The Texas Sheriff's Family Blessing (Testament Creek Book 2)

by Maya Stirling

  "I think you're right," Grace replied. She turned and offered a broad smile to every person who was looking her way.

  The pastor made his way to the front and addressed the congregation. "Dearly beloved. Thank you all for coming to praise and worship the Lord on this beautiful day." He looked straight at Tyler and the others. "I'm sure you'd all like to join me in offering a special welcome to our newest members. Two delightful children have come today. Our newest blessings."

  A loud murmur of approval filled the church. Tyler saw Jack and Katie smiling. Then the pastor called for everyone to stand for the first hymn. Grace held the hymnbook toward Tyler. He smiled at her and started to sing the hymn. Gladness filled his heart as he listened to the chorus of voices echoing all the way up to the high rafters of the church's interior. He saw Jack and Katie's eyes, bright with delight at the sudden joy which had filled the room. The singing was fine, Tyler told himself. Some folks in the congregation had been blessed with strong, tuneful voices. It was the sweetest music, Tyler thought. Fit enough to inspire even the most weary of hearts.

  The hymn ended, they all sat down. The rest of the service passed almost too quickly for Tyler. Every once in a while he glanced at Grace and the children. Each time he was heartened when he saw their rapt expressions. The children, in particular seemed amazed at what they were witnessing.

  The pastor's sermon was about perseverance in the faith. Tyler could identify with that. Life out here in Texas could be a trial at times. The difficulties never seemed to end. But, Tyler had discovered that steadfastness in the faith could help someone deal with even the most challenging situations.

  Near the end of the service he glanced at Grace. She seemed to have been encouraged by what she'd heard in church today, he told himself. He hoped so. Tyler knew that, if Grace would come back to her faith, he'd be the happiest man in Texas. Maybe the Lord was drawing her back. With the arrival of the children, and everything else which had been going on, Tyler believed that the Lord was working to make that happen.

  If it did happen, Tyler told himself, he'd be waiting for Grace with open arms.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  After the service, Grace drove the buckboard along to Main Street and parked outside the jailhouse. She didn't want to say goodbye to Tyler. It was too soon for that. And the time they'd just spent in church had been delightful. It was still early afternoon and Grace had so much she wanted to say to Tyler. Everyone got down from the buckboard. There was a long, awkward moment when Tyler looked blankly at Grace as if wondering what he should say.

  Luckily, Hope must have sensed Grace's hidden longings to be on her own with Tyler. Maybe Hope had noticed the way Tyler had been looking at Grace during the service. Tyler hadn't stopped glancing her way. She wasn't about to do anything to discourage his attentions. Every time she caught him glancing her way, she felt her heart quicken. Tyler could lift her spirits with just a look.

  "Why don't I take the children to the mercantile," Hope suggested. "We can buy some candy." Hope smiled at Jack and Katie. "How does that sound?"

  "Great," Jack said. Katie just smiled. Jack's sweet tooth was bigger than Katie's.

  Hope smiled at Tyler and Grace. "You two can chat." It was a simple statement, but it contained so much hidden meaning, Grace told herself. Hope's professional duties as a nurse had given her the ability to understand people's needs without a word being spoken.

  Before Grace had a chance to say anything else to Hope, her friend was leading the two children down the boardwalk in the direction of the mercantile.

  Grace followed Tyler across Main Street to the boardwalk on the other side. Once there, they started to walk slowly in silence, their steps in perfect unison. There were a few other people on both sides of the boardwalk. Sunday was usually a quiet day in Testament Creek.

  Grace's mind was still filled with the words the pastor had spoken about perseverance in the faith. When she'd heard him talk, Grace had felt a vague sense of guilt. She knew she hadn't persevered in the faith. Turning her back on it had proven all too easy back in Kansas City.

  Drifting away from belief in the Lord had come upon her gradually, over the years. The demands of life, the need to make her way in the world, had forced thoughts of faith out of her life. Even as it had been happening she'd known that turning her back on the faith of her childhood wasn't a good choice. Deep down, she'd known that weakened faith might lead to future unhappiness.

