Stealing the Preacher's Heart

by Mildred Colvin

  His eyes widened as if she’d threatened him. “Just catch me one of those chickens, and I’ll get out of your way.”

  She slipped her gun from her pocket again and crossed her arms as if relaxed. “Catch it yourself then leave unless you want to turn over a new leaf and become a church-going, praying man.” She narrowed her eyes when he didn’t move. “I don’t want you hanging around here expecting a handout when the notion strikes. Come back when you have that job, but stop showing up like this.”

  He looked at the gun in her hand and sneered. “You wouldn’t shoot me.”

  She allowed her own sneer to match his. “Not to kill, but we both know who’s the best and fastest with a gun. I want what’s best for you, but I won’t let you hurt or take advantage of my new family. I like it here, and I plan to stay.”

  “Not if he finds out who you are, where you came from, and what you’ve done.” His eyes narrowed. “What does he think about you using that gun? Or have you yet?”

  She smiled. “Only two shots, and the rattler didn’t live to tell, but he heard and came running. Thought he would protect me. I like him, JD. Don’t mess things up for me. This was your idea, and Pops approved.”

  At the mention of her father, his expression softened. “Yeah, he did. All right. I’ll get my chicken and leave. Can’t say I won’t come back to check on you, though. We may not be blood, but you’re my sister. Can’t let Pops down, can we? He was the only father either of us ever had.”

  She didn’t respond, but watched him reach out and grab the first hen that got too close. The frightened fowl let out a squawk, but he held her against his chest, and she quickly settled down as if he was a friend. Poor bird, little did she know.

  He turned and strode away, slipping into the trees until he was out of sight. She hoped it would be the last time she saw him until he straightened out his life. At the thought, a heavy burden settled on her heart. She cared for him more than she wanted to admit. They’d grown up together and were as much like brother and sister as any could be. Why’d Pa have to teach him the thieving ways?

  He’d tried taking her with him once, to show her the ropes, he’d said. She told him flat out she wouldn’t have anything to do with robbing other people of their hard-earned wages. He hadn’t liked it, but he’d never asked her to come along again. He’d just grumbled about her eating at the table with the rest of them when she knew good and well where the money for food had come from. That spring, as soon as she could get a garden dug up, she’d filled it with vegetables and ate as little of what she couldn’t raise herself from that day on. Pa was right. If she didn’t cotton to their thieving ways, she shouldn’t profit from them.

  As her memories faded away, her eyes focused on the spot where JD had been. All at once, her throat felt dry. She turned and walked toward the well near the house, hoping Elliott hadn’t seen. When he stepped away from the kitchen door and headed toward her, she gasped. How long had he been standing there watching?

  With her heart pounding, she stuffed her gun back into her pocket and focused on the serious expression on his face.

  ~*~

  Each step brought Elliott closer to Lily. He’d gotten one good look at the man when he caught the hen and stood holding it in his arms, petting it as if he wanted to be friends. The silly chicken snuggled against him as if she’d just found a place of safety, never guessing she would be the man’s dinner before the day ended.

  But what about the man? After seeing his face, he’d immediately recognized the same man who’d sold Lily the horse she was so fond of. They’d talked together as if they knew each other, even after she’d threatened him with her gun. At that range, she could’ve killed him. Still, he hadn’t acted afraid. More like he was laughing off her threat.

  “Who was our visitor?” He stopped a few feet away and tried to keep the accusation from his voice.

  “Just someone wanting a handout.” Her eyes were round and watchful, but she met his gaze without a flicker. “I told him he could take a chicken, but he shouldn’t plan on coming back because we don’t have any extras. I hope that was all right.”

  He stepped near and touched her shoulder. “It’s fine. Although, I’d rather you not talk to beggars or any man you don’t know. It could be dangerous when you’re outside all alone.”

  She lowered her gaze toward the ground. “I know. He was here before I knew anyone was around, and it scared me. I promise, I’ll try to be more careful from now on.”

