by Kit Morgan
The priest looked him over. “How fast with a gun are you?”
“Fast enough.”
Reverend Hammond gaped at him, then shook his head as if to clear it. “Fast draw aside, let me get this straight. She struck a deal with you so she could travel and you could make some money, right?”
“And to do that the two of you would need to marry?” Father O’Flanagan added with a knitted brow.
“Exactly. So you see why I can’t go through with it?”
“Aye, if you didn’t love her,” the priest said. “But the fact is, you do.”
“Which is why I won’t take her dreams from her,” Walker said. “If she married me, she’d never fulfill them.”
The clergymen exchanged a knowing look. Reverend Hammond smiled and was the first to speak. “There’s a saying in our line of work, son, that you need to take into consideration.”
Walker’s brow furrowed. “What?”
The reverend and the priest exchanged another quick look. “Oh ye of little faith,” the Father said. He looked at Reverend Hammond. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
“And more.”
They smiled at Walker. No, make that two, huge grins. “What are you talking about?” Walker asked, suspicious.
Father O’Flanagan winked. “You’ll see, lad. You’ll see.”
* * *
Her mind made up, Daphne’s movements were like those of an automaton. She had to get a hold of herself or she might forget something. She checked the contents of her trunk one last time and then closed it. She’d need help getting it downstairs. Maybe Seamus would oblige her. But what if he wasn’t around and only Norah was tending bar? She needed a man’s help. Hmm, that nice Woody Burnside? But where would she find him?
Daphne wiped her brow with the back of her hand. She’d been working at her task for the last half hour, once she’d stopped crying that is, and had been hard pressed to get organized ever since.
She got up, grabbed her shawl off the back of a chair, and went downstairs. The sooner she found someone to fetch her trunk downstairs, the sooner she could leave and be done with her business. But what if she ran into Walker? What would she tell him? More importantly, would he try to stop her? But then, at this point, why would he? It was the only option she had left. The only thing she could think to do. Besides, taking action was better than sitting in her room crying all afternoon. Best to be done with it.
Daphne wrapped her shawl around her shoulders and went downstairs in search of Seamus.
* * *
“Now remember what we told you,” Reverend Hammond advised. “Try not to leave anything out.”
Walker took a deep breath. “Are you sure this will work?”
“Of course, lad!” Father O’Flanagan said happily. “Don’t worry, we’ll make all the arrangements.”
“But how?”
“Shut up and let them take care of things, Sonny boy,” Jasper cut in. “For crying out loud, just get this over with!”
Walker studied his friend. Jasper – God bless him – had come into the saloon minutes before the clergymen whisked him up to Reverend Hammond’s room and proceeded to convince him to marry Daphne. Deal or no deal, dreams or no dreams. They were also quick to set things in motion to give Walker the edge he needed. Even Jasper saw the logic in it after listening to their arguments, and agreed.
“If yer still worried about me, don’t be,” Jasper said as Walker checked his appearance in a mirror by the door. “I’ll be fine, just fine. Besides, it ain’t like you can afford to leave town anytime soon.”
Walker cringed. That fact alone could make or break this. He had nothing but himself to offer, after all, and wouldn’t have much for either of them until later on. He still didn’t think this was going to work, but he’d soon find out. “Well,” he said and squared his shoulders. “How do I look?”
Jasper made a face. “Like a love-sick sap ready to propose.”
“Jasper!” Reverend Hammond warned.
“Oh, all right, ya look fine.” He sent the reverend a side-long glance. “And ready to propose proper like.”
Reverend Hammond smiled in satisfaction. “Good. Now, by the time you get that done, I’ll have fetched my wife. She’s at Mayor Hardt’s place working on some things with Mrs. Hardt. We’ll help you work out details for the wedding when we get back. Sunday still good for you?”
“Yes, of course, but …” Walker said.
“Just do what we told you and everything will work out fine,” the reverend cut in. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’d best get going and so had you.”