  And she'd been correct. Hiding behind the mask of professional competence in her work in the Kansas City legal office, keeping herself busy, had provided a temporary distraction. But it hadn't cured Grace of the lingering unease which came upon her in those moments when she felt the pressures and hardships of life. She'd had no-one to turn to in those quiet moments of desperation. Still, she'd pushed on, choosing ambition as a temporary cure. But it hadn't made her happy.

  Somewhere deep inside, she'd always felt she would come back to the faith. But she'd also told herself it would take something extraordinary for that to happen.

  Grace glanced up at Tyler's handsome features. She savored the sight of his powerful physique. His easy, confident movement. But most of all she took a hidden delight in the pleasing expression on his face. She could tell he'd been deeply moved by the service at church this morning.

  Tyler was happy.

  No, Grace corrected herself. What Tyler was feeling was more than mere happiness. It was that special joy which only comes from an abiding faith in the Lord. Once, a long time ago, Grace had experienced that same feeling. She'd never forgotten it. And, deep inside herself, there was a longing to feel that way again.

  Tyler caught her looking at him. He smiled. "Am I that interesting?" he joked.

  Grace felt her cheeks flush with heat. "I was just thinking about how lovely church was this morning."

  He nodded. "It was. I think the children enjoyed it, too."

  "They looked slightly amazed, if you ask me," Grace suggested.

  "I think you're right."

  Grace heard a cry of delight from across Main Street. Turning she saw Jack and Katie bouncing up and down on their toes as Hope started to open the door to the mercantile. The tinkling sound of the bell above the mercantile door echoed across the street. Grace smiled. "I think they've seen something they want."

  Tyler laughed. "Let me guess. Candy."

  Grace shook her head. "That's what children like," she admitted.

  Tyler was quiet for a few moments. Then he said: "I saw Miss Hardesty, this morning."

  "How is she?"

  Tyler nodded. "Improving. Doc Clanton's happy with her progress."

  "Hope is a fine nurse. Not forgetting the doctor, of course," Grace admitted.

  Tyler frowned. "Has Hope spoken to you about Miss Hardesty?" he asked. "About what she was doing with the children?"

  Grace squinted at Tyler. Recalling last night's conversation with Hope she wondered how Tyler could have known about that. "She did mention to me that Miss Hardesty had been telling her about where she was going with Jack and Katie."

  "Laramie, Wyoming," Tyler said.

  Grace's brows lifted. "You know?"

  Tyler nodded. "I spoke with Doc Clanton, this morning. He shared something with me." Tyler frowned and added: "A delicate matter, you might say."

  Grace slowed her steps. "Something to do with the organization that was sending the children out to Wyoming?"

  Tyler halted and faced Grace. She stopped and looked up into his eyes. There was a troubled expression in them. "Doc thinks that something ain't right about the way the children were being sent away. Miss Hardesty said she overheard a conversation between the organization's owner and someone else. She didn't go into details, but the doc is worried. So he asked me to look into it. He thinks it might be a law matter."

  "The children were going to be adopted by a family in Laramie," Grace said. "If there's something wrong with the adoption arrangement, I don't know how you'll be able to resolve that." Grace
lifted a skeptical brow. "Wyoming is a long way off."

  "There are other ways to look into this," Tyler said. "The children are still in Texas. That means they're still under the jurisdiction of the state."

  Grace knew enough about the law to realize that Tyler was right. "What are you going to do?"

  Tyler thought for a long moment. "I'll use some contacts I have back in Austin. Find out more about the organization that arranged the adoption. But it'll take time."

  "Miss Hardesty isn't going anywhere soon," Grace reminded Tyler.

  He nodded. "You're right about that. But if there is something wrong with the proposed adoption we'll have to be ready to challenge it. The children can't just be sent out to Wyoming if there is even the slightest concern for their welfare. And, since Miss Hardesty has raised concerns, we have a duty to look into it."

  "We?" Grace asked softly. She gazed up into his eyes and saw how much the welfare of Jack and Katie meant to Tyler.

