Taking a Leap of Love: An Inspirational Historical Western Romance Book

by Lilah Rivers

  And the fluttering in her stomach told Bella that her body already knew what her mind was struggling to accept. She was fast falling in love with Josh Callahan, and this could only mean trouble for both families, even if that love would finally lead to their ultimate mutual success. The road would be rocky and treacherous, a challenge which could crush their love before they reached the peace waiting for them on the other side of victory or defeat.

  A terrible notion struck Bella in the back of her head, the warm glow of new love contaminated by a bilious notion. What if … what if this Josh Callahan isn’t what he seems? What if he’s only winning my confidence, so that he can extract information about my father, about the negotiations and the homesteaders’ upcoming moves?

  Her blood ran cold just to think about it, but her analysis only brought her closer to a terrible truth.

  He was the one who suggested a sharing of information, Bella had to remind herself, though he did share that secret with me. Would a guilty man do that? Bella rode on slowly, one side of her mind arguing with the other.

  He would tell me if it weren’t so, Bella thought, as a way to win my trust. And all this pleasant air between us could just as easily be counterfeit. I don’t know this young man, or whether he already has a girl he intends to marry.

  He wears no ring, but he could have taken it off with her blessing or even without it, were she to live in another city? But … didn’t Father mention his presence at the meetings from the very start, nearly a year ago?

  Bella’s imagination began to reel as she reviewed the series of events. Even her rescue of Josh in the creek could have been set up, now that it occurred to her to lend greater scrutiny to the day. He could have been playing possum, letting her rescue him to draw her into the ruse, encourage her to invest in him emotionally.

  Bella’s heart started to race just to imagine such a thing.

  Well, I never! What a cad! But I’m not such a fool as he thinks. Men, so eager to think so little of us. I suppose in this instance Josh isn’t any better than Turner or any other man and a good deal worse! He’d manipulate a young girl like this? Bounder!

  She rode onto the Archer homestead, the house getting bigger as she approached.

  Of course, I can’t be sure that this is the case, Bella had to remind herself, drawing from her father’s fair-minded and reasonable example. Can’t go off half-cocked with anger, as Jonah and Dean seem so ready to do. No, I have to know for sure; everything relies upon it.

  If he’s true in his desires to help, our combined efforts could be the only chance of untold homesteaders and ranchers alike. But if he is using me, I could be the very instrument of their undoing. Either way, everything is at stake, and it’s all falling upon my shoulders.

  Bella rode past the house to the barn to see to Glory.

  Have to be careful in sharing any information, Bella told herself, have to find out just where this man Josh Callahan’s heart is. And I have to do it soon, before the powder keg we’re all sitting on finally explodes.

  Chapter 22

  Josh rode back to his own family’s ranch with a lot on his mind and in his heart. He was fast falling for the lovely Bella Archer, every fiber of his being told him so. He could hardly rid his memory of the sight of her face. Voluminous curly, auburn hair spilling over that gorgeous diamond-shaped face, upturned nose, lips soft and supple, eyes hazel and almond shaped.

  But there was so much more to love than her face and figure. She was a pure soul, smarter than most women and most men too. The way she’d rescued him from the creek showed she had real pluck and grit. Her company was so warm and familiar to him that he had little doubt that he would happily spend the rest of life in it if he could.

  And he had good reason to think she felt the same way, by her smile and ready help, her eager engagement. The very fact that she was there by the creek told Josh there was a good chance she was there hoping for a coincidental meeting between them. Josh had certainly been thinking the same thing, so it only stood to reason that she would too.

  But they weren’t the only ones to consider. First, there would be the matter of Barton Callahan himself. He was angry enough with Josh as it was; speaking out at the meetings, cautioning Barton against trusting Saul Decker.

  Barton had been harboring doubts about his son’s judgment, Josh already knew all too well. But finding out that Josh had called for Bella Archer would be above and beyond. She was clearly on the other side, and though Josh could already imagine himself making a sound argument for trusting her and bonding with her, he already knew the arguments he’d get from his father.

  “She’s a spy,” he’ll say, “or a pretty distraction sent to derail our efforts! Even if not, it would make us look complicit in front of the other homesteaders! Every move Callahan or Decker make, we’ll be responsible for!” And he’ll have a good point.

  Josh rode on, deciding not to share the news of the meeting. He’d already forgone mentioning the rescue at the creek, saying only that he’d fallen from Patches and into the creek. And Hugh didn’t seem any the wiser either.

