CHET’S HEART HAMMERED faster as he watched Amelia’s unsure sister walk toward his table. His hands became clammy, and moisture gathered on the back of his neck. He had no clue what was happening, but he was prepared for anything with his pistol in his holster and a knife in his boot. Whatever Amelia told the two men at her table made them alert, too.
He cleared his voice and looked at the mayor who was taking another drink from his flask. “As I was saying, I think you should find someone else to search for your daughter because I have come up empty-handed.”
Mayor Tidwell glared at him. “If we find the nanny, we’ll find my daughter.”
Prudence stopped at Chet’s table, standing closer to him but facing the mayor. “The nanny is right here.”
Chet hitched a breath as shock filled him. The mayor gasped and jumped out of his chair, tipping it over. The intoxicated man swayed but kept his stance as his gaze ran over Amelia’s sister.
“I cannot believe it... it’s you!” he slurred and blinked as if trying to focus on her.
“Yes. I am the one who was your nanny. My real name is Prudence. I was using my sister’s name because I thought she was dead.”
Slowly, the mayor’s face turned red. His hands snapped toward her as he grasped her hands tightly. “You stole my money! I want it back.”
Immediately, Sheriff Hobbs and the deputy rose to their feet as their hands hovered over their holsters. The few people in the restaurant scrambled out of their chairs, rushing out the door. Amelia held the two girls. Chet suspected the one with frightened eyes was Georgia.
“It’s not your money, mayor.” She yanked her hands away from him. “You stole it from the church’s coffers.”
Shocked again, Chet literally couldn’t think of anything to say. Instead, he kept watch over the mayor to make sure he didn’t do anything to Prudence.
“I did not!” The mayor’s forehead creased and the red in his face darkened.
“I saw you do it.” Her voice grew louder. “So did your wife. And I’m willing to bet the clergyman knew you took it but was too afraid to say anything.”
“Well, you... you...” The mayor blinked as he glanced around at those still in the room. When his gaze landed on his daughter, Georgia whimpered and buried her face against Amelia’s bosom. He pointed at the girl. “You kidnapped my daughter.”
Prudence shook her head. “I took your daughter away from drunken parents who only wanted to beat her. When she left with me, she was sporting a bruised cheek, a black eye, and a cut lip. That’s when I came to live with my grandparents. They can attest to the way Georgia’s face looked.”
“That’s none of your business,” the mayor snapped. “She’s my only daughter. How I discipline her is my choice, not yours.”
“What?” Chet moved closer to the mayor, putting himself between the man and Prudence. “You told me that you had three children.”
The mayor shrugged. “I lied.”
“Mayor Tidwell, I won’t let you harm your child, and if I see that you have, you’re going to wish you were dead.” He gritted his teeth, thinking of the way Amelia grew up and what she had to endure. “Children should not be treated as a punching bag, and I will see to it personally that your child doesn’t have to go through that again.”
The mayor huffed and turned toward the sheriff. “Are you going to let him treat me this way? Arrest him... and arrest Prudence for stealing money that wasn’t hers.”
Sheriff Hobbs folded his arms and cocked his head. “Well, mayor, from what I’ve heard here just now, it doesn’t sound like the money is yours, either.”
Prudence sucked in a quick breath and looked at the sheriff with hope in her gaze. “It’s not. It belongs to the church in Astoria.”
“Well, it’s mine because I’m the mayor of Astoria and whatever is in my town belongs to me.”
Both the sheriff and deputy chuckled.
“Where did you hear that?” Chet shook his head. “Because you’re so wrong. The mayor works for the people, not the other way around.” He stepped closer, glaring at the portly man who stumbled backward a few steps. “A good mayor makes sure his town is run with the law guiding them, and if the mayor can’t abide by those rules, then I believe he should have his title stripped from him and given to someone who actually cares about all the people in that town.”
Mayor Tidwell sneered. “You have no authority over me.”
“He may not, but I do.” A man’s voice from the entrance of the restaurant rang loudly through the room.
