The Deputy's Duty

by Terri Reed

  The music’s tempo had quickened into a lively schottische. Not exactly the kind of dance she liked. But she didn’t need to say a word to Joe—he was already leading the way toward the long rows of cloth-covered tables set up discreetly at the back. Crystal, china and silver sparkled as they displayed rich treats, desserts and beverages. Just like that night years ago. She wished the past could come to life again.

  “For you.” Joe slipped a cup of lemonade into her hands. “Still your favorite?”

  “Yes, and yours?”

  “I haven’t changed all that much.” He paused, his voice lowered. “I missed you, Lanna.”

  And there went her heart, falling a little bit more in love with Joe Wolf. She steadied her hands, tried to settle her feelings and took a small sip. The lemonade was refreshingly cold and more sweet than sour. “I missed you, too, Joe.”

  “That’s mighty good to hear.” He led the way past a crowd of Geneva’s friends toward a long row of Palladian windows. The night was radiant; moonlight polished the long reaches of snowy ground and the world glowed like a black opal, rich and rare. Lanna took it as a sign that this last night of the year would bring transformation.

  “You know, I thought I would come home to hear about how you were a wife and mother, happy with your life.” Joe looked hard at the night instead of at her. “How come you never married?”

  The lemonade turned bitter on her tongue. How did she tell him the truth? How did she tell him that deep down she had been secretly waiting all this time? For him to come back to her. For him to love her again. For the chance to love him.

  She steeled her spine—there was nothing to tell him but the truth. “No man managed to catch my fancy.”

  “I imagine a few tried.” His smile was infectious and made her feel valued.

  “There were a few,” she admitted. But they were not you. She held the words back. Too much truth. Too much vulnerability. She did not want to get hurt. What were his feelings for her? Caring was one thing, but she could not mistake the fondness in his manner for anything more.

  But was it more? She could not assume that it was. She shrugged one shoulder. “Romance for me simply never happened—and then my stepfather fell ill and our lives changed.”

  He nodded, as if he were considering what she’d said.

  She took a sip of the lemonade, savoring the sweetness. Her blood thundered in her ears, but somehow she dared to ask the one question she needed to. “Why aren’t you married, Joe?”

  “Because deep down, part of me was hoping to come home to you.”

  FIVE

  Lanna felt the floor tilt and the cup slip from her fingers. Joe’s firm grip curled around the glass cup and cradled her hand. His words echoed within her. Because deep down part of me was hoping to come home to you. It seemed impossible. Unreal. Too good to be true.

  And yet this was no dream. This moment was real. His touch was as tangible as the cool crystal against her. Suddenly, possibility glittered like the frosted snow outside. Joe had come home to her.

  “I know a lot of time has passed.” Joe lifted the cup from her trembling hands and set it on the windowsill. “We’ve grown up, you and I. We’re both different than we once were. We should be strangers.”

  “Yes, we should be. Yet we aren’t.” She knew exactly what he was trying to say. “When we’re together, it is as if time forgot to pass us by.”

  “Yes!” But then Joe’s excitement seemed to dim, and he turned to look hard at the night, instead of at her. “I wrote you. You didn’t answer my letters.”

  “I was a farmer’s daughter, Joe. You were the new governor’s son.”

  “I don’t see how that mattered.”

  No, she could see he didn’t. That was her Joe, so sincere and true, always seeing people for what they were.

  Except, maybe, for his mother. She could still hear Geneva’s voice, sharp and confident as ever, on Lanna’s first day of work for her. Joe will forget you entirely, you’ll see. He has his choice of some of the finest young ladies our territory has to offer. He’s actually currently quite smitten with a general’s daughter.

  She had only been sixteen. She hadn’t been able to understand that Geneva may have been lying to her—that she may have been feeding on a schoolgirl’s most vulnerable fears. But how did she tell Joe about how vicious his mother had been? She tried to explain why she had not written in another way. “You had many new opportunities, first in Helena and then away at school.”

  “And you thought I wouldn’t be interested in a country girl like you?”

  “Maybe. I was afraid of what would happen. Of how busy you must have been, and that there would be more and more time between your letters. That one day you would forget to write at all. I decided it was better to lose you all at once than one day at a time.”

  It was hard to read his reaction. His was a strong face with the proud, high cheekbones and a granite jaw of his heritage. His nose was a straight blade that was almost hawklike, and his generous-cut mouth was bracketed by two dimples that flashed whenever he smiled. On another man his features would have been severe, but the twinkle in Joe’s eyes and his quick grin gentled his face and revealed his emotions, tender and true.

  He nodded slowly. Then he turned to face her again, taking her hands earnestly in his. “None of that matters now. We have another chance.” He paused and took a deep breath. “Is there a possibility,” he asked, “that you would allow me to court you?”

  “Every possibility in the world,” Lanna replied, as joy uplifted her. It felt right to stand beside him. She felt hope creep back into her soul. Being with him made her spirit shimmer like the thousands of sparkles on the dark snow. She wanted to gather up her dreams like those sparkles and hold them so she never lost them again.

  * * *

  As the sonata came to an end, Lanna took the last step of their last waltz together. “I have to go home.”