  Tyler moved closer to Grace. She saw a sudden determination on his features. "I was thinking you could help out."

  "How?"

  "We might need to look into alternative arrangements for the adoption," Tyler declared. "If it turns out the children can't go to Wyoming and they can't go back to the orphanage, then they'll have to stay in Testament Creek."

  Grace gasped. She knew Tyler was right. Even if, after inquiries were made, it turned out the adoption could proceed, it would still be wise to have alternative arrangements in place. "Who would want to adopt the children?" she asked Tyler.

  He ran a hand through his hair. "Right now, I don't know the answer to that question."

  Somewhere, at the back of Grace's mind, she heard a whispered answer. She instantly pushed it away, telling herself it wasn't possible. In any case, that wasn't what Tyler was suggesting. Because if he was, then it would mean the truly impossible would come to pass.

  She and Tyler weren't about to adopt children. Before that happened she and Tyler would have to agree to marry. Just thinking about that made her mind swirl.

  Marrying Tyler was impossible. Hadn't she been telling herself that every day now for the past few weeks?

  Desperate to distract herself from those thoughts, Grace said: "I can speak to the attorney about the legal means of adoption. Once we know it's possible, then we can try and find a suitable family for Jack and Katie."

  Even as she said the words, Grace felt an aching sensation in her heart.

  Tyler dragged his hand across his jawline. He nodded. "It might be the only way we can make sure the children are safe."

  "Of course," Grace said. Suddenly, her legs felt heavy. Her pulse was racing furiously.

  Tyler's brows furrowed. "Are you feeling okay, Grace?" he asked moving toward her.

  Grace took a step back and leaned against the wooden rail of the boardwalk. She nodded. "I'm fine." She rested a gloved hand on the railing. Her chest felt tight and, for some reason, it was hard to take a breath.

  Tyler gently took her arm. Grace forced herself to smile at Tyler. She was momentarily reassured by his touch and his obviously genuine concern. Talking like this about the children only reminded her just how attached she'd become to them. She felt a sudden indignation at the thought that anyone would want to harm Jack and Katie.

  Peering up into Tyler's eyes, Grace nodded firmly. "You're right. We have to make sure the children are going to be safe. I'll look into the legal side of things."

  Tyler's features brightened with visible delight. And Grace suspected there was also a hint of pride in the way Tyler was looking at her.

  She wondered if he'd thought about what would happen if no-one in Testament Creek wanted to adopt the children. Grace could see no sign that the idea had entered Tyler's head. But she realized that, from now on, and until the children's predicament was resolved, she might not be able to think about anything else.

  "The children mustn't find out about any of this," Grace pleaded with Tyler.

  "Of course not. We'll just have to keep them busy." Tyler frowned. "It'll be a week or so before we know more."

  "Jack was asking if he could come see how you work at the sheriff's office?" Grace said.

  "He said that?"

  Grace nodded. "This morning, over breakfast. And Katie told Hope she wants to go help look after Miss Hardesty. I had to persuade Hope it would be a good idea. She's worried Katie might find it too distressing. But the little girl seems to have a strong spirit."

  "Being an orphan can't have been easy," Tyler observed. "It makes some children tougher than grownups who've had an easier life."

  "I promised to take Katie to the doctor's house tomorrow," Grace revealed.

  Tyler nodded thoughtfully. "Then I guess that means I'll have a very special deputy at my office tomorrow," he said and grinned.

  "Jack will be so excited," Grace said.

  "I'll have to find some things to keep him occupied. Let's just hope there's no trouble." Tyler shrugged. "Monday morning is usually quiet around town."

  It seemed like they were each going to be spending special time with the children, Grace told herself. "I'll go visit the attorney while I'm in town. Speak to him about the legal side of the adoption."

  "And I'll send some telegrams," Tyler said. He came close to Grace. "Don't you worry about a thing. Everything is going to work out fine." His gaze softened. "I promise you."

  Grace's heartbeat quickened as she peered up into his eyes. Usually when he looked at her like that it was a prelude to a kiss. But they were out in public. She knew Tyler wouldn't kiss her here. Not on Main Street when folks were starting to appear for their Sunday afternoon strolls.