  Hugh, Josh thought, so anxious to get into the fray. Does he know how much danger we’re facing? If he did, what might he decide to do? He’s close enough to striking out on his own as it is, doing something foolish.

  He rode closer to his home, spotting a small figure in the distance.

  There’s Hugh now. Glad he doesn’t know about Bella, but it’s going to be harder and harder to hide. Mother knows me too well, Pop too. I won’t be able to fool them for long.

  But there was more to worry about.

  Have to find out what’s really happening on Decker’s end of things. He’s using the land official to slow things down for the homesteaders and letting his fellow ranchers either trample the rest of them off their land or worse; much, much worse. Bella’s agreement that Decker could just as well be stoking the flames of a war which might consume all of Barnock, to his benefit.

  But what interest would Otis Remington have in that? Without Barnock, he has no fortune but for whatever bribe Decker is paying him. Perhaps this saloon owner has another part to play in all this? Whatever it is, it’s to the detriment of the homesteaders, and that means Bella and the whole Archer family.

  I can’t allow that.

  Josh rode in, Hugh stepping away from the barn and waving Josh in. But Josh could see that Hugh was still disgruntled.

  Hugh wants to help, Josh thought, maybe there’s a way he can do just that. Maybe together we can really get to the bottom of what’s going on with Decker, Bristol, and Remington. This’ll give me something to report back to Bella.

  Bella.

  Perhaps I shouldn’t have told her about that meeting. I’m sure she’s trustworthy enough. But if she lets it slip by accident, or if Mr. Archer finds out in some other way, it’ll get back to Pop and he’ll be furious, feel betrayed. And he’ll have a perfect right to feel that way, I can’t deny that. I don’t know what I could say to defend myself, at least until I can get some real dirt on Decker and his goons. Then he’ll have to listen to me … for a change.

  That’ll do a lot for Hugh’s self-esteem too, and he seems to need it. And maybe then we’ll be able to make some real progress toward a lasting peace before war burns everything we’ve all worked for right to the ground, us along with it. And if I don’t act, it will be tragedy, for us and for the Archers, for Bella.

  No, I can’t allow that.

  Chapter 23

  Bella was nervous to see Pastor Brookes Robinson ride up in his black carriage. He smiled as he approached the house, but he glanced around quite often as if worried that prying eyes were upon him.

  Bella had the same worry, and she had the nagging, nervous feeling that he’d seen her meetings with Josh, or that perhaps somebody else had and had reported it to him. Would he mind, Bella quickly wondered. He’s a pastor, he’s neutral in this struggle, isn’t he? He should be … shouldn’t he?

  Once in the living room and co
mfortable with a nice cup of tea, the pastor made some small talk before getting down to the purpose of his visit.

  “The reason I’ve come, Elroy, is that, well, I’ve heard things, rumblings among the congregation … very troubling rumblings, I should say.”

  Uh-oh, Bella braced herself, here it comes!

  “Seems one of your fellow homesteaders has been asking around … about you, Elroy.”

  Sitting next to Elroy, Sybil put her hands on his, clutching tight. “Asking what, Pastor?”

  “Whether he can be trusted, whether any of you can be trusted.”

  Trusted, Bella silently repeated, any of us? What does that mean, does he mean me?

  But the pastor went on, “He seems concerned that you are in with Saul Decker and the ranchers.”

  Oh no, Bella thought, he knows for sure! Why is he toying with us like this? Should I just confess? At least that may help me make a case, one I’m sure to lose anyway!

  Dean asked Pastor Robinson, “Why would they think that?”

  The chubby pastor shrugged. “I’ve only heard things third-hand; one of our congregation came to me worried for your safety.”

  “Our safety,” Jonah repeated, turning his attention to his father.

  But it was the pastor who went on, saying, “That’s what the person said; though they must remain nameless, of course.”

  “Me and my family, in league with the ranchers,” Elroy paraphrased.

  “Worse,” the pastor said, “with the natives.”

  Sybil repeated, “The natives?”

  “Comanche! They came against Jesse Hayden and a few others, Samuel Meyerson. Brother Hayden’s failure to secure that connection could be the only thing keeping you alive.”

  Sybil looked at Elroy, worry in her cramped brow and little frown. “Husband?”

  Elroy tapped her hands to calm her, keeping his attention on the pastor.

  “We should have helped them with those fences and trenches,” Jonah said.

  “I won’t argue the point again, Son!”