  “But it’s not even nine o’clock. We’ve had only three dances together and a cup of lemonade.”

  “I wish I could stay.” The thought of having the chance to twirl to the music just one more time—or even the chance to simply talk with Joe—sounded like an answered prayer.

  But she was the main provider for her family and she had to earn the money they needed to survive. “I have work in the morning. You know how strict your mother is about tardiness. She is unforgiving.”

  “You’re working here tomorrow?” He took a step back. “Of course. To clean up after this party.”

  “It’s extra hours for this paycheck and we will be particularly grateful this week, as tomorrow our rent is due. My parents depend on me.”

  “They are blessed to have a daughter like you. Someone they can always count on.” Joe stopped, fearing he was about to say too much. So much about Lanna had not changed. Her sense of goodness, her sense of duty and her devotion to those she loved. He had been one of that treasured few once. There was nothing on this earth he wanted more than to have her love again.

  “Are you mad?” Lanna asked, searching his face for any signs of it. “I know the party has hardly started.”

  “Have I ever been mad at you?” Joe thought back through their time together, sifting through one memory after another. He could almost feel the soft press of her body beside him on all of those sleighs and buggies and hayrides. Picking berries with her and talking at ice cream socials and church picnics. There had been nothing but the easy way they always shared—even when they disagreed they had laughed about it.

  He brushed a stray silken curl from her face. “I could never be truly angry at you.”

  “It feels as if nothing has changed between us, but I have to remind myself that we aren’t in school anymore,” she said. “There is much that has not stayed the same. We aren’t
the same.”

  “But what matters is still the same.” He could feel the truth in his heart as surely as the floor at his feet—Joe wanted to do more than court her. He wanted to laugh with her again. He wanted to devote the rest of his days to her. He wanted to make her his wife. All he needed was the opportunity to convince her. “Let me take you home.”

  Lanna suddenly looked down at her hands. “It’s cold outside. You should stay here where it’s warm.”

  “I’m tough. I can handle the cold.”

  “I know, but—” Lanna thought of her tiny home in town. What would Joe think if he saw it? Then she realized this was Joe. Still, she found she couldn’t face him when she explained her situation. “I’m afraid the grand ranch house is long gone, just like the thousands of acres of land and cattle.”

  “Those things do no matter to me, Lanna. You do.” At that, she looked up at him and Joe reached out to brush a curl from her eyes. It was a tender gesture and matched the solemn emotion in his voice. “I’ll send word to have the carriage readied.”

  “No, please don’t go to so much bother.” Lanna thought of the fancy carriage and pedigreed horses and the driver. “It’s not far.”

  “I see.” Realization passed across his face. “Then let me walk you home.”

  Joe took her hand and led her across the room. He kept her at his side, protecting her from the other dancers and sheepherding her safely through the crush of people.

  Lanna didn’t even see them. Happiness filled her. It was almost too much—she was afraid that she would wake up, open her eyes and find out that this had all been a lovely dream. But Joe’s hand on her shoulder, firm and possessive, was far more real than any dream.

  Joe wanted to court her. Every breath she took made the love in her heart glow more brightly. She wanted more than anything to have the chance to win Joe’s heart again. To share conversation and laughter and emotional connection with him. To fall in love with him a little more deeply with every coming day. To know he was falling in love with her the same way.

  Before they reached the door, Chance Bell stepped out of the crowd. “Lanna, are you sure you won’t reconsider?”

  “I’m sure, but thank you.” She could not think what had overcome the rakish Mr. Bell. Surely he was only being magnanimous because of the festive evening.

  “I’m afraid you’ve crushed poor Chance.” Joe guided her through the arched doorway.

  “Crushed him? That’s impossible. He was hardly serious.” She glanced over her shoulder, just to make sure.

  But it wasn’t Chance Bell that she saw. There was Geneva, regal in glittering jewels and a gown of crimson silk—staring at her in horror.

  Lanna felt reality hit her like a falling boulder. What if Joe’s family objected? The Wolfs placed a lot of importance on their social standing. Everyone in town knew that. No, Joe’s parents would certainly not give their blessing to the courtship.

  “Here.” Joe was back, wearing a wool coat and holding her cloak for her. Always a gentleman, he helped her into it with care. “It’s gotten colder out there. It looks as if it’s trying to snow.”

  “Are you sure you want to go out in such weather?”

  “Beyond all doubt.”

  How did he do that, she wondered? With a few words, with his character and strength, he made her worries flee like shadows at dawn. Her slippers padded lightly against the foyer’s marble floor as they rushed out into the night.

  “Where do you think you’re going, young man?” A thunderous baritone boomed out on the steps behind them. It was Joe’s father—and he was not happy.

  Not one bit.

  SIX

  Joe took in his father’s stern glare and froze. The bite of the freezing air was warmer than that look. He swallowed, digging in his heels. “I’m seeing Lanna home.”

  A muscle jumped along Father’s jaw. “You cannot leave our guests. Or, will you do them all the same courtesy of seeing them home tonight?”

