No one must know. No one. Please?”
Sally nodded. “I’m sure Mya wouldn’t mind—”
“No. Not even Mya.” Her face hardened. “Not that I can trust you of all people.”
“Me of all people? I am the one you can trust. I’ve lived under shame’s shadow most of my life. Your secret is safe with me.”
Hands shaking, Cornie pulled out a jar of peaches. She tried but couldn’t get the lid to budge.
Sally gently took it from her, picked up a knife from the table and tapped the top. After opening the jar, she handed it to Cornie. “I suppose those are from the McGruder sisters. I’m sure they’re good.”
Cornie fumbled in a drawer and came away with two forks. “I’ll share.”
Together they ate the entire jar of peaches.
“I’m not sure I have ever enjoyed peaches so much.” Cornie gave her a weak smile. “I am surprised. The way I’ve treated you, I wouldn’t think you’d have anything to do with me. And yet, you’ve been so kind. Why?”
Sally pondered the question. Indeed why? Then she could hear Wills’ voice. Second chances, forgiveness, and freedom. “Everyone is entitled to second chances. A wise man told me that.”
Cornie teared up. “Yes, I suppose. But even someone like me? Why, I’ve been meaner than a snake to most of the people in Bluebonnet. I tormented Nettie. I thought I could win Reed away from her.”
“What happened?”
“I had money. Up until a few months ago. I lost my house. It’s the big one down from the McGruder sisters. Taxes. Same thing that took the judge’s land. Mrs. Burkett found me crying and let me live in her small house.”
Sally grimaced at the woman’s pain. “I never had anything. Guess it’s harder to have had a lot and then lose it.”
Cornie stared at her. “I’m sorry you never had anything. That must have been hard growing up.”
“I’m sure Wills would let you stay in the little house.”
Shaking her head, Cornie stood and walked to the door. “No, I heard the news about Amelia and Justin. Then Mrs. Clark said how they were going to look at the Burkett house and lease it from Mr. Williams. I had to rush to get my things out.”
Cornie stared at her. “Find someone to love, Sally. Find them and don’t let go.”
Sally wasn’t sure that she’d really prayed, but was it possible God was answering her with Cornie’s words? Her heart beat Wills’ name. Over and over. Wills. Wills. Wills.
Cornie stared out the dirty window. “I was in love once, but was too proud to settle for a cowboy. I wanted a man of means. What I got was nothing. I turned sour, growing meaner with each unfulfilled year. If I could, I’d go back in time and find that man.”
Sally sat down in one of the rickety chairs. “What was his name?”
“Arthur Camden. He had sandy brown hair that was never in place. Dusty clothes and a lovely smile. He loved me. Wanted to whisk me off my feet and marry me the first day we met. I said no. He didn’t have enough money. He left. I stayed. I lost.”
Sally gulped. Was her story different? Although she was the one who had nothing, wasn’t she turning Wills away just the same?
“Cornie, or do you want me to call you, Cornelia?”
“Why, yes. I’m not sure when my cruel moniker started. I never could get it stopped. I guess I have earned it.”
“Well, in honor of second chances, Cornelia, I would like you to consider talking to Mya. She could use the help at the boarding house.”
“But she has you.”
Sally smiled. “I have dinner plans with Wills Williams. He has asked me to marry him. I intend to tell him yes, tonight.”
Cornelia’s face softened. “I’m happy for you. Truly.”
“You helped me see the answer. Thank you. And if you would, I don’t have a mother, would you stand up for me at the wedding?”
“Oh, no one has ever asked me. Yes.” Her face clouded. “My clothes are a bit tattered.”
“I don’t care.”
Sally grabbed the sack of food. “Let’s go.”
Cornelia stared at her. “Go?”
“Mya has at least one vacant room, and soon, my room will be vacant as well. You know Mya, she’s got a heart as big as Texas. She’ll accept you without a word. She already provided this food for you, so she must know more than you think she does.”
“I lied to her. I told her it was for poor people.”
Sally wanted to laugh. Of all people, the old Cornie would be the last person you’d expect to help others. Mya knew. “Mya is a smart woman. We can send Wills back for the rest of your things.”
Cornie followed her out the door.
Sally started to go across the field behind the stores.
“No, Sally. Let’s go down the street. It’s time I faced my situation. The hardness of my heart. If people want to mock me, well, I’ve more than deserved it. Let’s go.” She took off down the middle of the street.
Sally followed. People did look. Thing was, she didn’t know if they were pointing at her or Cornelia. But it didn’t matter. She loved Wills, or at least was sure she would learn to. And she had a new friend.
###
Justin stared at the clock, got up from his chair, and kicked Spence’s boot. “I’m leaving. Taking Amelia to see the house.”
Waking up, his deputy nodded. “Good. I’ll keep the town from going to ruin.” He grinned. “Can’t wait to go to your wedding.”
“Well, you better. I’m expecting you to be my best man.”
Spencer blushed. “I’d like that. Thanks.”
“Later.” Justin ran to the store and burst inside. “Amelia, are you ready?”
“Justin, she has been waiting for you from the minute you left.” Mrs. Clark waltzed past him to the family quarters.
In minutes, Amelia ran to him. “I’m more than ready. See, I have my strength back.”
“Well, I brought my horse. Thought I’d ride you to the house. Wouldn’t want to let you get tired out.”
She grabbed her wrap and put it around herself. “Let’s go, Sheriff.”
“All right, Mrs. Sheriff. Climb on up there, and I’ll swing up behind you.” Once settled in the saddle, he wrapped an arm around her. “Can’t let you fall.”
A Bluebonnet Misfit Christmas: Sweet Historical Christian Western Romance (Mail Order Brides of Misfit Ranch Bluebonnet, Texas Book 2) Page 14
