She, on the other hand, had spent most of her time with Adam. She still spoiled him with candy and trinkets from the store's stock, as she always had. It seemed that having him around was the antidote to her grief. Perhaps it was their common experience with tragedy. Perhaps it was his youthful spirit and innocent ways. Whatever it was, having him around eased the ache in her heart like nothing else.
Janice had been taken away to the larger hospital in Stockton, in the days leading up to Doris' death. There, she was to undergo a surgical procedure and get some much needed rest. Doc Wilkins' associate predicted a full recovery for Janice, but she might be at the hospital for several weeks to mend from her ordeal and the surgery.
Running over to where she sat, Adam launched himself into her lap and wound his small arms about her neck. "Thanks again for the train, Miss Valerie, it's real nice."
With a giggle, she returned his embrace, cradling his form in her arms. "You're welcome, Adam. You've been thanking me all morning."
"That's how much I love this train!" Adam hopped down from her lap again. He gave her a wide grin, his brown eyes twinkling with merriment, and dashed off again to play some more.
A tapping on the fence drew her attention. Getting up from the old wooden chair, she went around to see who it was.
Prudence stood there, with baby Chloe wriggling in her arms. Her face was a bit drawn, as if she were tired, but she smiled anyway. "Morning, Val. I came to get Adam. Thanks for watching him."
Valerie waved her off. "It's been my pleasure. He's such a sweetheart."
Prudence nodded. "He is a darling boy. I just wish I wasn't so busy. With Chloe running around the way she is, and with all the preparations I'm doing to reopen the school and take over the teaching position, I'm exhausted." She shifted the wiggly toddler to her hip. "If I didn't have you to help out with him, I don't know what I'd do."
An idea came into Valerie's mind that made her heart turn over in her chest. She turned her head, and glanced at the sweet little boy, still circling the yard with his train. Within a moment, her decision was made. "I'll take him."
Prudence's eyes widened. "Take him where?"
"I mean, I'll take care of him, until Janice comes home. She brushed an errant tear from her cheek. "Besides, I already love being around Adam."
Prudence's expression changed, softening. "Truly, Valerie? You'd take on responsibility for him? All by yourself? I mean, I have Derrick to lend a hand."
She shrugged. Not knowing what would happen between her and Noah, she still had a good man in her life. "Not by myself. I have Pa. And I know he won't mind, Adam's a very good boy. Look, you're overwhelmed, and I'm bored to tears. Let me take Adam. I'll take good care of him."
By now they were both crying. Prudence used her free hand to wipe her tears. "Thank you, Val. Bless you. Let me take him home once more, to gather up his things, and we'll make the arrangements this evening."
Valerie nodded, then called the boy over. He came running. "Yes, ma'am?"
"Prudence has come to pick you up. Run along, and I'll see you a bit later."
She opened the fence, and Adam took Prudence's hand.
As they went off down the street, Valerie watched him skip down the walk, and knew she'd made the right choice. Brushing away more tears, she came around the front of the store, closing the fence behind her. Swinging open the door to the mercantile, she went inside in search of her father.
She found him in the rear right corner, organizing the tack display. He sat on a low stool, counting bridles scattered at his feet, and making note of them on his slate with a piece of chalk. When she approached, he looked up. "Morning, darling." Seeing her tear streaked face must have given him pause, because he lay his slate down and turned on the stool to face her. "Whatever is the matter, Valerie?"
"Nothing is the matter, Papa. I have the most wonderful news."
Bernard folded his arms over his broad chest, his brow furrowed. "Tell me. I'm listening."
"I've decided to take in Adam Smart, and see to him until Janice returns." Rather than let the whole story tumble out in a rush, she stopped herself after giving him that very important detail. She wanted to see what he thought of the situation.
He rubbed his whiskered chin, looking thoughtful for a moment. Then he raised his eyes to hers again. "Are you sure you can handle this? Adam's a very active child. "
She reached down, grabbed her father's hands. "Papa, I'm very sure. Since we lost Mama, Adam has been the such a joy to have around. Besides, I'd be doing Prudence a big favor."