  One thing was for sure, though. The coming week promised to be as eventful as the one which had just ended.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  "Where are all the criminals?" Jack asked Tyler on the Monday morning as they both sat at the desk in the jailhouse.

  Tyler pointed to the empty cells. "As you can see. There aren't any," he explained. "I took the last ones that were here over to the jail in Austin."

  He saw Jack's features droop with disappointment. Tyler wasn't about to tell Jack that the criminals had been the ones who'd caused all the trouble on the train. Sometimes it was wiser to be careful what was said to children.

  Grace had dropped Jack off about a half hour before. Already the little boy looked as if he was getting bored. Maybe he'd expected Tyler would be spending the morning chasing outlaws up and down Main Street. Grace had taken Katie and Hope over to the doctor's house. Tyler wondered how long it would be before Grace returned with Katie and told Tyler that she'd have to take the little girl back to the ranch house. Tyler was concerned nursing Miss Hardesty might be harder than the little girl thought. The last thing he wanted was for the children to get upset. They'd been through enough. They deserved some happiness. Tyler figured it was the duty of all the adults around them to make sure the children's stay in Testament Creek was a happy one.

  Jack was sitting across from Tyler. He was wearing a plain shirt and pants. Tyler stood and went around the desk. Jack looked tiny, perched on the big wooden chair. He was swinging his booted feet inches off the floor. Tyler figured that, without some distraction, it would soon be time for Jack to be asking for candy.

  "Why don't we go on patrol," Tyler suggested.

  Jack's brows lifted immediately. "Really?"

  Tyler nodded. "I usually take a wander around town early in the morning, Just to make sure everything is okay, you understand." He smiled at Jack. "You want to come with me?"

  Jack leaped down off the chair, his boots thudding against the wooden floorboards. "I sure do, Tyler."

  Tyler liked that Jack had taken to calling him by his first name. Tyler had a sudden idea. Moving around the desk he opened a drawer and scooped out a silver badge. He saw Jack's eyes light up.

  Tyler went to Jack and tugged on the boy's shirt. He pinned the silver star on the shirt and then patted it gently. It looked big on
the boy's small chest. "I hereby appoint you a temporary deputy for the town of Testament Creek," he announced grandly.

  Jack's mouth dropped open. The boy looked down at the shining badge with visible amazement. Jack ran his fingers along the edge of the badge and looked at it like it was a precious object. He stared up at Tyler. "For real?"

  "Yup," Tyler replied and nodded emphatically. Tyler saw the pride on the boy's features. "Just for the morning, you understand," Tyler added quickly. Tyler knew that only adults could be appointed real deputies, but it did no harm to play this game with Jack. It was worth it, to see the delight on the boy's face.

  Tyler patted Jack's shoulder. "Let's go to work," he announced.

  Jack lifted his shoulders back and followed Tyler out of the jailhouse. Tyler paused a moment allowing Jack to stand next to him. It must be pretty exciting for the boy, Tyler told himself. An elderly couple walked past them and smiled at Jack. They noticed the badge on Jack's chest and laughed quietly with delight.

  Tyler looked down at Jack. "You ready?"

  Jack nodded. Tyler started across Main Street. He usually followed the same route on his patrols. First he'd make his way up and down the length of Main Street, checking on the various store owners. Then, once that was done, he'd mosey on down some of the residential streets which led off from Main Street. Once in a while a resident would need help with something or other. Tyler anticipated that this might be one of those days when someone would need help.

  So, for the next half hour, he and Jack strode slowly up and down the length of Main Street. Of course, the folks of Testament Creek couldn't help gazing at Tyler and Jack as they passed by. Tyler figured most folk would understand what was going on. That he was offering Jack a chance to sample what it was like to be a respected lawman.

  As they walked the length of Main Street, Tyler couldn't help thinking how good it felt to have the boy striding proudly along next to him. It was almost like Jack was Tyler's son. That sense of what it might be like to be a father hit Tyler hard after a while. He had to admit he liked the feeling.