Chet looked to see who it was. Sheriff Clawson of Astoria pointed his pistol at Tidwell as he walked closer. “I’ve had my eyes on you lately, and not only have you stolen from the church, but you’ve stolen from my office. You and your drunken wife are under arrest for theft.”
A cheerful gasp left Prudence’s mouth as she moved toward her sister. The two women embraced as each little girl clung to them. Prudence pulled back, wiping her teary eyes as she looked at Sheriff Clawson.
“With both of them arrested, what will be done with little Georgia?” Prudence stroked a loving hand over the girl’s blonde hair.
“Well, procedure states that the child should go to the nearest relative, but since I don’t know any relatives who want to claim the Tidwells around these parts, I think since you were her nanny and had been caring for her, that you can continue to do so. I’ll have to get court documents drawn up for you to sign, but it won’t take very long.” Sheriff Clawson looked at Chet. “Do you mind helping me with my prisoner?”
“Not at all.” Chet grinned. “My profession is a bounty hunter and that’s what I do – catch criminals.”
As the sheriff slapped the handcuffs on Tidwell’s wrists, the man of the law looked back at Chet. “Do you live here in town?”
“I’m new, but I’m thinking of staying. Why?”
“Because Astoria needs a new mayor now, and well... just from watching you and listening to you talk, I have a feeling you’d make an excellent mayor, especially given your profession as a bounty hunter.”
“Um, pardon me.” Sheriff Hobbs said, stepping toward Astoria’s sheriff. “I think as Spruce Hill’s Sheriff, that I should have Mr. Logan become our mayor since we don’t have one, either.” He looked at Chet. “What do you say? Are you up for the challenge?”
“Me? A mayor?” Chet chuckled as his mind spun with the possibilities. He knew he’d need a new profession, especially if he was going to settle down and start his family here. He glanced at Amelia and winked. “What do you think, darling? Do you think you could handle being the mayor’s wife?”
He’d never seen her smile so widely. Nodding, she moved away from the children and walked into his outstretched arms, sliding her hands up his chest as she gazed into his eyes.
“I think you’ll make a wonderful mayor,” she said sweetly.
“And I think you’d make a wonderful mayor’s wife.”
She pressed her head against his chest as he tightened his arms around her. He glanced at the sheriff and nodded.
“I think you just got your answer, Sheriff Hobbs,” Sheriff Clawson said with a laugh.
Tidwell grumbled and struggled in his handcuffs as he was pulled out of the restaurant. Chet quickly kissed Amelia’s forehead before moving away from her. “I’ll be back soon,” he said.
“I know you will, and I’ll be waiting for you. I’ll always be here for you.”
It made Chet’s heart swell with love as he walked out of the restaurant to assist the sheriff of Astoria. Finally, things were starting to go smoother in his life, and true happiness was so close he could touch it, kiss it, and call her his wife.
EIGHTEEN
Christmas was getting closer, but for Amelia, she’d already been blessed with the best Christmas presents ever. She’d found love and her family. Of course, she was still nervous to drop in and see her grandparents. Prudence had assured her that they would be anxious to see her and Bobby, but Pru promised she wouldn’t tell t
hem.
It warmed Amelia’s heart that Prudence was no longer in fear of the ex-mayor of Astoria and that she could be a mother to the adorable little girl. Amelia didn’t know if she would be as fortunate. Chet had told her that he’d sent a telegram to the boarding school where she’d taken Gracie, but they hadn’t heard anything yet. However, she wouldn’t stop loving Gracie.
Chet spent more time around her house helping to fix things that were broken or needed major repairs. Bobby and Uncle Theo helped as well, but she enjoyed watching Chet when he rolled up his sleeves and carried a belt with a hammer and nails on it as he worked on the inside of the house. Between him and the other two men in the house, they were able to add on another room. Nothing was said to why, but she suspected it was for Gracie. After all, once Amelia and Chet were married, Gracie would not be able to share their bed.
Amelia sat in front of the fireplace on a rocking chair that someone had donated, and rocked Gracie to sleep. The little girl loved Amelia to sing to her and then rock her afterward. This also helped Amelia to relax as well.