  “He looked familiar to me.” Elliott stroked his chin, trying to appear thoughtful. “In fact, I thought he looked like the man who sold Sissy to you. Didn’t you notice the resemblance?”

  Her eyes widened as her head jerked up, and she stared at him. “I didn’t think. I mean, I don’t know. Maybe it was him, but he didn’t ask about her.” Almost with the next breath, she turned toward the chicken house and spoke as she walked away. “I need to finish up here before I fix dinner.”

  He watched her run from him, then noticed the wheelbarrow sitting outside the door, and a shovel leaning against the wall. He called after her. “Let me help. You work too hard, Lily.”

  When she didn’t appear to hear, he hurried to catch up, reaching for the shovel before she could. They’d talk later, after finishing the job she’d started. Scooping droppings from under the roost wasn’t his favorite pastime, but the chickens needed a clean place to sleep or they might get sick. Lily continually surprised him with her willingness to do such jobs, especially since she’d come from the city. “You’re sure fitting into the country life better than I expected, you being a city girl.”

  Another startled look flashed through her eyes as they met his. “Oh, um, didn’t I ever tell you about my aunt and uncle?”

  He thought back through the letters he’d received from her, but couldn’t remember. “I don’t think so, but I’m sure there are plenty of things we haven’t discussed yet.”

  “Of course.” Her bright smile disappeared as quickly as it came. Then she turned from him to take up an old broom to sweep the dried droppings into a growing pile. “Well, I had an uncle and aunt who let me stay one summer on their farm, and I really liked their chickens. They let me gather eggs, and I never got pecked once.”

  “Is that right?” He didn’t mean to sound disbelieving, but when she looked up with a nod and a sincere look in her eyes, he knew she was telling the truth. “Most of us get a few pecks. Maybe the chickens sense you aren’t a threat.”

  “Possibly.” She grinned. “But I still took their eggs from them.”

  He chuckled with her and scooped up the pile then waited while she swept more on his shovel. After dumping it in the wheelbarrow, they worked together to finish the job. He stood back then and rested his arm around her shoulders in a relaxed hug. “We work together pretty well, don’t we?”

  Her smile of agreement, and her arm around his waist, warmed his heart. “This looks nice. Thanks for all you do around here, but I don’t want you to think I asked you to come and be my servant. Be sure to take time for yourself too. I want you to stay forever. I’m very glad you’re here.”

  “I plan to, and I’m glad too.” Her smile took all other thought from his mind. Then she pulled away. “Thanks for helping me. I’ve got to get cleaned up so I can fix supper. Isn’t it about time you went after Grace?”

  He glanced at his pocket watch and nodded. “Yes, I’d better be going. You don’t think that fellow will come back while I’m gone, do you?”

  She shook her head. “No, he was just hungry and said he didn’t have any money for food. He seems harmless. Last I saw, he was heading away. In fact, he said he was trying to find a job. You don’t know of anyone around who needs a ranch hand, do you? From what he said, I think he’d be good with horses.”

  “Is that so?” Elliott thought of the various ranches he knew about. “I don’t know of any. This isn’t the best time of year to be looking for work, but I’ll listen for any openings. I just wish the man would leave
you alone and come to the door if he needs something.”

  “I know, but really, he seems nice enough.” She headed toward the house and lifted her hand in a wave. “Hurry back.”

  Elliott went to hitch the buggy, but he couldn’t stop thinking about the fellow who he didn’t quite trust near his wife. She didn’t seem worried about him, and the way she handled that little gun, she could probably hold her own against him. Still, it was a problem he would take before the Lord. And he’d watch when she took a notion to do something outdoors. She didn’t listen when he asked her to stay close to the house, and he couldn’t blame her. She shouldn’t have to be afraid anywhere at home. He trusted her completely, but there was something odd about a stranger who appeared suddenly and spoke only to her. Could he be an old acquaintance who had followed her from New York?

  A long sigh tore from his throat. All he could do was watch and pray.