“I’ve got to run too,” Father O’Flanagan said. “Best you do this in private lad. Besides, I’m hungry and can’t resist Norah’s stew. I swore I got a whiff of it before we came up.”
He headed for the door. “If you need me, I’ll be in the kitchen.” He left, not bothering to close the door behind him.
Walker took another deep breath. “Okay, wish me luck.” With that, he went out the door, the others close behind.
Chapter Sixteen
Walker stepped up to Daphne’s door, glanced one last time at Jasper and the reverend as they retreated to the stairs, and knocked.
Silence.
“Great,” he breathed. She probably thought him some sort of cad gone loco. He never should have kissed her like that, but doggone it, he couldn’t help himself. He knocked again.
More silence.
Walker closed his eyes and sent up a quick prayer. Please Lord, I know we haven’t talked much over the years, but I want to do the right thing. If I have to let her go, I’m willing to do that, no matter what those preacher men say. But could you give me the courage to do it if I have to? I thought I could earlier, but now I’m not so sure …
He knocked again. “Daphne?”
No answer.
“Daphne?” he said again, a little louder. He tried the door. It was unlocked. Walker got a sudden sinking feeling as he stepped into the room. “Daphne?”
Oh no! Empty! He looked left, then right. There was no sign of her or her things! “Oh, please, no,” he breathed and spun on his boot heel. “Reverend Hammond! Jasper!” Walker rushed down the hall to the stairs so fast he slid sideways and missed them completely. He righted himself, and hurried down them as fast as he could. “Jasper!”
“What’s all the commotion?” Jasper said, a drink in his hand.
“She’s gone! Hurry! Come with me!”
“Jumpin’ Jehosaphat!” Jasper cried and rushed from the bar.
“Japser,” Seamus called after him. “Get back here!”
Jasper stopped short of the doors, ran back, downed his drink and rushed off again.
“Jasper!” Seamus cried again. Too late. Jasper was already out the doors, chasing after Walker.
“What was all that about?” Norah asked as she came from the kitchen and joined him behind the bar.
“The darn fools run off before I could catch them,” he said.
“Catch them?”
Seamus smiled. “Aye, but it’s too late now. She’s gone.”
“Miss Dolittle you mean?”
“Aye. I was going to tell them where, but they’ll figure it out soon enough. After all, there was only one place she could go with that trunk of hers.”
She nodded, nonplussed. “Stew’s ready if you’ve a mind to eat it.”
“I’ve always a mind when it comes to your cooking.” He glanced around the saloon, saw that everyone was taken care of, and then slipped off to have a bite of supper.
* * *
“Was there a stage leaving this afternoon?” Walker asked as he stopped, his breath coming in short pants. He’d run up one side of the street and down the other, his mind a whirlwind of confusion before he’d got his brain to work again.
“I’m afraid so, Sonny boy,” Jasper said just as breathless. He coughed, a hand to his chest, then started to wheeze.
“Go back inside where it’s warm,” Walker said. He strai
ghtened and pulled out his pocket watch. By his calculations, the stage left almost an hour ago. She must have left the saloon to catch it while Reverend Hammond and the good Father were explaining their grand plan to win his bride. So much for that. If he wanted to catch up to the stage, he was going to need a horse. “I’m going to the livery,” he said and noticed Jasper hadn’t moved. “Go back inside!”
“No, I’m coming with you.”
“You’re not.”
“Look, I ain’t coughin’!” Jasper said and pointed to his chest.
He wasn’t, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t start in again. “Jasper,” he said in warning.
“Don’t take that tone with me, ya young buck! You’ve helped me plenty of times, so now it’s my turn to help you?”
Walker sighed. “All right. Let’s go see Culver Daniels. Maybe he’s got a horse I can rent. I’ve got to catch that stage.”
“Right behind ya!” Jasper said and coughed some more.
Walker eyed him.
Jasper held his hands up, as if that could ward the look off. “Let’s go, time’s a wastin’!”