It surprised her that the little girl could sleep through all of the hammering, but she was relieved that she could. Perhaps the girl was just very tired. Then again, Amelia was getting to that point, too.
The floor creaked slightly, and she looked over her shoulder. Uncle Theo walked in, wiping the back of his sleeve over his moist brow. He stopped in front of her and signed, I need to talk to you.
She nodded and motioned to Gracie. He picked up the girl and carried her to Amelia’s bed. Within minutes, he returned. He stared at the fire blazing in the hearth, frowning. Something was weighing heavily on his mind. She hoped she would be able to help him since he’d always helped her out.
Sighing, he turned toward her again and signed, I’ve done something terrible, and the guilt is eating me up inside so much that I can’t take it any longer. I must confess.
She frowned. You can tell me anything. We are family.
He nodded. I’ve always thought of you as family, too. He paused as his breathing increased. I want you to bring Chet in here. He needs to know this, too.
And Bobby? She signed.
Theo nodded. He can interpret for us.
“Chet? Bobby? Will you come in here?”
The hammering stopped and soon Chet was squatting beside her chair, holding her hand. Bobby sat on the couch.
“What’s going on?” Chet asked.
She brushed a spot of dirt off his cheek. “I don’t know. Uncle Theo has something to tell us.” She glanced at her brother. “Bobby? He wants you to interpret.”
“All right.”
She turned toward Theo and signed, we are ready.
The older man nodded. I have a confession to make, and I’m ready to receive the consequences.
Bobby repeated what Theo signed and then exchanged gazes with Amelia. “What is he talking about?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know, but don’t interrupt.” She signed to Theo, what is it?
Theo wrung his hands against his chest as he looked down at the floor. Her nerves trembled inside of her, just watching how anxious the man was. She’d never seen him like this before.
He inhaled deeply before meeting her gaze again. The day we left the orphanage, I... I killed Mr. Stone.
Her heart slammed against her chest, gasping for air. She couldn’t have read his hand signals correctly, but when Bobby voiced what was signed, she had no other choice but believe it.
“What?” Both Bobby and Chet asked at the same time, both rising to their feet.
Uncle Theo motioned for them to stay calm and let him finish. I couldn’t take any more of that man’s abuse, even though I knew Amelia and I would be leaving with Gracie, there were still many other children in the orphanage who would feel the brunt of his drunken anger. My conscience wouldn’t let me allow that man to hurt another human being, so... I snuck into his study and picked up a log from the fireplace and hit him over the head.
Tears filled Theo’s eyes and his mouth quivered. A knot formed in Amelia’s throat, making it difficult to swallow. She really couldn’t believe he was telling them this, and yet, she had had the same yearnings all those years at the orphanage.
Theo looked at Chet whose mouth hung open in shock. Chet, I give you permission to arrest me.
Bobby’s voice squeaked as he spoke the words aloud.
I know killing Mr. Stone was wrong, Theo continued, but I couldn’t let another child suffer from that man’s hands.
Tears leaked from Amelia’s eyes and trickled down her cheeks. She signed back, Uncle Theo, you did what everyone at that orphanage had been thinking about doing for years.
Bobby nodded. “I had wanted to kill him, too,” he signed while he spoke, “and I know Pru did.”
“I had thought about it, too,” Amelia said tearfully.
But I was the one who did it. Theo sighed and turned to Chet. Arrest me now. I’m ready.
Closing his eyes, Chet rubbed his forehead. Amelia’s heart broke from all the unfairness that this situation created. Uncle Theo didn’t deserve to be hanged for murder, especially since Mr. Stone had been such a monster.
Chet blew out a frustrated breath and looked at Theo. “I don’t know what to do. As newly appointed mayor, it is my duty to arrest you for murder.”
Amelia signed to Theo what was being said.
“However,” Chet shook his head, “none of this is right. I’ll make sure you get a trial, even if I have to summon all the past and present children from the orphanage to testify to Mr. Stone’s abuse. I’ll make sure you get the best lawyer, too.”