  It was impossible to miss the disapproval or the quick flick of a glance behind him to where Lanna stood, patiently waiting. Joe felt his hackles rise at his father’s dismissive look. Father had always been far too concerned with appearances.

  “I am not the host of this party,” he said simply. “I’ll leave the carriage in case you wish to see any other guests home.”

  “Joe—”

  His father’s harsh utterance echoed through the foyer, but Joe had already turned and guided Lanna down the icy steps.

  As they reached the walkway, Lanna twirled to face him. “Perhaps you had better not go,” Lanna said softly. “He sounds angry.”

  “Angry is my father’s usual manner, you know that.” He had learned long ago not to take it too personally. Besides, it didn’t matter what his father thought or how angry he was. Joe knew what he wanted now. “Don’t let it trouble you.”

  “But—” Lanna fell silent. The concern gentle on her lovely face said everything.

  “Think of it this way,” Joe said with a little grin. “You’re doing me a favor.”

  “Ah, yes. I remember.” Her laughter was a gentle, musical trill. “You still don’t like fancy dinner parties and balls, do you?”

  “No, and you’re giving me an excellent excuse to escape.” Joe took her hand and led her along the parked rows of carriages and buggies lining the lane. “I guess I owe you something for this favor.”

  “Oh, and what might that be?”

  “Perhaps you would allow me to take you on a sleigh ride on Sunday after church.” He was fairly sure she wouldn’t turn him down, but his pulse gave a lurch as she hesitated.

  “I would love to go with you, Joe, but only if you’ll agree to stay for supper afterwards.”

  Then she smiled prettily at him and he thought she was even more beautiful graced by moonlight and shadowed by the silvered snow.

  A certainty settled over his soul and he ached with tenderness. He knew beyond all doubt that God had led him back to Angel Falls for a reason. For her.

  “Our table wouldn’t be anything like what you’re used to,” she continued, brushing a fragile curl out of her face with her gloved hand—moving, as always, with grace and elegance. “But I’m sure my parents would like to see you.”

  “I would like to see them.” He had always liked Lanna’s parents. They were good, solid people who knew what mattered and did not worry about reputation or what others thought about them. They were regular, friendly folk and he’d always felt comfortable with them. Although the thought of what he needed to ask did make him pause. “It would give me a chance to speak with your stepfather.”

  “You will surprise him, I’m sure.” She looked down at the snow at their feet. Her creamy complexion darkened with a blush.

  Love filled him, strong and pure and endless. He had prayed that it was not too late for their love. He had hoped that time had not changed what lay in her heart. It had for him—the years had made his love for her greater and deeper.

  “I want his permission to court you, Lanna. I want him to know that I’m serious.” His pulse skipped like a stone on a pond. This was big, but he was sure. He’d had six long years to think about what he wanted from life—and about what he’d left behind. “I hope you’re happy about that.”

  She quickly bobbed her head in answer.

  She felt the same way that he did—that was a relief. It was a blessing just to be walking with her, as their shoes crunched together in the freezing snow and a few flakes drizzled into the air only to flutter lonesome to the ground. The snow clouds overhead blotted out much of the starlight and haloed the waning moon.

  “But… Do you think we can start up where we left off?” Lanna asked. Her hand tightened in his. “This between us doesn’t feel different. I thought it wo
uld, but it’s not. This is all happening so fast.”

  “Like it’s too good to be true?”

  “Exactly.”

  “Only something this good can be true.”

  “You sound so sure.” Her footsteps slowed to a stop.

  He halted, too. He was sure—beyond all doubt. “Sometimes you have to open your heart and accept the blessings God brings your way, whether you expect them or not. Whether you are ready for them or not. That’s what I’m going to do. Will you do that with me?”

  “It scares me a little.” The moonlight vanished, casting her in darkness. “But I’m scared in a good way. You were so much to lose once, Joe.”

  “So were you.”

  It surprised him how fast and how strong his love for her had come back. It was like a strong winter storm blowing in to blanket the land with thick snow, transforming everything.

  He thought of the years spent in Helena and back east studying hard. He’d known some measure of contentment, but not happiness. No. That rare blessing had not entered his heart until he had spotted Lanna scrubbing his mother’s floor.

  Protective feelings surged through him. He wanted to do so much for her. To take care of her, to make her happy, to make sure she had a reason to smile every day for the rest of her life. “If I can help it, neither of us will feel the hurt of separation like that again. I don’t want you to feel any pain.”

  “There are so many reasons why this can’t work.”

  “Funny, I can’t think of one. I see only the reasons why it can.” There were so many of those, and they increased every time he looked at her. “Love is like faith. When it’s true, it’s strong enough to hold you up, come what may.”

  Finally, she looked into his face, hope shimmering in her eyes. “You make me believe in dreams again, Joe.”

  “Good. Because that’s what you do for me, too.”

  “I do?”

  So much earnestness on her pretty face. Her lovely, heart-shaped face. Even in the darkest shadows, he could make out her wide, almond eyes and the porcelain delicacy of her cheekbones and chin. He loved the cute slope of her nose and her soft, expressive mouth that used to always smile. How could she not know how she made him feel?