Walker couldn’t argue and so headed down the street toward the livery. If Culver the blacksmith didn’t have a mount to rent, then he’d have to go see Woody. Oh, wait a minute. Woody was driving the stage! Walker cursed his bad luck and then prayed Culver had something when he got there.
They reached the livery moments later and rushed inside. “Mr. Daniel’s?” Walker called. He looked around but didn’t see anyone. “Culver?”
“Here,” came a shout from inside a stall.
They went to it and looked inside. Culver sat on the straw covered ground next to a mare about to foal. “Will ya look at that?” Jasper said with a smile.
Culver studied the two men. “What can I do for you?”
“I need a horse,” Walker said doing his best to keep the desperation out of his voice.
“Don’t have one,” Culver said as the mare gave a grunt.
“Whoo whee! She’s about to go!” Jasper said with a grin.
Culver nodded. “Yes, and I hope this goes smooth.”
“About a horse?” Walker said impatiently.
“Said I don’t have one. I’m sorry. Besides, it’s getting dark. What do you want a horse for? Tomorrow maybe?”
“No, I need one now,” he said as evenly as he could. Being rude wasn’t going to get him anywhere. But Daphne had an hour’s head start and if there happened to be an evening train leaving Junction tonight …
“Culver, please, I need a horse!”
The large man got to his feet. “What’s wrong, Walker?”
“His bride done left him and he aims to catch her,” Jasper volunteered with a grin.
Culver’s eyes went wide. “Bride?”
“Yes, a horse?”
“I’m sorry, Walker, it’s like I said. I don’t have any at the moment. One’s come up lame and the other is already out. And as you can see, this one’s about to foal.”
Walker made a fist. He wanted to hit something. He turned a full circle, his fist in the air. Jasper ducked just in time. Walker plunged his fist into the palm of his other hand instead. “Blast it!”
“I wish I could help. The only thing I can think for you to do is ask Mayor Hardt. He’s got …”
Walker was off like a shot. Jasper shrugged and took off after him.
“… a couple of mules,” Culver finished with a sigh. He looked at the mare. “Well, I guess he’ll find out when he gets there.”
* * *
By the time Walker reached the mayor’s cabin, he was gasping. Poor Jasper, on the other hand, was downright choking. Walker turned at the sound of his hacking and ran to him. “Jasper, what are you doing?” he said, breathless. “You … should have stayed with Culver.”
“Just … cough … tryin’ to help,” came out an airy squeak.
“Catch your breath, I’ll fetch you some water.” He hurried to the mayor’s front door and knocked.
Mayor Hardt opened the door, saw who it was, and poked his head outside. “Mr. Brooks, what are you doing here?”
“Mayor Hardt …” he said, still breathless. “I need a horse.”
“A horse? I’m sorry to be the one to tell you, but you won’t find one here.”
“But I just gotta have a horse! Before it’s too late!” The mayor glanced over his shoulder. Reverend Hammond was probably still inside. Walker remembered he’d gone to fetch his wife Felicity from here. “Please, Mayor Hardt. Charlie. Can you help me?”
Charlie glanced over his shoulder again. “What did you say you need a horse for?”
“Daphne! She’s left! I have to catch the stage before she gets to Junction and takes a train to … to who knows where!”
Charlie slowly nodded, his face full of concern. “All I’ve got is a couple of mules.”
“Anything will do. I was going to ask Woody, but he’s driving the stage.”
“That he is,” he agreed. “Yes, you do have a problem.” He looked over his shoulder. “Chase? Suggestions?”
Reverend Hammond joined him at the door. “Walker, what happened?”
“It’s Daphne, Reverend. She’s gone.”
“Gone!” He exchanged a quick look with the mayor.
“Yes, and if I don’t catch her, I might lose her forever!”
Reverend Hammond and Charlie both nodded. “You love her that much?” the reverend
asked.
“Of course I do!” Walker snapped. “What else would have me so desperate?”