  Chapter 9

  That night, Lily snuggled into her husband’s arms and listened to his regular breathing. He might be able to sleep, but she couldn’t force her body to relax. Every time she closed her eyes, they’d pop back open from the thoughts churning inside her head.

  She cared for Elliott in a way she’d never cared for another person. Maybe what she felt toward him was love, but how would she know? She’d lived twenty-eight years meeting no one she even wanted to feel this way about. Elliott’s kiss when they married was her first. That kiss had stirred something deep inside that demanded more. But after getting more affection than she’d ever dreamed of and knowing she had his love still didn’t seem to be enough. Instead, another feeling ate at her with such a hold she couldn’t push it away. Keeping busy helped, but at night, when all was quiet, the guilt almost overwhelmed her.

  She’d heard enough of Elliott’s sermons to know telling a falsehood was wrong. Last Sunday morning he’d read from the Bible that liars wouldn’t be allowed in Heaven. She’d squirmed inside, wishing she could run away from his voice, but she was the preacher’s wife. Supposedly a well-brought up woman from New York City. Everyone thought she was a Christian woman who didn’t tell lies, or live them either.

  A lone tear worked its way from the corner of her eye, and she blotted it against the pillow. She should never have listened to JD and Papa. They’d convinced her to marry the preacher that other woman, Rebecca Lily, had rejected, but she knew better now. She’d the same as stolen someone else’s husband. If not for her, Elliott would have found a wife who was right for him, but now he couldn’t. Another tear found the way to her pillow.

  She scooted carefully from Elliott’s arms until reaching the far side of the bed, making sure he didn’t stir. She had no right sleeping with him, or even touching him. The sweet kisses she enjoyed weren’t for her, but oh, how she wanted them. And she wanted him. To be his wife and Grace’s mother was all she wanted.

  Lord Jesus, if You will give me this one request that Elliott and Grace be mine, I will never again ask for anything so selfish. And I know it’s only for me because they would be fine with the right woman, whoever she is. But would she treat them right? Would she take care of them? I know she could never love them more than I do.

  All at once she realized her unspoken words were a prayer, and she stopped. What had she been thinking? That she could pray such a selfish prayer to the Lord God above and expect an answer? If she didn’t have enough nerve to bow before Him and asked forgiveness, she didn’t deserve happiness. Taking what wasn’t hers was as bad as running away. But how could she? If the preacher’s wife went to the altar in front of the entire church and admitted she needed prayer, then everyone would know she was a fraud. That would be the day the good people of Sweet Water showed their pastor’s deceitful wife the way out of town. No, she wouldn’t publicly humiliate him.

  But what could she do? She couldn’t continue lying to him. Yet, she couldn’t tell him the truth because she didn’t know how without ruining everything. She rejected every scenario that came to mind as she realized each would only hurt him and Grace. She didn’t mind making herself look bad, because that’s exactly what she was, but she’d never intentionally do anything to hurt the people she loved.

  When Lily awoke the next morning, her eyes burned from lack of sleep. Elliott’s side of the bed was empty, and her heart jolted from fear before she saw how late it was. He’d let her sleep. The realization added more guilt to her already troubled soul. Surely something needed to change, but she didn’t know what to do to bring it about. She splashed water on her face, dressed quickly, and headed toward the kitchen, knowing without being told that Grace and Elliott had fixed breakfast for themselves, thinking they were doing her a favor. Still, she felt terrible. At least it was Saturday morning, and Grace didn’t have to be in school.

  A wry smile touched her lips when she saw their dirty dishes in the dry sink. They still needed her for something. She quickly washed the dishes then, putting on her jacket, stepped out the back door and found Grace pruning the rose bushes. Feeling better, she hurried to her.

  “Good morning. I see you and your dad both let me sleep in.”

  Grace looked up with a sweet smile. “He said you looked so peaceful, he didn’t have the heart to tell you what time it was.”

  “Peaceful?” Lily’s laugh wasn’t as merry as she’d have liked. She bent to pull a weed, then tossed it aside. “I’ll admit it is nice to sleep in once in a while. Makes me feel guilty, though.”