Bernard nodded. "And you shall have my help. "
A squeal of delight left Valerie's throat, and like a young girl, she fell into her father's lap, threw her arms around him, and kissed his face. "Thank you for your vote of faith, Papa."
He released a deep, rumbling laugh. "I'm proud of you, Valerie. You have Doris' kind heart, and that's a treasure indeed.
There, in the quite clutter of the mercantile, Valerie let herself be enfolded in her father's embrace, her heart swelling with happiness.
***
Sitting by the window in his office, Noah propped his feet on the desk. The afternoon air outside still held a bit of this morning's chill, so he'd propped open the door to the office to stave off the heat that often built inside during the day. A light drizzle was falling from the overcast sky, and he mused that the weather matched his mood quite accurately.
It had been a full week since he'd stopped by the mercantile, hoping to see Valerie. She hadn't even bothered to come downstairs. He'd had to give Bernard a message for her. Frustrated with her, and the wall she'd thrown up around herself, he'd kept busy with his work. He'd taken on extra shifts watching Bud and Charlie at the office and patrolling the town borders, as Ricardo was doing now.
Based on the wire he'd received this morning, the marshal would be in town today. The wire had come from neighboring Cedarville, where he'd gone that fateful day to meet the doctor coming to treat Janice. When he thought of the awful things that had occurred in his town while he was away, it was hard not to be bitter. Maybe if he'd been here, he could have stopped the madness, perhaps even saved Doris Ridgeway from her untimely death. Now, however, the die had been cast, and he'd never know.
What he wanted most now was to get Bud and Charlie out of his jail, and out of his life. He'd grown tired of looking at their sorry carcasses, especially Charlie, who remained unrepentant for Doris' death, Uriah's beating, or any of the other mayhem he'd perpetrated. He wanted nothing more than to lay into Charlie with a bullwhip and beat reform into him, but, alas, the lawman's code called for professionalism and restraint on his part. He had a good mind to fetch Miss Prissy, and look the other way while she gave him another shiner to match the first one.
At least he'd made the arrest, and gotten the townsfolk's money back. When he and his men delivered the stash back to the banker, his sullen mood had morphed into sheer joy. Tim Parson had been ecstatic to receive the funds, and vowed to hire on a couple of guards to keep watch over the bank as soon as he could arrange it. Luckily, all but about twenty dollars of the money had been accounted for.
Approaching footsteps broke into his thoughts. He could hear the heavy booted footfalls outside the door, but couldn't see the person through the window. Shortly, a tall, broad shouldered man stepped in. He was tan, with a well trimmed brown handlebar mustached and beard surrounding the serious face. He wore a long brown duster, fashioned of leather, and a tan Stetson. Pinned to the duster was a bronze star.
Noah dropped his feet and stood from the desk. "Afternoon, Marshal."
The marshal, Theodore Campbell, tipped his hat. "Afternoon, Sheriff. I hear you've got two miscreants for me to lead to the gallows."
He gestured behind him. "Down the hall, one in each cell."
The marshal touched his hat brim, and strode toward the cells.
He followed, and took great pleasure in helping secure the two cursing outlaws in wrist and leg irons for their lo
ng trip to Sacramento.
Outside the office, they tossed the two trussed up men into the back of Marshal Campbell's wagon. With that done, the marshal climbed atop the seat. "You and your men did good work, Sheriff Rogers. We've been trying to bring these boys in for a mighty long time. What became of Mean Joe?"
"One of my citizens caught him trespassing on their land, and shot him in self defense. Undertaker buried him in an unmarked grave outside of town." Personally, he thought Billy's wife, Myrtle, had done the good people of Ridgeway a favor by dispatching Joe. She'd turned out to be just as skilled with her 'little purse guns' as her husband had implied.
Marshal Campbell shook his head. "A fitting end for such a poor excuse for a man." He touched his hat brim. "I'll see these two fine gentleman to Judge Weeks. Thank you for your help, Sheriff."
Noah gave a nod of acknowledgment, and the marshal slapped the reins. As the vehicle rolled toward the edge of town, he was glad to finally be rid of the burden of two of the most ornery, rude prisoners he'd ever looked after.