Tears ran down Theo’s face as he nodded and signed, thank you.
Bobby gave the older man a big hug, and Amelia hurried over to join them. She must trust that the law would be as forgiving to Uncle Theo as it had been to Prudence. That was now her only wish for Christmas.
ONE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS, Chet rode his horse fast toward the cabin. He was just bursting with good news for Amelia and he couldn’t wait to tell her. He had also purchased a wedding ring since their wedding was only days away. However, knowing Amelia, she’d be more overjoyed about his news than a piece of jewelry.
As the town’s new mayor, he was kept busy, working alongside the sheriff as he became acquainted with everyone in Spruce Hill. Thankfully, they all welcomed him into their town and into his new job. He was thrilled to finally find an occupation he could do while raising a family and staying in one place.
He stopped his horse, dismounted, and tied his horse to the post. As fast as his boots would carry him, he rushed into the cabin. Amelia was in the kitchen washing dishes. She looked up as he entered the room. Before she could greet him, he swooped her up in his arms and swung her around. She laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck. As he set her back on her feet, he kissed her on the mouth. The kiss was tender and sweet, but it wasn’t the time to get passionate.
He pulled back but kept her in his arms. He gazed over her beautiful face, loving that he’d get to gaze at it for the rest of his life.
“Not that I don’t enjoy being greeted that way, but what was that all about?” she asked, grinning.
“I have some good news.”
“You do?” Her eyes sparkled. “Please share.”
“Well, first off, I talked to the lawyer who will be representing Uncle Theo. Mr. Archibald. He’s determined to let the court see Theo as a victim. In fact, Archibald is confident that Theo won’t be hanged for murder.”
“Oh, Chet.” She hugged him. “That is wonderful news, indeed.”
“But there’s more.”
She withdrew and stared into his eyes. “More?”
“I heard back from the boarding school where Gracie’s mother works.” Her eyes widened and it appeared as if she was holding her breath, so he continued. “Gracie’s mother doesn’t want her. The woman had thought of Gracie as an annoyance, and she was happy when the little girl disappeared from the school. The mother gi
ves you permission to take Gracie as your daughter.”
Amelia’s eyes filled with tears and she pressed her face against his neck. Her tears moistened his skin, but he didn’t care. Hearing back from Gracie’s real mother was what Amelia had been waiting for.
He kissed her head. “Amelia, I want to make this legal. After we are married, I want us to adopt her.”
Nodding, she lifted her head and looked at him. “Yes,” she answered in a broken voice.
“Now, my darling almost-wife, there is only one more thing you need to do to make your Christmas complete.”
Amelia took a deep breath and slowly released it. “I know. I need to talk to my grandparents... but I’ve been so nervous.”
“Do you want me to go with you?”
“No. This is one thing I should do on my own. I don’t even want Bobby coming. He can go see them on his own.”
He caressed her cheek. “Your sister told me your grandparents enjoy taking evening strolls to the lighthouse.”
“I know.”
“That’s not very far from here. Do you want to do that tonight?”
She nodded as more tears swam in her eyes. “Chet, I love you so much. Thank you for your support. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
He smiled and gathered her closer. “Thankfully, that’s not something you’ll ever have to worry about.”
AMELIA BUNDLED HER winter cloak around her neck tighter, fighting off the early evening’s cool breeze. Lookout Rock Light stood majestically, facing the ocean as its brightness was glorious at this time in the evening. Indeed, it was a beacon not only for ships but for her as she watched for her grandparents.
As she approached the lower cliffs, the vegetation surrounding the lighthouse had already taken their slumber for the winter. She was certain come springtime this view would be buzzing with bees collecting nectar from the flowers and trees.
She stopped at the white picket fence surrounding the lighthouse, and gazed upon the unspoken beauty of the place and its purpose. Peace settled inside her, knowing that Spruce Hill was now her home and that she was going to marry the perfect man and raise his perfect children, including Gracie. Getting to know her grandparents was just an added bonus.
The Widow's Secret (Keepers of the Light Book 5) Page 11