“Now, now, son,” Reverend Hammond consoled. “Keep your head. We’ll figure something out.”
“Try opening the door,” Felicity said behind them.
The reverend and mayor exchanged another look, glanced over their shoulders and Felicity, and stepped out of the way.
Walker’s eyes rounded to platters. “Daphne!”
“Hello, Walker.”
He shoved past the two men and into the cabin. “What are you doing here?”
“I ran into Felicity and Mrs. Hardt at Cobb’s Penn. They invited me up here for some tea.”
“Tea!” Walker spun to the reverend and mayor, who both shrugged. He turned back. “Tea?”
Felicity laughed. “Oh, you do have it bad.”
“He certainly does,” Penny drawled. “I don’t think we’ve been properly introduced.”
“No, you haven’t,” Charlie said. “Walker Brooks, my wife, Penny.” He waved a hand between them. “Penny, Walker Brooks.”
“Pleasure,” Walker said, his eyes glued to Daphne. “What are you doing here again?”
She did her best to hide a smile. “What are you doing here?”
He let go a nervous cackle, then a laugh. “Chasing you!”
She licked her lips and gave him a shy smile. “Because?”
“Because I love you, you little fool!” He was on his knees in front of her chair before anyone could blink. “Daphne Dolittle, I’m not the man … no, let me start again.”
“Your father is Walter Brooks,” she stated.
His eyes widened. “You know?”
“Reverend Hammond told me. Seems he had quite the reputation.”
Walker hung his head. “Nothing seemly about it. He did. Folks either want to have a shootout with me or are plumb scared of me because of it.”
“Which is what will make you a fine agent for Wells Fargo and Company,” Clint Jones said from a corner.
Walker jerked at his voice. He’d been so relieved to find Daphne, he didn’t even notice he was there. “What did you say?”
Clint stood. “You’ll make a great agent for Wells Fargo. Though you might want to know, it requires an awful lot of travel.” His eyes flicked to Daphne and back.
“And when you’re home in Noelle, you can do some guard work for the bank here,” Reverend Hammond broke in.
“But most of the time, you’ll be traveling,” Clint said. “The work can be boring sometimes, but you do
get to see a lot of places.” He winked at Daphne.
Walker’s head was making quick movements to catch everyone’s expressions. He heard a sound from outside, which brought him to his feet. “Jasper!”
“I’ll take care of Jasper,” Reverend Hammond said. “Meanwhile, I think you have some proposing to do?”
“Best get back on your knee, Brooks,” Charlie advised.
Walker smiled. “Yes, sir!” He dropped to one knee. “Daphne, I’m just gonna say it. Will you marry me?”
Tears formed in her eyes. “Even if you weren’t just offered a job that would take us around the country, I’d marry you, Walker Brooks.”
He looked at her stunned. “You … you would?”
She nodded as the waterworks started.
“She was making arrangements with Liam to sell her hats in his shop.”
“Daphne had Seamus carry a trunk full of them to Cobb’s Penn so she could show Liam and Avis what she had available,” Penny said. “I bought one for Easter right then and there.” She turned, went to the bed, and picked up a beautiful hat covered with roses and pink ribbon. “Isn’t it pretty?”
Walker nodded as his mouth flopped open like a fish. “You … you make hats?”
“Yes, like my mother taught me. She was very good at it. And a seamstress too,” Daphne said. “I figured I could open a millinery shop in Noelle one day but knew we’d need some money so …”
“So you took all your hats to sell in Liam’s shop?” Walker finished for her. “Daphne, you were willing to give up your dreams for me?”
She nodded.
Walker laughed. “I was going to let you go, so you could have them. But then realized I couldn’t do that. I’d regret it the rest of my life.”
“As would I,” she said through her tears.
He took her in his arms. “Reverend Hammond and Father O’Flanagan told me I just needed to have a little faith, look at the big picture. They knew what that picture looked like, but I didn’t.”