He had more important matters to attend to.
He was going after Valerie again. This time, he vowed he'd do whatever was necessary to convince her to see him. And when she did, he'd convince her to be his wife.
Whistling, he strolled back inside his office.
CHAPTER 15
Emerging from the steamy washroom, Valerie felt like a new woman. A long, hot soak in the big claw-footed tub had done much to ease her aches, as well as her mind. The tension she'd been carrying these last two weeks seemed to have eased greatly, and she was thankful for a return to sanity. Nothing could bring her mother back, but she was finally starting to feel she could get on with her life.
She thought of Adam, who would be moving into the apartment the next day. She'd asked Prudence to keep him a bit longer, so she could prepare the spare bedroom for him. She wanted to ensure his comfort, even though she didn't know how long he'd be with her. The room, now outfitted with a small bed, a desk and chair where he could do his lessons, and a chest full of toys, was now ready for its new occupant.
In her lamp-lit bedroom, she fetched a clean cotton gown and slipped into it. Between the long sleeves and the material sweeping the floor, she was covered from neck to toes in comfort and warmth. Once she'd brushed her hair and oiled it, something she hadn't done in what seemed like ages, she fashioned it into one long braid. Book in hand, she settled into her window seat with the Keats volume she'd started the other day.
She heard a knock on the mercantile door, but since it was after business hours, she ignored it. As she turned the page in the book, she heard the knocking again. It was a nuisance, but she knew her father would answer it. She tried to focus on her reading as she heard his footsteps traversing the hall, then descending the stairs to the store below.
She slipped back into her own literary world, until she heard two sets of footsteps ascending the stairs. Who on earth would her Pa be bringing into the apartment after seven in the evening?
A soft rapping at her bedroom door made her put the book aside. "Yes, Pa?"
"Come into the parlor for a bit, darling." Her father's voice was gentle, but insistent.
Sliding from her seat, she crossed the room and opened the door.
There, looking as handsome as ever, stood Noah. He stood there with his hat in his hands, his blue eyes fixed on her. "Evenin', Valerie."
She propped her fists on her hips, shifting her gaze to her father.
Bernard stared right back at her. "Don't be unreasonable. Go in the parlor and hear the man out, and if you're still miffed, then by all means, toss him out the nearest window." That said, Bernard disappeared down the hall to his bedroom, and shut the door behind him.
Outdone, Valerie looked at Noah, still standing in the hall.
"No amount of your fussing will get me to leave. Not until you've heard me out." He waited for her reaction.
With a sigh, she acquiesced. "Fine. Let's go in the parlor."
They took seats in the large room, with its windows facing Founder's Avenue. She settled into her favorite fluffy armchair, while he sat on the settee across from her.
"Valerie, dearest. Why haven't you been letting me call on you?"
She sighed. How could she explain to him, so that he would understand? "You weren't here when I needed you Noah. Not on that awful day when Mama died, and not after the funeral."
Noah's gaze was directed at the floor. "I'm sorry, Valerie. I wanted to be at your side, more than anything. But I had to go after Bud. It was my sworn duty."
She stood, pacing to the window. Outside, the silver orb of the moon was rising, illuminating the silent street below. "I needed your arms, Noah. Your words of assurance. Your hand to guide me through the darkest time of my life." And it truly had been a dark time, even darker than another cold morning, when she'd discovered her barrenness.
Behind her, she heard his footsteps as he moved from his seat, then sensed his presence as he came close to her. Strong arms wrapped around her waist, and pulled her against his hard, muscled frame. In his embrace, she felt her steely resolve melting away like butter in the skillet. "Forgive me, my love." His words were a passionate whisper, his warm breath like a caress on the lobe of her ear. "Give me the chance to make it right."
She trembled. Even though she'd been holding on to bitterness and anger since that horrible day, she couldn't resist the overwhelming male power he possessed. His nearness intoxicated her like a strong drink, and she found herself relaxing, sinking into his arms. "I don't know if it can be made right, Noah. There is something I need to know."