  “Why bother to? It’s too late for more arguments.”

  Dean nodded. “My brother’s right, Pop.”

  “What would you have us do? I won’t abandon my land; I won’t run from any comers!”

  “You’re not that kind of man,” Dean said, “we all know that.”

  “Then shall I take up arms against Jesse Hayden and the others? Our neighbors? It’s just small-town talk, gossip, that’s all. He must stay the course! If we give in to violence, all will be lost!”

  Jonah asked Elroy, “But what happens when the others do give in to violence? All will still be lost!”

  Bella watched quietly, respectful of the men’s place to make the decisions. And she was nervous that she’d draw attention to herself and then to her new friendship with Josh. But the information was vital to know, and to share with Josh as soon as she could.

  Elroy said, “We’ll keep our Winchesters at the ready, if need, exercise caution coming and going.” He turned to Bella. “No more of your afternoon rides, Bella.”

  “But … Father, I … I’ve come to rely on them … for my peace of mind.”

  “You’ll have to stay at home and read your Bible instead. It’s too dangerous now.”

  “But … I’m not involved in the negotiations! I’m just a girl …”

  “That’s what Pop means,” Dean said. “You go out there … you could be kidnapped and used as leverage, maybe just made an example of.”

  Jonah said, “I agree.”

  “It’s not for you to say where I come and go,” Bella said.

  “No more rebellions,” Elroy said. “You’ll do as you’re told.” He glared at his sons. “You will all do as you’re told, precisely, from this point forward. I won’t be disrespected nor countermanded! And I won’t have you inexperienced hotheads fueling the fires around us!”

  A stiff silence echoed in the wake of his outburst. Pastor Robinson set down his tea and bid them a pleasant farewell, wishing them the best and offering any help he could.

  But there was nothing he could do, and everybody in the house knew it.

  “Keep reminding them with your sermons,” Elroy said, “and keep praying for us all.”

  Chapter 24

  “I knew it,” Hugh said, slapping his knee. He looked over at Josh, seated next to him at the helm of the buckboard as it rolled them toward Barnock. “When I saw you and her at church, I could tell there was something going on.”

  “There wasn’t anything going on, at least not then.”

  “She’d saved your life; you’d all but given her your heart!”

  “Now that’s overstating it!” After a tense moment, Josh added, “She’s very attractive, you’d admit.”

  Hugh didn’t have to think about it for more than a half-second. “I sure do!” His enthusiasm earned a look of silent rebuke from Josh. Hugh cleared his throat and shrugged. “Well, it’s all … there’s a lot to take in.”

  “There is, Hugh. That’s why I’m bringing you in. You’re ready for this, aren’t you?”

  Hugh straightened up in the wooden bench seat. “Sure am!”

  “Good, good. I’ll need a keen wit; give me advice, be my ready second. I can already see my emotions may be … affecting my decision-making.”

  “Two heads are better than one,” Hugh said.

  “Precisely, and four hands better than two.” Josh wasn’t ready to get into the details of their business in town that day, above and beyond collecting various items from the Moss General Store, and other items from the blacksmith. Hugh shook his head again. “The Callahans’ daughter; it’s a … a risky choice, wouldn’t you say?”

  “I would. And make sure you keep it under your hat!”

  “Oh, I will, Josh, of course. If Pop found out, he’d be beside himself.” They rolled on while Hugh sat there shaking his head as he clearly worked through all the new information he’d been given. “Um, I, uh, I don’t mean to be disrespectful,” Hugh said, his voice as slow and cautious as his words. “Are you sure? About her, I mean.”

  “That she’s the girl for me? I sure am. You know I don’t take these things lightly, especially in light of everything going on around us.”

  “Well, that’s kind of what I mean. Are you sure … you can trust her?” Josh couldn’t help glaring at Hugh, but he had already had similar thoughts, and he knew their father most certainly would. “Taking all things into account. You did just meet the girl, after all.”

  “She saved my life.”

  Hugh nodded. “That’s true, but … wasn’t that before she realized who you were?”

  “I … she …” Josh didn’t have to think too long or hard for the answer. “Anybody who would fish a drowning man out of that creek is a good-hearted person, not the type who would be so duplicitous.” Hugh nodded again, but he said nothing. Josh read his silent response and went on, “I’m going to be careful with what I tell her, of course.”

  “Of course,” Hugh repeated. “You’re no fool, after all.”

  They rolled along in an extended silence. “What, Hugh?”