  “He said you deserved it, and I agree.” Grace’s eyes widened. “Oh, I didn’t mean you deserve to feel guilty. To sleep in is what I meant. You have nothing to feel guilty about.”

  This time Lily’s laugh was natural. She couldn’t help it, because Grace seemed so concerned about hurting her feelings. If she only knew the truth. “I know what you meant.”

  As Grace’s expression cleared with relief, Lily looked around the yard, then toward the church. “Where’s your father?”

  “Mr. Feldman sent one of his hands to ask him to pray for his wife. She’s been feeling poorly. He said he’d be back before noon, and we should stay inside, but I didn’t want to wake you. We’re close to the house here, so I’m sure it’s all right.”

  Lily again glanced around the yard and beyond. There was no sign of JD or anyone else about. “I’m sure it’s fine. Maybe I can help you with this, and we’ll finish before he locks us up in the house.”

  She laughed with Grace as if joking, but she wondered. Was he seriously worried about her and Grace being taken from him? If he knew everything, he wouldn’t worry about her. But was Grace in any danger? Not from JD, and he was the only threat she’d seen in this peaceful spot. To satisfy Elliott, she’d make sure they spent their time inside or close to the door when he was away. “In fact, to make sure your father doesn’t worry about us, why don’t we take turns keeping watch? If you see anyone anywhere within sight, warn me, and we’ll run for the house. I’ll do the same thing. Oh, and that includes your father.”

  Grace giggled. “Sounds exciting.”

  “Sounds like being overly cautious to me.” Lily wrinkled her nose, bringing more laughter from Grace.

  Despite Elliott’s wishes for them to stay inside, by the time they’d finished the rose bush, Lily decided it was too pretty a day to hide from imaginary danger. The two chairs on the back porch would be the perfect place to snap the last of their green beans they’d stored in the cellar just before they cleaned out the garden a few days ago. She hadn’t had time to can them then and hoped they’d stay fresh until she could.

  “Let’s prepare those beans we stored away before clearing out the garden. I think we’ll be warm enough sitting out here in the sunshine, and it’s a job that needs to be done before they wilt away.”

  “I’ll go get them.” Grace ran toward the cellar, then stopped and looked at her. “Would you come too, just in case there’s a snake?”

  “Of course, I will.” Lily pulled her derringer from the apron pocket where she always kept it. “I’m rea
dy anytime you are.”

  She’d keep her gun close at hand, and if any snake, two legged or not, showed up, she’d let them know about it. But they returned with the green beans and no unwelcome encounters of any kind.

  As they settled near the back door, her mind returned to her husband. His overprotective nature concerned her. Maybe she should have a talk with him. And tell him what? That the man he feared was her brother, and he wouldn’t hurt her or Grace? Papa had taught him well to respect women, and he would never take a life unless his own or someone he loved was threatened.

  She shook her head. Elliott wouldn’t listen if she told him. His mother had died from a wild bullet. An accident. But he didn’t seem to realize one couldn’t control an accident even if they stayed hidden inside a house under the bed. So what could she do?

  While her hands stayed busy, her mind rode a trail of its own, going in circles, looking for a way to convince Elliott they were in no danger. The truth finally stood in front of her, refusing to let her rush past. She’d have to tell him everything. Her heart sank at the thought. No matter how much she honey-coated her words, he wouldn’t want her if he knew even half the truth. Even so, she had to come clean, eventually. And then what? A teardrop splatted on her hand when the answer came. Go back home to live out her life alone, of course. It was the only way.

  She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment to stop the burning tears. Not yet. Please, Lord, give me a few more days with my family. Please, don’t make me tell them yet.

  ~*~

  Several days later, Elliott took advantage of the silent house and thought he would spend the time in study and prayer. Lily and Grace had gone together to a meeting with four women from their church. The gathering had been Lily’s doings, as she suggested the ladies who had come as mail-order brides should get together with their children, for a time of sharing once a month. Emily Jacobs had volunteered her home for the first meeting.