"You are worried I can't accept your barrenness. " It was plainly stated, and not as a question. His fingertips slid the braid aside, and he planted a kiss on the hollow of her neck.
She turned in the circle of his arms to face him in the lamplight. "Do you not want sons, as all the other men do? I can't bear you any children." She cast her eyes downward, feeling the shame rise again. A man with such tenderness inside deserved the privilege of raising children, yet she could not provide them.
He drew her even closer to his strong chest. "I almost lost you that awful day, Valerie." He cupped her face in his hands, titling it upward so she would look at him. "If you would have let me speak to you, I would have told you before that I no longer care that you can't bear me children. You alone are enough, my love."
"There is one more thing."
He backed up a bit, his brow furrowed. "What else?"
"I've taken Adam into my care. Until Janice returns from Stockton, he will be your rival for my time and attention." She watched him intently.
After a few moment's silence, a broad grin spread across his face. "That's fine by me."
She could feel a lightness taking over her. "Truly, Noah?"
Noah shrugged. "Why not? He's a fine boy, and we'll have much fun playing together. I think it is very sweet of you to take care of him."
She smiled up at him. "Then I forgive you. I forgive you a thousand times over. And I'm sorry I was so difficult. I was going through so much."
"If you agree to be my wife, we'll consider all things even." He lifted her chin, and fixed his gaze on her. Eyes sparkling like blue diamonds, he asked, "Will you be my wife?"
Fat tears formed in her eyes, spilling down her cheeks. "Yes!" She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him as tightly as she could manage. "Yes, Noah. Yes."
EPILOGUE
Spring, 1885
On a bright, sun-filled April day, Valerie Ridgeway marched down the aisle of the Ridgeway Community Church on her father's arm. The long white gown, overlaid with lace and fashioned by Lilly's own hand, was the very first creation to come out of Lilly's Dress Emporium.
At the end of the aisle waited the party of attendants. Her dear friends stood, wearing gowns of yellow silk and holding bouquets of poppies and verbena. Prissy wore a watery smile; Lilly, an easy grin. Prudence nodded her approval, and Janice had the brightest smile of
all, as she clutched Adam's hand. She'd returned from the hospital in Stockton in good spirits, and with no lasting symptoms other than a barely noticeable limp.
Opposite them stood the men, dressed in their new patrol uniforms of tan button down shirts and matching trousers. Young Thad and Uriah, along with Ricardo and Rod, all lined up and looking very dashing.
In the center of it all stood the love of her life, the handsomely dressed Noah.
Derrick spoke the words, to join Valerie and Noah together as husband and wife.
As she left the church, clutching the hand of her new husband, she gathered up the folds of her dress and stepped into the carriage waiting to whisk them away to their honeymoon voyage.
As the carriage began to roll down the road, Valerie lay in her husband's embrace and sighed. "I'm so happy, Noah. So very happy."
He stroked her cheek. "As am I, my love." He punctuated the endearment with a kiss on her forehead.
A sigh of contentment escaped her throat.
He ran his hand down the pearl embellished bodice of her gown. "And I plan to enjoy you immensely."
She raised her face for his kiss, and as his lips touched hers, she let herself be swept away by the love she felt for her lawman.
The carriage took them to the train depot in Oakland. As she was helped down from the seat by her husband, she met his eyes. "Are you certain of this, Noah?" They'd been planning this very special journey for weeks now, but she wanted to make sure her husband remained as excited as she was about it.
He nodded, a smile touching the corners of his lips. "When we return from this honeymoon trip, my happiness will be made complete."
Touched by the sincerity of his words, she grasped his hand and let him lead her toward the platform to await the train.
Over the next four days, they traveled northwest via the Central Pacific Rail line, with stops in Sacramento and a few other towns and cities. The private car they traveled in had been a wedding gift from her father, and throughout the journey, they delighted themselves in each other, consummating their marriage in every county they crossed. Body and soul, she gave all to the man she loved, and he gave nothing less in return, making her sing and sigh for him with every touch. As the train rollicked down the track, she discovered the many and varied joys of the marriage bed.
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